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[6-K] ASTRAZENECA PLC Current Report (Foreign Issuer)

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AstraZeneca reported a positive CHMP opinion recommending EU approval of a once-weekly, self-administered subcutaneous pre-filled pen of Saphnelo (anifrolumab) for adults with systemic lupus erythematosus alongside standard therapy.

The recommendation is based on interim Phase III TULIP-SC results showing a statistically significant and clinically meaningful reduction in disease activity versus placebo, with a safety profile consistent with the intravenous formulation. Subcutaneous Saphnelo is also under review in several other countries. Saphnelo IV is approved for moderate to severe SLE in more than 70 countries, including the US, EU and Japan, and more than 40,000 patients have been treated globally.

AstraZeneca notes it will pay Bristol-Myers Squibb a low to mid-teens royalty on sales of Saphnelo, depending on geography, under an existing license agreement.

AstraZeneca ha riportato una positiva opinione CHMP che raccomanda l'approvazione nell'UE di una penna pre-riempita sottocutanea, autoadministrabile una volta alla settimana, di Saphnelo (anifrolumab) per adulti con lupus eritematoso sistemico in combinazione con la terapia standard.

La raccomandazione si basa sui dati interim di fase III TULIP-SC che mostrano una riduzione statisticamente significativa e clinicamente rilevante dell'attività della malattia rispetto al placebo, con un profilo di sicurezza coerente con la formulazione endovenosa. Anche il Saphnelo sottocutaneo è oggetto di valutazione in diversi altri paesi. Saphnelo IV è approvato per LES da moderato a grave in oltre 70 paesi, tra cui USA, UE e Giappone, e oltre 40.000 pazienti sono stati trattati a livello globale.

AstraZeneca segnala che pagherà a Bristol-Myers Squibb una royalty bassa‑media sulle vendite di Saphnelo, a seconda della geografia, nell'ambito di un accordo di licenza esistente.

AstraZeneca informó una opinión positiva de la CHMP que recomienda la aprobación en la UE de una pluma subcutánea prellenada de uso autoadministrado una vez por semana de Saphnelo (anifrolumab) para adultos con lupus eritematoso sistémico junto con la terapia estándar.

La recomendación se basa en resultados interinos de fase III TULIP-SC que muestran una reducción estadísticamente significativa y clínicamente relevante de la actividad de la enfermedad frente al placebo, con un perfil de seguridad consistente con la formulación intravenosa. El Saphnelo subcutáneo también está siendo evaluado en varios otros países. Saphnelo IV está aprobado para LES de moderado a grave en más de 70 países, incluyendo EE. UU., UE y Japón, y más de 40.000 pacientes han sido tratados a nivel global.

AstraZeneca señala que pagará a Bristol-Myers Squibb una regalía de baja a media sobre las ventas de Saphnelo, según la geografía, bajo un acuerdo de licencia existente.

AstraZeneca는 성인 전신 루푸스(SLE) 환자에 대한 표준 치료와 함께 매주 한 번 자가투여 가능한 피하 자가 주사형 프리필드 펜의 Saphnelo (anifrolumab)에 대해 EU 승인을 권고하는 CHMP의 긍정 의견을 발표했습니다.

권고는 중간 단계 III TULIP-SC 결과를 기반으로 하며, 위약에 비해 질병 활성도가 통계적으로 유의하고 임상적으로 의미 있게 감소했으며, 안전성 프로파일은 정맥 제형과 일치합니다. 피하 Saphnelo 역시 여러 다른 국가에서 심사가 진행 중입니다. Saphnelo IV는 미국, EU 및 일본을 포함한 70개국 이상에서 중등도에서 중증 SLE에 대해 승인되었고 전 세계적으로 40,000명 이상이 치료를 받았습니다.

AstraZeneca는 기존 면허 계약에 따라 Saphnelo 판매에 대해 Bristol-Myers Squibb에 지역에 따라 낮음에서 중간 정도의 로열티를 지급할 것이라고 밝혔습니다.

