New Targeted Therapies for SLE: Dapirolizumab, Nipocalimab, and Orelabrutinib Show Promise

Dapirolizumab pegol (CD40L inhibitor) showed positive Phase 3 PHOENYCS GO results in SLE. Nipocalimab (FcRn blocker) achieved 40% LLDAS vs 20% placebo at 52 weeks in Phase II JASMINE; Phase III GARDENIA now recruiting. Orelabrutinib (BTK inhibitor) Phase IIb data from EULAR 2026 shows significant SRI-4 (64% vs 36% placebo) and steroid-sparing in moderate-to-severe SLE. All three represent novel mechanisms expanding the lupus treatment pipeline.