B-Cell–Driven Disease | Sjögren's Disease

The critical role of B cells in Sjögren's disease.

Sjögren's disease (SjD) is believed to be a B-cell–driven autoimmune disease in which the perpetual activation of B cells results in a pathological cycle of immune activation, leading to chronic inflammation and irreversible tissue destruction.^1-4

In addition to B cells, other immune cells, such as T cells, also play a role in the pathogenesis of SjD, contributing to an autoimmune cascade and chronic inflammation.^5,6

The mechanism of Sjögren's disease

Novartis is committed to innovation in SjD

As current B-cell–targeted approaches have failed to demonstrate significant outcomes in SjD, several novel therapies for effective and sustained B-cell depletion are currently under investigation.^8,9

Novartis has expanded its commitment to rheumatology by partnering with experts and universities to explore new ways to target B-cell hyperactivity and BAFF.

Why symptomatic treatment may not be enough

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See what your peers are saying about SjD

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*Based on the “Living with SjD” survey assessing demographics, symptoms, QoL, cost, and treatment in adult patients with SjD (N=2961), which includes respondents that “somewhat agreed” or “strongly agreed.”⁷

QoL, quality of life.

References: 1. Meng Q, Ma J, Cui J, Gu Y, Shan Y. Subpopulation dynamics of T and B lymphocytes in Sjögren’s syndrome: implications for disease activity and treatment. Front Immunol. 2024;15:1468469. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2024.1468469 2. Du W, Han M, Zhu X, et al. The multiple roles of B cells in the pathogenesis of Sjögren’s syndrome. Front Immunol. 2021;12:684999. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2021.684999 3. Ibrahem HM. B cell dysregulation in primary Sjögren’s syndrome: a review. Jpn Dent Sci Rev. 2019;55(1):139-144. 4. Kroese F, Abdulahad WH, Haacke E, Bos NA, Vissink A, Bootsma H. B-cell hyperactivity in primary Sjögren’s syndrome. Expert Rev Clin Immunol. 2014;10(4):483-499. 5. Chivasso C, Sarrand J, Perret J, Delporte C, Soyfoo MS. The involvement of innate and adaptive immunity in the initiation and perpetuation of Sjögren’s syndrome. Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(2):658. doi:10.3390/ijms22020658 6. Negrini S, Emmi G, Greco M, et al. Sjögren’s syndrome: a systemic autoimmune disease. Clin Exp Med. 2022;22(1):9-25. 7. McCoy SS, Woodham M, Bunya VY, et al. A comprehensive overview of living with Sjögren’s: results of a National Sjögren’s Foundation survey. Clin Rheumatol. 2022;41(7):2071-2078. 8. Thalayasingam N, Baldwin K, Judd C, Ng WF. New developments in Sjögren’s syndrome. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2021;60(suppl 6):vi53-vi61. 9. Ramos-Casals M, Brito-Zerón P, Bombardieri S, et al. EULAR recommendations for the management of Sjögren’s syndrome with topical and systemic therapies. Ann Rheum Dis. 2020;79:3-18.