Zhong Guo Zheng Quan Bao - Zhong Zheng Wang·2025-12-14 23:51Core Viewpoint - The company has achieved a significant milestone with its BTK inhibitor, Orelabrutinib, in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), as the Phase IIb clinical trial met its primary endpoint and received approval from the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) to initiate Phase III trials [1][2]. Group 1: Clinical Trial Progress - The Phase IIb clinical trial demonstrated that Orelabrutinib showed excellent efficacy, good tolerability, and safety in patients treated for 48 weeks [2]. - A total of 187 patients were enrolled in the study, randomized into three groups: Orelabrutinib 75 mg, 50 mg, and a placebo group [2]. - The primary endpoint was the SLE Response Index-4 (SRI-4) response rate at week 48, where the 75 mg group showed a significant response rate of 57.1% compared to 34.4% in the placebo group (p < 0.05) [2]. - The 75 mg dose also outperformed the 50 mg dose, indicating a dose-dependent improvement in efficacy [2]. Group 2: Efficacy in Subgroups - In patients with baseline disease activity BILAG ≥ 1A or ≥ 2B, the SRI-4 response rate for the 75 mg group showed a corrected difference of 35% compared to the placebo [3]. - For patients with baseline disease activity BILAG ≥ 1A or ≥ 2B and clinical SLEDAI-2K score ≥ 4, the corrected difference in SRI-4 response rate was 43% [3]. - Orelabrutinib demonstrated good tolerability and safety, consistent with the mechanism of action of BTK inhibitors and the biological characteristics of SLE [3]. Group 3: Background on SLE - SLE is a systemic autoimmune disease that can lead to severe organ and neurological damage, and even death [4]. - The global prevalence of SLE is approximately 8 million, with around 1 million patients in China, the highest number globally [4]. - The most common SLE patients are young and middle-aged women, requiring long-term management and presenting a significant unmet medical need [4].