Abatacept in the Treatment and Prevention of Active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Flares in Combination With Prednisone
Abatacept in the Treatment and Prevention of Active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Flares in Combination With Prednisone
The purpose of this clinical research study is to learn whether Abatacept can treat and
 prevent lupus flares; specifically, in patients with active lupus flares in at least one of
 three organ systems: skin (discoid lesions); inflammation of the lining of the heart
 (pericarditis), or inflammation of the lining of the lung (pleuritis/pleurisy); or
 inflammation of more than 4 joints (arthritis). All participants will receive prednisone or
 prednisone-equivalent treatment in combination with study medication. The safety of this
 treatment will also be studied.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  participants must be diagnosed with SLE and be experiencing an active lupus flare in
 at least one of three organ systems: skin (discoid lesions), inflammation of the
 lining of the heart (pericarditis), or inflammation of the lining of the lung
 (pleuritis/pleurisy); or inflammation of more than 4 joints within 14 days of a
 screening visit (arthritis)

 -  Stable dose of prednisone (<30mg) for at least one month

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  participants experiencing an active lupus flare in the kidney or central nervous
 systems

 -  Treatment with a stable dose of azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil,
 hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, or methotrexate for less than three months prior to
 the study

 -  participants with active viral or bacterial infections

 -  participants with any other autoimmune disease as a main diagnosis

 -  Prior treatment with rituximab