Azathioprine

As a novel calcineurin inhibitor with proven efficacy in improving renal outcomes, LUPKYNIS addresses a high unmet medical need. With increasing awareness, supportive guidelines, and potential global expansion, it is well-positioned for steady market growth. LAS VEGAS, May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- DelveInsight's " LUPKYNIS Market Size, Forecast, and Market Insight Report" highlights the details around LUPKYNIS, the first oral lupus nephritis-specific treatment, which has expanded the therapeutic arsenal. The report provides product descriptions, patent details, and competitor products (marketed and emerging therapies) of LUPKYNIS. The report also highlights the historical and forecasted sales from 2020 to 2034, segmented into 7MM [the United States, the EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, and Japan]. Aurinia Pharmaceuticals/Otsuka Pharmaceutical's LUPKYNIS (voclosporin) Overview LUPKYNIS (voclosporin) is an oral immunosuppressant classified as a calcineurin inhibitor (CNI), shown to improve both short- and long-term outcomes in adult patients with active lupus nephritis when used alongside standard immunosuppressive therapies. By targeting calcineurin, LUPKYNIS helps suppress cytokine activity, inhibits interleukin-2 (IL-2) production, and reduces T-cell driven immune responses. Although the exact mechanism by which voclosporin inhibits calcineurin is not fully understood, it is known that lymphocyte activation increases intracellular calcium, which binds to calcineurin's regulatory site. This activates the calmodulin-binding catalytic subunit, leading to dephosphorylation and activation of the transcription factor NFATc (nuclear factor of activated T-cells, cytoplasmic). The drug's immunosuppressive effect results in decreased lymphocyte proliferation, reduced cytokine production, and lower expression of T-cell activation markers. The recommended initial dose of LUPKYNIS is 23.7 mg twice daily. It should be used in conjunction with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and corticosteroids. Learn more about LUPKYNIS projected market size for lupus nephritis @ LUPKYNIS Market Potential Lupus nephritis is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), affecting 40–60% of those diagnosed with the disease. It is typically characterized by symptoms such as hematuria (blood in the urine) and proteinuria (protein in the urine). This condition is more prevalent in women, particularly between the ages of 20 and 40. In 2023, the United States recorded the highest number of lupus nephritis cases among the 7MM, with approximately 211K cases, a figure projected to grow by 2034. Treatment strategies for lupus nephritis depend on the kidney biopsy classification of the disease. Standard therapy often includes corticosteroids in combination with immunosuppressive drugs like cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil, azathioprine, and calcineurin inhibitors. Rituximab, a monoclonal antibody, is widely used, especially for patients with relapsing or treatment-resistant LN, due to its ability to reduce reliance on steroids. Currently, there are only two FDA-approved medications for lupus nephritis: BENLYSTA (belimumab), available as an intravenous or subcutaneous formulation, and LUPKYNIS (voclosporin), a novel oral calcineurin inhibitor. Leading pharmaceutical companies such as Novartis, AstraZeneca, Roche, and Kezar Life Sciences, among others, are actively developing innovative therapies that could redefine the treatment paradigm for lupus nephritis. The treatment landscape is rapidly evolving, shifting away from broad immunosuppression toward more precise, targeted approaches. Recent drug approvals and a strong pipeline of candidates highlight both advancements and the ongoing challenges in creating treatments that are effective, safe, and long-lasting. Emerging therapies ranging from anti-CD20 antibodies and complement inhibitors to interferon-blocking agents and CAR-T cell therapies hold promise but must address key issues such as safety, sustained efficacy, and accessibility. As our understanding of the disease's underlying mechanisms continues to grow, the future of lupus nephritis treatment is expected to become increasingly personalized, offering renewed hope to patients battling this complex disorder. Discover more about the lupus nephritis market in detail @ Lupus Nephritis Market Report Emerging Competitors of LUPKYNIS The developing pipeline for lupus nephritis treatments shows a growing