Uncomplicating the Complications of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus for Managed Care: A Focus on Nephritis

Program Description

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, multisystem autoimmune disease driven by immune‑complex–mediated inflammation that can involve the skin, joints, central nervous system, and kidneys. Organ damage accrues both from early inflammatory/fibrotic injury and from drug‑related toxicity, and one of the most severe manifestations is lupus nephritis (LN), which increases the risk of end-stage kidney disease and affects up to 40 % of patients. Management is challenged by the heterogeneity of SLE, wide variability in disease severity, and the presence of active or refractory disease despite standard of care (SOC) therapy. Despite recommendations for early and aggressive immunosuppression in SOC regimens, the precise moment to add a biologic or start a steroid taper is not always clear, and adverse effects and treatment failure remain a risk for a majority of patients. Novel biologic agents and emerging therapies target distinct pathways and offer the potential for improved efficacy and safety, but the effective use of these therapies requires managed care pharmacists to be active participants in coordinated care pathways and navigate complex regimens, ensure adherence, and drive policies that improve access to high-quality LN care for underserved populations. This session will review SLE epidemiology, classification criteria, clinical manifestations, and disease progression with a focus on LN. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the clinical and economic impact of SLE and LN, as well as the the evolving therapeutic landscape and the strategic role of managed care pharmacists in value-based decision-making.

Target audience: Managed Care Pharmacist, Specialty Pharmacist
Type of activity: Application
Release date: April 30, 2026
Expiration date: April 30, 2027
Learner level: Intermediate, Foundational
Time to complete activity: 1.5 hours 
Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Examine the epidemiology and pathophysiology of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis (LN) and the impact of disease progression on patient outcomes.
• Analyze clinical guidelines and new pharmacotherapy for the treatment of SLE and LN.
• Apply an evidence-based approach to optimizing outcomes and utilization management for the treatment of SLE and LN.