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Saphnelo Surpasses Benlysta in CLE as Physicians Expand Use of Biologics Ahead of Key 2027 Catalysts
Spherix Global Insights finds rising biologic adoption across specialties, with most physicians signaling intent to adopt CLE-specific pipeline therapies earlier in treatment.Exton, PA, March 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As treatment strategies evolve in cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE), physicians are increasingly turning to advanced systemic therapies while evaluating emerging targeted options that may reshape future treatment algorithms. These insights come from the 2026 update of Spherix
About this update from Astrazeneca Plc
[{"type":"text","content":"Spherix Global Insights finds rising biologic adoption across specialties, with most physicians signaling intent to adopt CLE-specific pipeline therapies earlier in treatment.","length":175,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"Exton, PA, March 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As treatment strategies evolve in cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE), physicians are increasingly turning to advanced systemic therapies while evaluating emerging targeted options that may reshape future treatment algorithms. These insights come from the 2026 update of Spherix Global Insights’ Market Dynamix™: CLE.","length":363,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"New findings based on surveys of 53 U.S. rheumatologists and 51 dermatologists conducted in early 2026 indicate that adoption of AstraZeneca’s Saphnelo (anifrolumab) has expanded rapidly among physicians managing patients with CLE. According to Spherix data, Saphnelo’s share of biologic prescribing has risen sharply since 2023 and now surpasses that of GSK’s Benlysta (belimumab) among both dermatologists and rheumatologists treating CLE.","length":441,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"The findings come as AstraZeneca approaches a catalyst-rich period for Saphnelo, with multiple pivotal trials expected to report results in 2027 across several autoimmune indications, including CLE, lupus nephritis, systemic sclerosis, and idiopathic inflammatory myopathies.","length":275,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"The research highlights three key trends shaping the evolving CLE treatment landscape:","length":86,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"list","items":[{"val":[{"type":"text","content":"Growing adoption of biologic therapies, led by increasing physician experience with Saphnelo","length":92,"tagName":"p"}]},{"val":[{"type":"text","content":"Distinct treatment roles between dermatologists and rheumatologists, influencing when advanced systemic therapies are introduced","length":128,"tagName":"p"}]},{"val":[{"type":"text","content":"Strong physician interest in emerging CLE-specific targeted therapies that may shift treatment earlier in the disease course","length":124,"tagName":"p"}]}],"tagName":"ul","bulletedList":true,"length":344,"olType":false},{"type":"text","content":"The findings also highlight the close relationship between CLE and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Physicians widely ...