Saphnelo vs. Benlysta for Lupus: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Saphnelo

(anifrolumab)

Benlysta

(belimumab)

Summary for Saphnelo

Prescription only

Saphnelo (anifrolumab or anifrolumab-fnia) is a newly approved injectable medication used for moderate-to-severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which is a condition where your immune system attacks your own body. It's given as an infusion through the veins (intravenous, or IV) by a healthcare provider.

Indications for Saphnelo

Add-on therapy for moderate-to-severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Pros and Cons for Saphnelo

Pros

Works well to improve moderate-to-severe SLE
Given only once per month

Cons

Needs to be given by a healthcare provider
Can't be used alone; only approved as an add-on to standard therapy
Brand-name only, which can be expensive

Common Side Effects for Saphnelo

Upper respiratory infection (34%)
Bronchitis (11%)
Infusion-related reactions (headache, dizziness, nausea; 9%)
Herpes zoster infection (shingles; 6%)
Cough (5%)

Warnings for Saphnelo

Serious infections
Serious allergic reactions

Summary for Benlysta

Prescription only

Benlysta (belimumab) is a monoclonal antibody, specifically known as a BLyS-specific inhibitor. It's used as an add-on to other medications to treat systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis in adults and children. Benlysta (belimumab) can be given two different ways: either once per week as a self-injection under the skin (subcutaneous, SC) or as an injection into your vein (intravenous, IV) once per month (after the first few doses) by a healthcare professional. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and fever.

Indications for Benlysta

Add-on treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in people ages 5 years and older
Add-on treatment for lupus nephritis (kidney damage related to SLE) in people ages 5 years and older

Pros and Cons for Benlysta

Pros

Available as an SC and IV injection
SC injection comes as a prefilled syringe or an autoinjector for easier use
Only needs to be injected once per week when given SC
If needed, SC injection can be stored at room temperature for up to 12 hours

Cons

SC injection might be difficult for some people to administer correctly
Only approved for use as an add-on to standard therapy
Doesn't cure SLE or lupus nephritis
Brand-name only, not available as a generic

Common Side Effects for Benlysta

Nausea (15%)
Diarrhea (12%)
Fever (10%)
Common cold (9%)
Bronchitis (9%)
Difficulty sleeping (7%)
Pain in arms or legs (6%)
Depression (5%)
Migraine (5%)
Sore throat (5%)

Note: Side effects listed were reported by people who received Benlysta IV injection for SLE. People who received SC injection experienced similar side effects.