Anifrolumab
Other immunomodulating biologics
Other immunomodulating biologics
A monoclonal antibody against the type I interferon receptor (IFNAR1), given by infusion or injection, added to standard treatment of systemic lupus.
Quick facts
- Group
- Other immunomodulating biologics
- Target
- Type I interferon receptor subunit 1 (IFNAR1)
- Used for
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Key effects
- Headache · Nausea and vomiting · Tiredness
- Monitor
- Signs of infection · Allergic reactions during
- ATC
- L04AG11
No doses: the clinician sets them by the current guideline.
Mechanism of action
Anifrolumab is a monoclonal antibody that binds subunit 1 of the type I interferon receptor (IFNAR1). Type I interferons such as interferon-α can then no longer signal into cells through this receptor, which damps an immune-activating pathway involved in lupus.
- Antibody binds the type I interferon receptor (IFNAR1)
- Type I interferons cannot signal into cells
- Interferon-driven immune activation falls
- Lupus activity eases
Indications
- Systemic lupus erythematosus, added to standard treatment Systemic lupus erythematosus →
Adverse effects
Common
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tiredness
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to anifrolumab
- Active serious infection
Key interactions
- Live vaccines
- Avoided during treatment unless the team agrees.
- Other immunosuppressants and biologics
- Added infection risk.
What is monitored
- Signs of infection, including urinary and skin infections
- Allergic reactions during and after the infusion
- Lupus activity
Administration and safety
- The intravenous form is infused in a clinic.
- The subcutaneous form can be self-injected at home after teaching.
- Vaccines are reviewed with the team before starting.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Human data are limited; pregnancy and breastfeeding are discussed with the treating team.
Nursing care
- Ask about current or recurrent infections and cancer history before each course.
- Watch for swelling, faintness or breathing difficulty during and after the infusion.
- Teach to report fever, cough, painful urination or red, painful skin.
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption
- Intravenous infusion, or subcutaneous injection that can be given at home
- Metabolism
- Broken down like other antibodies
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
Which receptor does anifrolumab block?
Subunit 1 of the type I interferon receptor (IFNAR1).
Which disease is anifrolumab used for?
Systemic lupus erythematosus, added to standard treatment.
Which warning signs are taught for anifrolumab?
Signs of infection (fever, cough, painful urination, red painful skin) and of allergic reaction (swelling, fainting, breathing difficulty).
Connections
← Back to the class: Other immunomodulating biologics
Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.
Sources: Anifrolumab-fnia Injection: MedlinePlus Drug Information (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); RCSB PDB - 4QXG: Antigen binding fragment of an anti IFNAR1 antibody (RCSB Protein Data Bank, 2015); ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026).
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.