Anifrolumab (Saphnelo)

Key Messages

• CADTH recommends that Saphnelo be reimbursed by public drug plans in addition to standard therapy for the treatment of adult patients with active, autoantibody positive, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
• Saphnelo should only be covered to treat adult patients with moderate-severe SLE whose disease cannot be controlled with an oral corticosteroids (OCS) dose of at least 10 mg per day of prednisone or its equivalent in addition to standard of care. Saphnelo should not be covered to treat patients with active severe SLE nephritis or patients with severe or unstable neuropsychiatric SLE.
• Saphnelo should only be reimbursed if prescribed by a physician with expertise in diagnosing and managing SLE and if the cost of Saphnelo is reduced. Saphnelo should not be covered when used in combination with other biologic treatments. After 12 months of treatment, Saphnelo can be prescribed again for patients who show a reduction in disease activity and reduction in glucocorticoid intake compared to when they first started treatment.