Concerns about long-term steroid use

BioTrends Research Group, one of the world’s leading research and advisory firms for pharmaceutical and healthcare issues, has found that the top five unmet needs for new systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) therapies are long-term safety, reduction in disease activity/flares, sustained efficacy, successful trial in lupus patients, and steroid-sparing benefits. Surveyed rheumatologists in the United States indicate that a steroid-sparing effect is an important benefit in a new drug for SLE based on their concerns about long-term steroid use.