Anifrolumab

Drug Name
Anifrolumab

Brand Name(s)
Saphnelo®

Drug Class
Biologic

Anifrolumab is used in addition to standard therapy (oral corticosteroids and/or immunosuppressants and/or antimalarials) for the treatment of adult patients with active, autoantibody positive, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It works by blocking the action of a group of proteins called Type I Interferons (IFN) by binding to a portion of the type I interferon receptor (IFNAR1) thereby decreasing the biologic activity of type I IFNs. Since it affects the immune system, it can also increase the risk of infections.  

This information was last updated in June 2024 with expert review and advice by:

Alan Low, BSc(Pharm), PharmD, ACPR, FCSHP, CCD, RPh
Clinical Professor, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia
Pharmacy Lead and Primary Care Pharmacist, BioPro Biologics Pharmacy 
Care Director, MedInfuse Health

Garrett Tang, PharmD, RPh
Pharmacist Services Coordinator, MedInfuse Health

We also thank previous expert contributor:

Jason Kielly, BSc(Pharm), PharmD
Assistant Professor, School of Pharmacy, Memorial University of Newfoundland
Clinical Pharmacist, Rheumatic Health Program, Eastern Health

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