AstraZeneca a publié une opinion positive du CHMP recommandant l'approbation par l'UE d'un stylo pré-rempli sous-cutané, auto-administrable une fois par semaine, de Saphnelo (anifrolumab) pour les adultes atteints de lupus érythémateux systémique en complément du traitement standard.

La recommandation est fondée sur les résultats intermédiaires de la phase III TULIP-SC montrant une réduction statistiquement significative et cliniquement pertinente de l'activité de la maladie par rapport au placebo, avec un profil de sécurité cohérent avec la formulation intraveineuse. Le Saphnelo sous-cutané est également en cours d'évaluation dans plusieurs autres pays. Saphnelo IV est approuvé pour le LES, modéré à sévère, dans plus de 70 pays, dont les États-Unis, l'UE et le Japon, et plus de 40 000 patients ont été traités dans le monde.

AstraZeneca précise qu'elle versera à Bristol-Myers Squibb une redevance faible à moyenne sur les ventes de Saphnelo, en fonction de la zone géographique, dans le cadre d'un accord de licence existant.

AstraZeneca hat eine positive CHMP‑Stellungnahme berichtet, die die EU‑Zulassung eines wöchentlich selbst verabreichten subkutanen vorgefüllten Pens von Saphnelo (anifrolumab) für Erwachsene mit systemischem Lupus erythematodes zusammen mit der Standardtherapie empfiehlt.

Die Empfehlung basiert auf vorläufigen Phase-III-Ergebnissen von TULIP-SC, die eine statistisch signifikante und klinisch bedeutsame Verringerung der Krankheitsaktivität gegenüber Placebo zeigen, mit einem Sicherheitsprofil, das mit der intravenösen Form übereinstimmt. Subkutaner Saphnelo wird auch in mehreren anderen Ländern geprüft. Saphnelo IV ist für moderates bis schweres SLE in mehr als 70 Ländern zugelassen, einschließlich USA, EU und Japan, und weltweit sind mehr als 40.000 Patienten behandelt worden.

AstraZeneca weist darauf hin, dass sie Bristol-Myers Squibb eine Royalty im niedrigen bis mittleren Bereich auf den Umsatz von Saphnelo zahlt, abhängig von der Geografie, im Rahmen einer bestehenden Lizenzvereinbarung.

AstraZeneca أعلنت عن رأي CHMP إيجابي يوصي بالموافقة في الاتحاد الأوروبي على قلم مسبق الملء يمكن استخدامه ذاتيًا ويحقن تحت الجلد مرة واحدة أسبوعيًا من Saphnelo (anifrolumab) للبالغين المصابين بالذئبة الحمامية الجهازية إلى جانب العلاج القياسي.

وتستند التوصية إلى نتائج المرحلة الثالثة الوسطى TULIP-SC التي أظهرت انخفاضاً ذا دلالة إحصائية وذو معنى سريري في نشاط المرض مقارنةً بالدواء الوهمي، مع ملف أمان متسق مع الشكل الوريدي. كما أن Saphnelo القابل للحقن تحت الجلد قيد النظر في عدة دول أخرى. وSaphnelo IV معتمد لعلاج LES من المتوسط إلى الشديد في أكثر من 70 دولة، بما في ذلك الولايات المتحدة والاتحاد الأوروبي واليابان، وتم علاج أكثر من 40,000 مريض حول العالم.

وتذكر أسترازينيكا أنها ستدفع لـ Bristol-Myers Squibb نسبة ملكية منخفضة إلى متوسطة من مبيعات Saphnelo، وفقاً للمناطق الجغرافية، بموجب اتفاقية ترخيص قائمة.

