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Data updated: Mar 10, 2026

SAPHNELO

ANIFROLUMAB-FNIA Type I Interferon Receptor Antagonists
Immunology Approved 2021-07-30

Saphnelo (anifrolumab-fnia) is a type I interferon receptor antagonist indicated for the treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who are receiving standard therapy. It serves as a targeted therapeutic option for patients with active disease, particularly as many patients with SLE express elevated levels of type I interferon-inducible genes. The drug is not recommended for use in patients with severe active lupus nephritis or severe active central nervous system lupus, as its efficacy has not been evaluated in these populations.

Source: FDA Label • AstraZeneca • Type I Interferon Receptor Antagonist

How SAPHNELO Works

Anifrolumab-fnia is a monoclonal antibody that binds to subunit 1 of the type I interferon receptor (IFNAR), blocking the signaling and biological activity of type I interferons. This inhibition suppresses the expression of interferon-responsive genes and reduces downstream inflammatory and immunological processes, such as plasma cell differentiation. The drug also induces the internalization of the receptor, which decreases the amount of IFNAR1 available on the cell surface. These combined actions help normalize peripheral T-cell subsets and address the biological pathways involved in the pathogenesis of SLE.

Source: FDA Label
2
Indications
--
Phase 3 Trials
4
Years on Market

Details

Status
Prescription
First Approved
2021-07-30
Routes
INJECTION
Dosage Forms
INJECTABLE

Companies

Active Ingredient: ANIFROLUMAB-FNIA

SAPHNELO Approval History

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What SAPHNELO Treats

1 indications

SAPHNELO is approved for 1 conditions since its original approval in 2021. These indications span multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, and more.

  • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Source: FDA Label
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Active Pipeline

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Ongoing clinical trials by development phase

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Key Completed Trials

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Completed studies with published results, ranked by significance

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Trial Timeline

Full development history with FDA approval milestones

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Understanding FDA Approval Types
Count Type What it means
- ORIG Original approval - drug first enters market
- SUPPL - Efficacy New indication (new disease/condition approved)
- SUPPL - Labeling Label text changes (warnings, dosing updates)
- SUPPL - Manufacturing Production changes (new facility)
- SUPPL - Chemistry Formulation changes (new dosage strength)

Green lines in the timeline show ORIG and Efficacy approvals - the clinically meaningful milestones.

SAPHNELO FDA Label Details

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Indications & Usage

FDA Label (PDF)

SAPHNELO (anifrolumab-fnia) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), who are receiving standard therapy [see Clinical Studies ] . Limitations of Use The efficacy of SAPHNELO has not been evaluated in patients with severe active lupus nephritis or severe active central nervous system lupus. Use of SAPHNELO is not recommended in these situations. SAPHNELO is a type I interferon (IFN) receptor antagonist indicated for the treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), who are receiving sta...

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Data Sources

Data sourced from official FDA and NIH databases. Click links to verify on original sources.