Research uncovers previously unknown mechanism that could be key to alternative lupus treatment

Only one new drug has become available over the past 50 years for the estimated 1.5 million Americans and five million-plus people worldwide suffering from lupus, but new research has identified a previously unknown mechanism involved in the immune response that could provide an alternative therapy target. Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system is unable to distinguish the difference between foreign invaders, such as viruses and bacteria, from its own healthy body tissue, so it attacks itself, damaging skin, joints, and kidneys – among other organs – in the process.

Anthera’s cystic fibrosis drug fails late-stage study, shares tank

REUTERS: Anthera Pharmaceuticals Inc said on Tuesday that its drug to treat certain cystic fibrosis patients failed a late-stage study, sending the company’s shares tumbling nearly 70 percent in after-hours trading. The latest setback for Anthera comes just over a month after the company said an experimental drug to treat lupus had also failed in a late-stage study.