variety of approaches. Multiple candidates, both in early and late stages of development, are underway, including ianalumab (VAY736) (Novartis), GAZYVA (obinutuzumab) (Roche), SAPHNELO (anifrolumab) (AstraZeneca), FABHALTA (iptacopan) (Novartis), ULTOMIRIS (ravulizumab) (AstraZeneca), as well as advanced cellular therapies like CABA-201 (Cabaletta Bio) and YTB323 (Novartis). In March 2025, the FDA accepted a supplemental Biologics License Application based on data from the Phase III REGENCY trial, where obinutuzumab demonstrated a 46.4% Complete Renal Response (CRR), compared to 33.1% for placebo. Unlike previous anti-CD20 therapies such as rituximab, it provides enhanced B-cell depletion and is the first in its class to show efficacy in a randomized Phase III lupus nephritis trial. If approved, it will become the first CD20-targeted treatment specifically indicated for lupus nephritis, with anticipated sales of USD 400 million by 2034. To know more about the number of competing drugs in development, visit @ LUPKYNIS Market Positioning Compared to Other Drugs Key Milestones of LUPKYNIS In September 2024, Japan's Ministry of Health approved it for Lupus Nephritis treatment alongside mycophenolate mofetil. In September 2022, the European Commission approved LUPKYNIS for active Class III, IV, or V Lupus Nephritis. In January 2021, Aurinia Pharmaceuticals received US FDA approval for LUPKYNIS to treat adult lupus nephritis patients in combination with immunosuppressive therapy. Discover how LUPKYNIS is shaping the lupus nephritis treatment landscape @ LUPKYNIS Lupus LUPKYNIS Market Dynamics LUPKYNIS, developed by Aurinia Pharmaceuticals, is the first FDA-approved oral therapy specifically indicated for active lupus nephritis, a serious manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus. Approved in January 2021 in the US, LUPKYNIS entered a previously underserved market where treatment was largely dependent on off-label use of immunosuppressants like mycophenolate mofetil and corticosteroids. The drug represents a significant advancement in lupus nephritis care, offering both improved efficacy and a better safety profile compared to existing options, especially in reducing proteinuria and preserving kidney function. The market dynamics for LUPKYNIS are shaped by several key factors. On the positive side, there is a strong unmet medical need, a growing prevalence of lupus nephritis, and increasing physician awareness about early diagnosis and intervention. Moreover, LUPKYNIS benefits from a relatively high pricing strategy, supported by its novel mechanism and disease-modifying potential. Aurinia has also built a dedicated commercial infrastructure and patient support programs to drive uptake and adherence. However, LUPKYNIS faces competitive and reimbursement challenges. One of the main competitors is BENLYSTA (belimumab) from GSK, which gained FDA approval for lupus nephritis in December 2020, just a month before LUPKYNIS. Benlysta has the advantage of brand recognition and a longer track record in treating systemic lupus. Additionally, payers have shown some hesitancy in approving LUPKYNIS due to its cost, requiring extensive prior authorizations and documentation of clinical need. Patient compliance also remains an issue, given the need for frequent monitoring of kidney function and drug levels. Looking ahead, the market potential for LUPKYNIS will depend on its ability to expand its label, demonstrate long-term real-world effectiveness, and potentially enter international markets. Aurinia is also exploring lifecycle management strategies, including combination therapies and expanded indications. Partnerships or acquisitions could further boost market access and penetration. Overall, while LUPKYNIS is a pioneering therapy with strong clinical value, its commercial success will be defined by navigating payer landscapes, physician adoption, and sustained differentiation from competing therapies. Dive deeper to get more insight into LUPKYNIS's strengths & weaknesses relative to competitors @ LUPKYNIS Market Drug Report Table of Contents Related Reports Lupus Nephritis Market Lupus Nephritis Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast – 2034 report delivers an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical and forecasted epidemiology, as well as the market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key lupus nephritis companies, including Hoffmann-La Roche, Chugai Pharmaceutical, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, among others. Lupus Nephritis Pipeline Lupus Nephritis Pipeline Insight – 2025 report provides comprehensive insights about the pipeline landscape, pipeline drug profiles, including clinical and non-clinical stage products, and the key lupus nephritis companies, including Hoffmann-La Roche, Qilu Pharmaceutical, Vera Therapeutics, Kyverna Therapeutics, Cabaletta Bio, Takeda, Nkarta Therapeutics, Annexon, Century Therapeutics, Lepton Pharmaceuticals, Transcenta Holding, Inflection Biosciences, among others. