Abetimus Sodium (LJP 394) a synthetic Toleragen molecule consisting of four double-stranded oligodeoxyribonucleotides attached to nonimmunogenic polyethylene glycol an immunomodulating agent that induces tolerance in B cells directed against double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) – by cross-linking surface antibodies, which are thought to be responsible for lupus nephritis in SLE

Abetimus Sodium (LJP 394) In a study conducted by Alarcon-Segovia et al.(2003), treatment with LJP 394 in patients with high-affinity antibodies to its DNA epitope: – prolonged the time to renal flare – decreased the number of renal flares – required fewer HDCC treatments compared with placebo The drug also appeared to be well tolerated among the patients treated in the study. Alarcon-Segovia, D. et al.(2003). LJP 394 for the prevention of renal flare in patients with systemic lupus erethematosus. Arthritis & Rheumatism, 48(2)

The Euro-Lupus Nephritis Trial The data from the ELNT indicate that in European SLE patients with proliferative lupus nephritis, a remission-inducing regimen of low-dose IV CYC (cumulative dose 3 gm) followed by AZA achieves clinical results comparable to those obtained with high-dose regimen.  Low-dose intravenous cyclophosphamide could be used as an alternative to a high-dose regimen and was associated with half as many severe infections.  Other advantages include no hospitalization and virtually no risk of premature gonadal failure. Houssiau et al. (2002).Immunosuppressive therapy in lupus nephritis: the euro-lupus nephritis tral, a randomized trial of low-dose versus high-dose intravenous cyclophosphamide. Arthritis & Rheumatism, 46(8)