Immupharma gets Lupuzor research boost

Immupharma’s (LON:IMM) new lupus treatment Lupuzor has the potential to offer substantial benefits to patients compared with current market leader Benlysta, new research has suggested.

A survey of US and European rheumatologists carried out by Decision Research indicated emerging therapies such as Lupuzor had the potential to improve on IV belimumab (Human Genome Sciences/GlaxoSmithKline’s Benlysta) in reducing disease activity. Belimumab was said to offer only modest efficacy benefits in patients who are refractory to conventional immunosuppressants. If new treatments could positively differentiate themselves from current lupus therapies, they would be well received by physicians and see a strong uptake, the survey suggested.

“Interviewed thought leaders consistently indicate a need for drugs with greater efficacy on disease activity, noting a variety of issues with currently available therapies,” said Decision Resources analyst Laura Croal.

“In the case of newest approved agent, IV belimumab, the efficacy benefit in moderate to severe SLE is perceived to be modest and slow to onset.”

“The report also finds that physicians in the US and Europe identify the need for new therapies with an improved effect on renal organ domain scores as a key unmet need.”