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Market Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast – 2034 report delivers an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical and forecasted epidemiology, as well as the market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key SLE companies, including Biogen, Novartis, MorphoSys, Idorsia Pharmaceuticals, Viatris, RemeGen, UCB Pharma, Genentech, Bristol Myers Squibb, AbbVie, among others. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Pipeline Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Pipeline Insight – 2025 report provides comprehensive insights about the pipeline landscape, pipeline drug profiles, including clinical and non-clinical stage products, and the key myasthenia gravis companies, including Yake Biotechnology, UCB, Sorrento Therapeutics, SinoMab Bioscience Ltd, Shanghai Junshi Biosciences, Sareum, Sanofi, Roche, Rheos Medicine, Resolve, Provention Bio, Pfizer, Novartis, Neovacs, Merck, Medsenic, Landos Biopharma, Kezar Life Sciences, Kangpu Biopharmaceuticals, Janssen Research & Development, Janssen, InnoCare, ImmuPharma, I-MAB Biopharma, ILTOO, Idorsia Pharmaceuticals, Horizon Therapeutics, Genovax, Exinda Thearapeutics, Equillium, Eli Lilly and Company, Eisai, Daiichi Sankyo Company, Corestem, Corbus Pharmaceuticals, Citryll BV, Chipscreen Biosciences, Carna Bioscience, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Brickell Biotech, Boston Pharmaceuticals, Biogen, Athos Therapeutics, Asahi Kasei Pharma, Aria Pharmaceuticals, Antengene Therapeutics, Amgen, Alpine Immune Sciences, Akeso Biopharma, AbbVie, among others. About DelveInsight DelveInsight is a leading Business Consultant and Market Research firm focused exclusively on life sciences. It supports pharma companies by providing comprehensive end-to-end solutions to improve their performance. Get hassle-free access to all the healthcare and pharma market research reports through our subscription-based platform PharmDelve . Contact Us Shruti Thakur [email protected] +14699457679 Logo: SOURCE DelveInsight Business Research, LLP WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED

26岁的王先生（化名）是一位程序员，平时性格温和、思维敏捷。两年前，他开始出现一些“莫名其妙”的症状：先是右手食指无力，敲键盘时经常敲不准，后来连水杯也握不稳。起初他以为是工作太累、颈椎出了问题。休息、按摩、贴膏药，怎么也不见好，反而逐渐加重。第一次就诊是在他出现右手腕明显下垂后，检查提示右桡神经功能受损，但并无外伤史或压迫因素。当时被当作单纯的“周围神经病”处理。但半年后，他左手也出现了类似无力，接着右上臂也开始变得“提不起来”，同时手部肌肉逐渐萎缩。奇怪的是，整个过程中他从未出现麻木或感觉障碍。多次求医，MRI、颈椎CT、血液检查结果都未能明确诊断，肌电图提示多发性运动神经传导阻滞，医生怀疑是某种罕见的神经疾病。直到一次神经科会诊中，有经验的专家敏锐察觉到其肌无力分布“跳跃性”和“不对称性”的特点，并进一步完善电生理检查，发现其非嵌压部位存在典型的运动传导阻滞，而感觉神经传导正常，结合症状进展缓慢、无感觉障碍，最终高度怀疑多灶性运动神经病（MMN），随后完善抗GM1抗体检测，结果阳性。什么是多灶性运动神经病多灶性运动神经病（multifocal motor neuropathy, MMN），是一种自身免疫相关的多发单神经病变。该病起病隐匿、进展缓慢，早期上肢神经受累多见，表现为不对称性肢体远端为主的无力、萎缩，无客观感觉障碍，随病情进展最终可导致肌肉无力萎缩而致残。临床表现多灶性运动神经病（MMN）可发生于任何年龄。起病通常隐匿，病程呈缓慢进展或阶段性加重，可出现较长时间的稳定期。临床表现以多发性单神经病为特征。早期多见于单侧上肢一根或多根神经受累，表现为相应神经支配区域的肌肉无力，主要累及远端肌群，可伴有痉挛或束颤。肌无力的分布通常不对称，可见同一肢体内不同神经受累程度不同，或双侧肢体、上下肢之间存在差异，甚至同一神经支配区域内不同肌肉的无力程度亦可不同。随着病情进展，患者可出现肌肉萎缩。病程较长者可累及多个肢体多根神经，不对称性可能减弱，呈类似多发性周围神经病的分布。部分患者可主诉轻微感觉异常，但通常无明显客观感觉障碍，病程后期个别患者可出现轻度感觉神经受累。脑神经一般不受累。部分无明显无力的肢体腱反射可正常甚至活跃，临床检查无上运动神经元受累体征。诊断诊断依靠临床表现、神经系统查体、实验室检查、神经电生理和神经影像学检测。隐袭起病，缓慢或阶段性进展的双侧肢体远端不对称无力萎缩患者，结合神经系统查体发现至少有2根神经受累，早期上肢受累多见，表现为不对称性肢体无力，随病情发展可出现肌肉萎缩，无客观的感觉异常体征。运动神经传导测定，在非嵌压部位，至少2根神经或1根神经的两个节段出现运动神经部分传导阻滞，相应部位的感觉神经传导正常。血清或脑脊液GM1抗体阳性，IVIG治疗有效等均可支持诊断。治疗静脉注射免疫球蛋白（IVIG）是MMN的一线治疗。多项研究表明，IVIG可改善肌无力和生活质量，可能延缓轴索变性。初始推荐剂量为0.4 g/kg/d，连续5天，部分患者1周内可见疗效，但维持时间一般为1个月左右。有效者可根据个体情况进行间断维持治疗。皮下注射免疫球蛋白在国外已有应用，疗效与静脉注射相当。免疫抑制剂的疗效尚不明确。对于IVIG无效或无法使用者，可尝试环磷酰胺（2–3 mg/kg/d），部分患者有效，亦可用于减少IVIG用量，需密切监测不良反应。其他药物如干扰素β-1a、硫唑嘌呤、环孢素仅见于小样本或个案报道，疗效有限。糖皮质激素可能加重病情，不推荐常规使用。血浆置换在个别患者中可能有效，但亦可能导致症状恶化，不建议常规采用。参考资料：[1]郝嫣霞,陈海,笪宇威,等.多灶性运动神经病临床特点分析[J].北京医学,2018,40(05):410-412+416+492.DOI:10.15932/j.0253-9713.2018.05.009.[2]Corbo M, Quattrini A, Latov N, et al.Localization of GM1 and Gal (beta1-3) Gal NAc antigenic determinants in peripheral nerve[J].Neurology, 1993, 43:809-814.[3]王银霞，吴荷花,张国华,等.急性运动轴索性神经病与急性炎性脱髓鞘性多神经病的比较研究[J].北京医学，2017,39:1142-1145.来源 | 梅斯医学编辑 | wanny神经系统罕见病交流群↓点击下方“阅读原文”，下载梅斯医学APP吧！