Could a new drug replace steroids for lupus kidney patients?

NCT ID NCT04702256

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This Phase 3 trial tests whether a drug called obinutuzumab, combined with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), can control lupus nephritis without the need for oral steroids. About 196 people with active lupus kidney disease will be randomly assigned to either the obinutuzumab/MMF regimen or standard steroid/MMF treatment. The main goal is to see if the steroid-free approach is just as good at achieving complete kidney response after one year.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Obinutuzumab (a monoclonal antibody) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF, an immunosuppressant)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could offer a steroid-free treatment option for lupus nephritis, reducing long-term side effects from steroids while still controlling the disease.

What could go wrong

This is a Phase 3 trial, but it's still experimental. The obinutuzumab regimen may not be as effective as steroids, and there are risks from the drug itself, including infusion reactions and increased infection risk.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for LUPUS NEPHRITIS are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

lupus nephritis systemic lupus erythematosus

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Internal medicine, Cochin hospital, APHP

    RECRUITING

    Paris, 75014, France

    Contact