[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/) › [Other immunomodulating biologics](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/other-immunomodulating-biologics/) › Anifrolumab

# 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.

Updated Nov 1, 2026

## Quick facts

**Group**
[Other immunomodulating biologics](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/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.

On this page

- The basics Mechanism of action
- Indications
- Adverse effects
- Pharmacokinetics
- Memory aid

- Safety Contraindications
- Key interactions
- What is monitored
- Administration and safety
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Nursing care

- Study Test yourself

- Connections Connections

## 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 →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/systemic-lupus-erythematosus/)

## Adverse effects

### Common

- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tiredness

### Serious (rare, important)

- Serious infections
- Severe allergic reactions (swelling of the face, tongue or mouth, fainting, breathing difficulty)
- Possible higher risk of some cancers

## 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

## Memory aid

ANIFROlumab: Anti-INterFeRON receptor for lupus.

## 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).

[Add to my cards (3)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/pharmacology/anifrolumab/)

[More Pharmacology questions →](https://durgical.com/en/practice/?f=pharmacology)

## Connections

## Related drugs 3

- [Belimumab](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/belimumab/)
- [Hydroxychloroquine](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/hydroxychloroquine/)
- [Rituximab](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/rituximab/)

## Related conditions 1

- [Systemic lupus erythematosus](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/systemic-lupus-erythematosus/)

[← Back to the class: Other immunomodulating biologics](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/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](https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a621046.html) (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); [RCSB PDB - 4QXG: Antigen binding fragment of an anti IFNAR1 antibody](https://www.rcsb.org/structure/4QXG) (RCSB Protein Data Bank, 2015); [ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index](https://atcddd.fhi.no/atc_ddd_index/?code=L04AG11) (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/anifrolumab/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/anifrolumab/