Biogen strengthens case for BDCA2 as a cutaneous lupus target

Litifilimab’s latest readout is the second Phase II win for the therapy in cutaneous lupus erythematosus, adding support for BDCA2 as a therapeutic target in patients with difficult-to-treat disease. If the mid-stage results hold up in later testing, Biogen’s litifilimab could become the first targeted therapy for CLE, an indication still treated largely with antimalarials, glucocorticoids and other repurposed immunomodulators.

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) is a skin manifestation of lupus that can occur in isolation or overlap with systemic lupus...