Specialty

Lupus and lupus nephritis

The Lupus Foundation of America estimates that 1.5 million Americans are living with a form of lupus.ⁱ The disease can be difficult to diagnose, even more challenging to treat, and is associated with a range of debilitating symptoms that can fluctuate over time.^ii,iii

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or lupus, is a chronic disease that involves the immune system and can damage any part of the body.iv Normally, the immune system works to fight off invaders, such as viruses and bacteria, by making antibodies.^iv With lupus, the immune system can’t distinguish between the invaders and healthy tissue, so it attacks and destroys the healthy tissue, causing inflammation throughout various parts of the body.^iv Over time, this may cause organ damage.^iv

Lupus nephritis (LN) is an inflammatory condition of the kidney caused by lupus.^v As one of the most severe and potentially life-threatening manifestations of lupus, LN is expected to occur in approximately 40% of adults with lupus.^vi Moreover, of those adults who develop LN, up to 20% will develop end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) in the 10 years after diagnosis.^vii

Looking deeper into lupus

Our work in and commitment to lupus and LN

GSK is committed to advancing treatment for people with lupus, one of the most complex autoimmune diseases, building on decades of research and leading with a long-term focus on innovative science.¹ Our lupus experience stands strong on a wealth of clinical and real-world evidence. Given our commitment to lupus in the US, we continue to invest in and innovate for today and the future.

We understand lupus can affect patients differently and that many patients have unique needs. We strive to identify and pursue ways to help ensure patients have access to treatments and are committed to supporting patients and their families along complex disease journeys. And we look for opportunities to partner with patients, advocates and physicians to better understand their needs and to ensure GSK is able to show up strong for them.

Working in lockstep with the lupus community

Our partnerships with patients, advocates, and physicians hold the potential to impact millions of lives affected by lupus and LN. Because lupus is a chronic, complex and potentially isolating disease, we have a shared ambition with lupus advocacy organizations and patient groups to address unmet needs of people with this immuno-inflammatory condition.

Eosinophilic-driven diseases

Eosinophil-driven diseases are inflammatory conditions associated with high levels of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell.^viii Everyone has eosinophils in their body which help to fight off some infections.^viii They also accumulate at the site of allergic reactions.^ix At normal levels, eosinophils work with other cells to help protect the human body and keep us healthy.

However, too many eosinophils in the bloodstream tissues, or organs can serve as a sign of eosinophilic inflammatory diseases. When eosinophils infiltrate certain tissues, they can cause inflammation and organ damage which, over time, can cause severe symptoms and significantly impact a patient’s life.^viii. Eosinophils are now understood to play a complex role in a broad range of inflammatory diseases, including:

• Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP),
• Severe Eosinophilic Asthma (SEA),
• Chronic Eosinophilic Pneumonia (CEP),
• Eosinophilic Oesophagitis (EOE),
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD),
• Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (EGPA),
• Hypereosinophilic Syndrome (HES), and
• Atopic Dermatitis (AD)

Our commitment to personalized medicine

For patients living with an eosinophil-driven disease, a personalized approach is critical. Identifying eosinophilic inflammation in patients living with severe asthma is an important step in the evaluation process and may help patients with severe asthma.

GSK has been an established leader in eosinophil research for over 25 years. We are currently supporting more than 60 studies worldwide across 24 countries to progress eosinophil science and strive to treat more patients and target different eosinophil-driven diseases.