How Are Lupus Treatments Evolving in the UAE? Discover the Latest Medications and Care Strategies for 2025

Mainstays such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressive therapies, biologics, and evolving patient-focused care approaches form the foundation of lupus treatment, with UAE healthcare practices reflecting international standards and innovations.

Core Lupus Treatments and Medications in the UAE

Corticosteroids: Foundation for Symptom Management

Corticosteroids continue to play an important role in lupus care in the UAE due to their ability to help control inflammation and address disease flare-ups:

• Common Use: Approximately 67% of UAE healthcare providers use corticosteroids to help manage acute lupus symptoms and flares, especially during the initial period before other therapies take effect.
• Forms & Administration:
  • Oral tablets: Utilized for systemic disease flares and maintenance.
  • Injectables (IV or IM): Appropriate for more severe or organ-threatening symptoms.
  • Topical preparations: Used for managing skin symptoms.
• Patient Education: UAE hospitals provide education on proper use, the importance of tapering doses as directed by healthcare professionals, and awareness of possible side effects such as weight changes, increased infection risk, mood changes, effects on bone health, and possible changes in glucose and blood pressure.
• Side Effects and Safe Use: There is a strong emphasis on minimizing risks by using the lowest effective doses and following careful tapering protocols.

Immunosuppressive and Disease-Modifying Agents

For patients with moderate to severe disease, especially those with lupus nephritis, the following medications are routinely used:

• Cyclophosphamide: Recognized in UAE and global practice as a well-established option for long-term modification of kidney disease progression in lupus nephritis.
• Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) & Cyclosporine: Frequently used for short- to mid-term disease control and may be considered as first- or second-line options.
• Azathioprine & Tacrolimus: Chosen based on individual patient factors, medication tolerance, or reproductive considerations.

Biologics and Emerging Therapies

• Belimumab: Increasingly used in cases where lupus nephritis is not adequately managed with traditional medications. It has demonstrated meaningful potential in disease management, as recognized by both international and UAE-based protocols, although further long-term data are anticipated.
• Other Biologics and New Agents: Options like voclosporin and rituximab may be used for cases unresponsive to other treatments, highlighting a trend toward personalized medicine.

CAR T-Cell Therapy: Developments to Watch

• As of 2025, CAR T-cell therapy, an advanced genetic approach currently being studied internationally, is not part of standard care in the UAE. Research and regulatory developments in this field are ongoing and may provide additional options for individuals with life-threatening or treatment-resistant lupus in the future (source).

Approaches to Managing Lupus Flare-Ups

Timely recognition and appropriate treatment of lupus flare-ups remain priorities in UAE clinical practice:

• Acute Management: This may involve an increase in corticosteroid dosage (oral or IV) and adjustment of immunosuppressive treatments as needed.
• Guideline-Based Tapering: Clinicians in the UAE adhere to current EULAR and KDIGO guidelines, typically avoiding high-dose corticosteroids for maintenance to reduce the risk of long-term side effects.
• Symptomatic Therapies: Supportive measures can include analgesics, antimalarials where indicated, and non-pharmacological approaches such as hydration and rest.

Symptom Relief and Long-Term Health Approaches

Enhancing long-term health and well-being is a key focus in the UAE:

• Patient Education: Physicians and pharmacists provide ongoing guidance on medication adherence, monitoring for side effects, preventing infection, and making healthy lifestyle choices.
  • Topics such as weight management, bone health (including vitamin D/calcium supplementation), timely detection of infections, and mental health support are consistently emphasized.
• Steroid-Sparing Strategies: Where possible, clinicians consider alternative options to corticosteroids, including non-steroidal immunomodulators, approved biologics, and, where culturally appropriate and safe, complementary therapies, while considering factors such as cost and evidence-based effectiveness.
• Referral for Lupus Nephritis or Organ Involvement: Early and coordinated escalation to comprehensive multi-drug regimens, including newer biologics, is a standard aspect of care for individuals with severe disease manifestations.
• Regular Monitoring: Routine laboratory tests and scheduled clinical reviews help tailor therapy and detect complications early.

Eligibility and Access Considerations

• Personalized Approaches: Medication choices (cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate, belimumab, etc.) depend on the affected organs, severity of disease, comorbidities, and previous treatments.
• Cost and Coverage: Access to various therapies in the UAE can be influenced by insurance policies and hospital formularies. Where necessary, healthcare providers may recommend patient assistance programs or alternative evidence-based regimens.

UAE-Specific Practice Guidelines

• International Alignment: In 2025, the UAE continues to align lupus management protocols with updated EULAR and KDIGO guidelines, emphasizing cautious use of steroids and expanded utilization of advanced therapies as indicated.
• Provider Education Initiatives: Ongoing campaigns and professional development opportunities are in place to update providers on current best practices and reinforce effective patient communication.

Looking Ahead

• Innovative Treatments: While CAR T-cell and similar genomic therapies are not yet part of routine lupus care in the UAE, individuals interested in clinical trials are encouraged to discuss possibilities with their healthcare teams, especially in cases of treatment-resistant lupus.
• Comprehensive Support: Although detailed support network information is not specified in available references, patients are advised to utilize allied health services—including nutritional counseling, psychological support, and advocacy resources—as part of a comprehensive care plan.

In 2025, lupus care in the UAE combines evidence-based treatments with a strong emphasis on patient education, ongoing symptom management, and strategies to minimize steroid exposure. A broad array of established and newer therapies is available in accordance with global standards, supporting individualized care for people living with lupus across the region. For the most current information on emerging treatments and support resources, individuals are advised to consult with their specialist healthcare teams and refer to reliable medical sources.

Sources

• Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences – Healthcare providers’ perspectives on corticosteroid-containing drugs in UAE
• The Guardian – ‘Exciting’ new lupus treatment could end need for lifelong medication
• Springer – Disease-Modifying Therapies in Lupus Nephritis: A Narrative Review

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