Ivarmacitinib Versus Glucocorticoids in Mild-to-Moderate Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

This randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, noninferiority clinical trial will evaluate the efficacy and safety of ivarmacitinib compared with oral prednisone in participants with mild-to-moderate active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) without active major organ involvement. Approximately 294 participants will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either ivarmacitinib 8 mg once daily or oral prednisone starting at 30 mg/day with a prespecified tapering schedule, together with the corresponding matching placebo, for 24 weeks. The study will assess whether ivarmacitinib is noninferior to oral prednisone in achieving the primary efficacy outcome. The primary outcome is the proportion of participants achieving remission of arthritis and/or rash, as defined by the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K), at Week 12. Safety and secondary efficacy outcomes will be evaluated throughout the 24-week treatment period.