Summary
Systemic lupus erythematosus is a highly unpredictable autoimmune disease characterized by fluctuating flares affecting multiple organs, impacting ~5 million people globally and ~513,000 diagnosed cases in the US (2025), with numbers expected to rise through 2036.
Diagnosis is complex and lengthy, often taking 3–6 years, with over half of patients initially misdiagnosed with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia.
Key gaps in systemic lupus erythematosus treatment include lack of predictive biomarkers, limited curative options, and disparities in access to advanced treatments.
Emerging therapies include diverse immunomodulators an...
