Research Advances Continue in the Fight Against Lupus

In Conclusion

Older and conventional therapies used with lupus patients often suppress the immune system overall, with a greater risk for negative side effects, Dr. van Vollenhoven said. The newer drugs, mostly biologics or targeted therapies, aim to selectively stop some aspect of immune response. Some are very specific in their target. Novel and slightly unconventional approaches to solving this puzzle hold particular promise, he noted.

Larry Beresford is a medical journalist in Oakland, Calif.

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