Roche’s Genentech unit on Monday said the FDA approved a new indication for its CD20-directed antibody Gazyva (obinutuzumab) to treat adults with active lupus nephritis receiving standard therapy of mycophenolate mofetil and glucocorticoids.The therapy — partnered with Biogen in the US — is authorised for administration as four initial doses in the first year, and twice yearly administration thereafter. The agency also okayed a shortened 90-minute infusion time after the first dose for eligible patients with lupus nephritis. “The approval…marks an important step towards a potential new standard of care for lupus nephritis, one that could allow clinicians to offer their patients more effective disease control,” said Levi Garraway, chief medical officer at Genentech.The latest clearance is backed by favourable results from the Phase II NOBILITY trial and Phase III REGENCY trial. Particularly, in the 271-participant REGENCY study, 46.4% of those receiving Gazyva plus standard therapy achieved the primary endpoint of complete renal response versus 33.1% on standard therapy alone. The combination also led to clinically meaningful improvements in complement levels, alongside reductions in anti-dsDNA antibodies, corticosteroid use, and proteinuria.Gazyva already holds approvals in the US and several other countries for haematologic malignancies, including chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and follicular lymphoma. The anti-CD20 antibody — which is marketed as Gazyvaro in the EU — is also awaiting authorisation in the region after having secured a positive opinion from the EU drug advisory panel last week.Key opinion leader Zahi Touma, interviewed by FirstWord last year, said Gazyva could potentially supplant rituximab in lupus nephritis treatment, given its safety profile proves manageable. See – KOL Views Q&A: Roche's Gazyva may finally realise anti-CD20's potential in lupus.Additionally, the treatment is being investigated for additional indications, including systemic lupus erythematosus, membranous nephropathy, idiopathic nephrotic syndrome, and in paediatric and adolescent populations with lupus nephritis.Meanwhile, Roche’s broader lupus pipeline also features two T-cell–engaging bispecifics — CD20xCD3-directed Lunsumio (mosunetuzumab) and CD19xCD3-directed RG6382. For more, read – Vital Signs: Roche’s lupus landgrab.