The Lancet (Current)

[Comment] Targeting CD40 with Dapirolizumab Pegol: A New Treatment for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

A phase 3, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled trial (PHOENYCS GO) showed that dapirolizumab pegol, a PEGylated CD40‑ligand inhibitor, significantly reduced disease activity in patients with moderate‑to‑severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The drug achieved a 45% mean reduction in SLEDAI scores and demonstrated a safety profile comparable to placebo, without the thrombotic signals that plagued earlier CD40L antibodies. Earlier phase 2 data had already indicated robust efficacy and tolerability, positioning dapirolizumab pegol as a potential new class of biologic for SLE. The findings suggest a viable alternative to existing B‑cell‑targeted therapies such as belimumab.