IFNA1 and systemic lupus erythematosus: Sifalimumab, a monoclonal antibody that directly binds multiple subtypes of IFN-α, was tested in a multicentre phase IIb trial of 431 patients with active SLE who were randomised to one of three different dosages of sifalimumab or placebo, added to stable conventional background therapy.8 After 24 weeks, a greater percentage of patients on the drug reached the primary end point (SRI-4), compared to placebo (placebo: 45.4%; 200 mg: 58.3%; 600 mg: 56.5%; 1200 mg 59.8%).