HSS rheumatologists Kyriakos A. Kirou, MD, DSc, FACP and David R. Fernandez, MD, PhD, participated in the multicenter Phase 3 clinical trial PHOENYCS GO, which evaluated dapirolizumab pegol (DZP) as a treatment for people with moderate-to-severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In fall 2024, UCB and Biogen announced positive results, presented at the American College of Rheumatology conference in Washington, D.C.

The study found that adding DZP to standard care led to greater improvements in disease activity, fewer severe flare-ups, and reduced corticosteroid use compared to placebo. The treatment was generally well tolerated, with mostly mild side effects.

For patients with SLE, this study suggests that DZP could be a promising new treatment option that helps better control lupus symptoms, potentially reducing flare-ups and the need for high doses of steroids.

For healthcare providers, this could mean having a new tool to offer patients who are not responding well to current treatments, helping to improve their disease management and quality of life.

Building on these findings, a second Phase 3 trial, PHOENYCS FLY, launched in 2025, with HSS again participating as a study site.

To view the full abstract, please visit: acrabstracts.org.