Evaluation of the Tolerance, Safety, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Efficacy of MIL62 Injection for Treating Lupus Nephritis

A Phase 1b/2 Clinical Study Evaluating the Tolerance, Safety, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Efficacy of Recombinant Humanized Monoclonal Antibody MIL62 Injection in Subjects With Lupus Nephritis

This study is composed of two stages: Part A is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled dose-escalation study (i.e., Phase 1b study). The first part has a total of 3 dose groups, with 10 subjects enrolled in each dose group. Subjects are randomly assigned to receive MIL62 combined with standard of care or placebo combined with standard of care at a 4:1 ratio. Based on the tolerability, safety, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary efficacy of the 3 dose groups, the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D), and dosing frequency will be determined.

Part B is open-label, enrolling 10 subjects who will receive the recommended dose of MIL62 combined with standard of care.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age ≥18 years and <75 years, gender not restricted;
2. Diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) according to the 2019 European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) / American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria;
3. Urinary protein/creatinine ratio (UPCR) > 1.0 (24-hour urine);
4. If the patient is taking drugs that may affect kidney function (e.g., ACE inhibitors, cholesterol-lowering drugs), the dosage must remain stable for at least 4 weeks prior to enrollment and throughout the study;
5. No need to receive vaccination during the study or need vaccination only after at least 16 weeks following the last dose of study drug;
6. Signed written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Screening reveals other severe kidney diseases or conditions, including: ① Need for dialysis or transplant therapy; ② Kidney biopsy within the last 6 months shows more than 50% glomerulosclerosis;
2. Screening reveals the following diseases or conditions: ① Other autoimmune diseases besides SLE; ② Clinically significant bleeding risks, or conditions requiring plasma exchange, blood transfusion, or platelet transfusion;
3. Positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and/or hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb), with HBV DNA levels outside normal range; positive for HCV antibody and HCV RNA; positive for HIV serum reaction; positive for syphilis test;
4. Pregnant and breastfeeding women; for women of childbearing potential who have not undergone sterilization: unwilling to use appropriate contraception methods (e.g., oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices, or barrier methods with spermicide) during the treatment period and for at least 18 months after the last dose of study drug;
5. For men who have not undergone sterilization: unwilling to use barrier contraception during the study and for at least 18 months after the last dose of study drug, and unwilling to have their spouse use other contraception methods;
6. The investigator considers other situations not suitable for participation in the study.