阿斯利康 报告说,欧洲药品管理局委员会(CHMP)发表了积极意见,建议在欧盟批准一种每周一次、可自我管理的皮下前填充笔,用于成人系统性红斑狼疮患者的 Saphnelo (anifrolumab),作为标准治疗的一部分。

该建议基于 III 期 TULIP-SC 的中期结果,显示与安慰剂相比,病情活动的下降具有统计学意义且具有临床意义,安全性特征与静脉剂型一致。皮下注射的 Saphnelo 亦在其他多个国家接受评审。

Saphnelo IV 已在超过 70 个国家获批中度至重度 SLE,包括美国、欧盟和日本,全球已有超过 4 万名患者接受治疗。

AstraZeneca 指出,将根据现有许可协议,向 Bristol-Myers Squibb 对 Saphnelo 的销售收取低到中等档次的特许使用费,取决于地域。

Positive
  • None.
Negative
  • None.

Insights

Positive EU step for Saphnelo SC; final decisions still follow standard processes.

The CHMP’s positive opinion supports an EU approval pathway for a self-administered, once-weekly subcutaneous Saphnelo in adult SLE. The opinion rests on interim Phase III TULIP-SC data showing statistically significant, clinically meaningful disease activity reduction versus placebo and safety in line with the IV profile.

Commercially, Saphnelo is already established as an IV therapy in more than 70 countries, with over 40,000 patients treated. A subcutaneous presentation aligns with current treatment patterns, as 70% of European SLE patients on biologics use subcutaneous options, potentially easing access and adherence.

Royalty economics remain unchanged: AstraZeneca owes Bristol-Myers Squibb a low to mid-teens sales royalty by geography. Subsequent regulatory decisions and country reviews will determine timing and scope of availability.

AstraZeneca ha riportato una positiva opinione CHMP che raccomanda l'approvazione nell'UE di una penna pre-riempita sottocutanea, autoadministrabile una volta alla settimana, di Saphnelo (anifrolumab) per adulti con lupus eritematoso sistemico in combinazione con la terapia standard.

La raccomandazione si basa sui dati interim di fase III TULIP-SC che mostrano una riduzione statisticamente significativa e clinicamente rilevante dell'attività della malattia rispetto al placebo, con un profilo di sicurezza coerente con la formulazione endovenosa. Anche il Saphnelo sottocutaneo è oggetto di valutazione in diversi altri paesi. Saphnelo IV è approvato per LES da moderato a grave in oltre 70 paesi, tra cui USA, UE e Giappone, e oltre 40.000 pazienti sono stati trattati a livello globale.

AstraZeneca segnala che pagherà a Bristol-Myers Squibb una royalty bassa‑media sulle vendite di Saphnelo, a seconda della geografia, nell'ambito di un accordo di licenza esistente.

AstraZeneca informó una opinión positiva de la CHMP que recomienda la aprobación en la UE de una pluma subcutánea prellenada de uso autoadministrado una vez por semana de Saphnelo (anifrolumab) para adultos con lupus eritematoso sistémico junto con la terapia estándar.

La recomendación se basa en resultados interinos de fase III TULIP-SC que muestran una reducción estadísticamente significativa y clínicamente relevante de la actividad de la enfermedad frente al placebo, con un perfil de seguridad consistente con la formulación intravenosa. El Saphnelo subcutáneo también está siendo evaluado en varios otros países. Saphnelo IV está aprobado para LES de moderado a grave en más de 70 países, incluyendo EE. UU., UE y Japón, y más de 40.000 pacientes han sido tratados a nivel global.

AstraZeneca señala que pagará a Bristol-Myers Squibb una regalía de baja a media sobre las ventas de Saphnelo, según la geografía, bajo un acuerdo de licencia existente.

AstraZeneca는 성인 전신 루푸스(SLE) 환자에 대한 표준 치료와 함께 매주 한 번 자가투여 가능한 피하 자가 주사형 프리필드 펜의 Saphnelo (anifrolumab)에 대해 EU 승인을 권고하는 CHMP의 긍정 의견을 발표했습니다.

권고는 중간 단계 III TULIP-SC 결과를 기반으로 하며, 위약에 비해 질병 활성도가 통계적으로 유의하고 임상적으로 의미 있게 감소했으며, 안전성 프로파일은 정맥 제형과 일치합니다. 피하 Saphnelo 역시 여러 다른 국가에서 심사가 진행 중입니다. Saphnelo IV는 미국, EU 및 일본을 포함한 70개국 이상에서 중등도에서 중증 SLE에 대해 승인되었고 전 세계적으로 40,000명 이상이 치료를 받았습니다.

