B-cell Depletion With Obinutuzumab for the Treatment of Proliferative Lupus Nephritis: A Randomised, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial
Ann Rheum Dis. 2021. doi:10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-220920
Phase 2 study data support the use of obinutuzumab in proliferative lupus nephritis (LN) being further evaluated in a global Phase 3 study.
Despite previous trials of the type I anti-CD20 antibodies rituximab and ocrelizumab failing to reach efficacy endpoints in clinical trials, it has been recognised that depth and duration of peripheral B-cell depletion is associated with renal response.
To this end, Furie, et al. conducted the NOBILITY trial to test the hypothesis that enhanced B-cell depletion with obinutuzumab (type II anti-CD20 antibody) would increase the rate of complete renal response when added to background standard of care, compared with standard of care alone.
Their findings have prompted further investigation into the use of obinutuzumab in patients with LN.
