BTG3 and systemic lupus erythematosus: 1) age ≥ 18 years; 2) a diagnosis of SLE. according to the revised American College of Rheumatology criteria; 3) active disease (SELENA-SLEDAI score ≥ 6) at screening; and 4) seropositivity as defined by two positive ANA or anti-dsDNA test results (ANA titers ≥ 1:80 and anti-dsDNA antibodies ≥ 30 I.U./mL), of which ≥ 1 test result had to be obtained during screening. The study entry criteria were identical to those in BLISS-52