Clinical Research Directory

Effect of Anifrolumab on Arterial Inflammation in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Study

People with systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) have an increased risk of premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, which is believed to be caused by arterial inflammation. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects an interferon-targeting drug (anifrolumab) used for the treatment of active SLE on arterial inflammation. Arterial inflammation will be measured at baseline and after 4 months of treatment using Positron Emission Tomography (PET)/ Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) with a radio-labelled tracer (68Ga-DOTATATE). Inflammation assessed by PET/MRI will also be compared with clinical disease activity, inflammatory blood markers and in patients with and without coronary artery disease on computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) and/or myocardial involvement on MRI.