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Saphnelo vs Benlysta? What is the Best Medicine for Lupus? [February 2025]

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posted in Drugs used in lupus on June 5, 2022 by

Donald Thomas, MD

Updated November 27, 2025


Saphnelo and Benlysta are two FDA-approved biologics for treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). They work in two very different ways. However, both have the capability of getting patients into remission. Furthermore, they help get patients off steroids. These are two …


NOTE: Johns Hopkins University Press, publisher of The Lupus Encyclopedia, is a nonprofit publisher. If you purchase JHUP books, like The Lupus Encyclopedia, you support projects like Project MUSE.


Anifrolumab FDA Approval to Treat Systemic Lupus [Saphnelo February 2025 Update]

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posted in All on August 2, 2021 by

Donald Thomas, MD

Updated February 26, 2025

Anifrolumab (Saphnelo) is the 2nd FDA-approved biologic to treat systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The first biologic was belimumab (Benlysta).


NOTE: Johns Hopkins University Press, publisher of The Lupus Encyclopedia, is a nonprofit publisher. If you purchase JHUP books, like The Lupus Encyclopedia, you support projects like Project MUSE.


This article discusses Saphnelo in detail. To compare Saphnelo and Benlysta, see my other article on this topic: lupusencyclopedia.com/saphnelo-vs-benlysta

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For more in-depth information on Anifrolumab FDA Approval to Treat Systemic Lupus [Saphnelo February 2025 Update]:

Read more in The Lupus Encyclopedia, edition 2

Look up your symptoms, conditions, and medications in the Index of The Lupus Encyclopedia

If you enjoy the information from The Lupus Encyclopedia, please click the “SUPPORT” button at the top of the page to learn how you can help. 


What are your comments and opinions?

If you have lupus, what has your experience been? What do you recommend for other patients?

Do you have any questions to ask Dr. Thomas?

Please click on “Leave a Comment” above to comment.

Please support “The Lupus Encyclopedia” blog post page

Click on “SUPPORT” at the top of the page to learn how you can support “The Lupus Encyclopedia

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Saphnelo for Lupus: One of Two Approved Biologics [February 2025 Update]

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posted in Drugs used in lupus on April 18, 2021 by

Donald Thomas, MD

Updated December 18, 2025

Anifrolumab (Saphnelo) effectively treats individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus. It reduces the overactivity of an immune system molecule at the heart of lupus immune system dysfunction: type 1 interferon. This article discusses some aspects of Saphenlo. Also, please see my


NOTE: Johns Hopkins University Press, publisher of The Lupus Encyclopedia, is a nonprofit publisher. If you purchase JHUP books, like The Lupus Encyclopedia, you support projects like Project MUSE.


For more in-depth information on Saphnelo for Lupus: One of Two Approved Biologics [February 2025 Update]:

Read more in The Lupus Encyclopedia, edition 2

Look up your symptoms, conditions, and medications in the Index of The Lupus Encyclopedia

If you enjoy the information from The Lupus Encyclopedia, please click the “SUPPORT” button at the top of the page to learn how you can help. 


What are your comments and opinions?

If you have lupus, what has your experience been? What do you recommend for other patients?

Do you have any questions to ask Dr. Thomas?

Please click on “Leave a Comment” above to comment.

Please support “The Lupus Encyclopedia” blog post page

Click on “SUPPORT” at the top of the page to learn how you can support “The Lupus Encyclopedia

This article includes contributions from