AstraZeneca는 기존 면허 계약에 따라 Saphnelo 판매에 대해 Bristol-Myers Squibb에 지역에 따라 낮음에서 중간 정도의 로열티를 지급할 것이라고 밝혔습니다.

AstraZeneca a publié une opinion positive du CHMP recommandant l'approbation par l'UE d'un stylo pré-rempli sous-cutané, auto-administrable une fois par semaine, de Saphnelo (anifrolumab) pour les adultes atteints de lupus érythémateux systémique en complément du traitement standard.

La recommandation est fondée sur les résultats intermédiaires de la phase III TULIP-SC montrant une réduction statistiquement significative et cliniquement pertinente de l'activité de la maladie par rapport au placebo, avec un profil de sécurité cohérent avec la formulation intraveineuse. Le Saphnelo sous-cutané est également en cours d'évaluation dans plusieurs autres pays. Saphnelo IV est approuvé pour le LES, modéré à sévère, dans plus de 70 pays, dont les États-Unis, l'UE et le Japon, et plus de 40 000 patients ont été traités dans le monde.

AstraZeneca précise qu'elle versera à Bristol-Myers Squibb une redevance faible à moyenne sur les ventes de Saphnelo, en fonction de la zone géographique, dans le cadre d'un accord de licence existant.

AstraZeneca hat eine positive CHMP‑Stellungnahme berichtet, die die EU‑Zulassung eines wöchentlich selbst verabreichten subkutanen vorgefüllten Pens von Saphnelo (anifrolumab) für Erwachsene mit systemischem Lupus erythematodes zusammen mit der Standardtherapie empfiehlt.

Die Empfehlung basiert auf vorläufigen Phase-III-Ergebnissen von TULIP-SC, die eine statistisch signifikante und klinisch bedeutsame Verringerung der Krankheitsaktivität gegenüber Placebo zeigen, mit einem Sicherheitsprofil, das mit der intravenösen Form übereinstimmt. Subkutaner Saphnelo wird auch in mehreren anderen Ländern geprüft. Saphnelo IV ist für moderates bis schweres SLE in mehr als 70 Ländern zugelassen, einschließlich USA, EU und Japan, und weltweit sind mehr als 40.000 Patienten behandelt worden.

AstraZeneca weist darauf hin, dass sie Bristol-Myers Squibb eine Royalty im niedrigen bis mittleren Bereich auf den Umsatz von Saphnelo zahlt, abhängig von der Geografie, im Rahmen einer bestehenden Lizenzvereinbarung.

FORM 6-K
 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
 
Report of Foreign Issuer
 
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
For the month of October 2025 
 
Commission File Number: 001-11960
 
AstraZeneca PLC
 
1 Francis Crick Avenue
Cambridge Biomedical Campus
Cambridge CB2 0AA
United Kingdom
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
 
Form 20-F X Form 40-F __
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): ______
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
Yes __ No X
 
If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the Registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82-_____________
 
 
 
 
 
AstraZeneca PLC
 
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
 
 
1.
Positive CHMP opinion for subcutaneous Saphnelo
 
 
20 October 2025
 
Saphnelo subcutaneous self-administration recommended for approval in EU by CHMP for systemic lupus erythematosus
 
Recommendation based on TULIP-SC Phase III trial results showing first-in-class Saphnelo reduced disease activity via once-weekly subcutaneous administration
 
AstraZeneca's Saphnelo (anifrolumab) has been recommended for approval in the European Union (EU) as a self-administered once-weekly pre-filled pen for adult patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) on top of standard therapy.
 
The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency based its positive opinion on interim results from the Phase III TULIP-SC trial, which showed that subcutaneous (SC) administration of Saphnelo led to a statistically significant and clinically meaningful reduction in disease activity compared to placebo in participants with moderate to severe, active, autoantibody-positive SLE while receiving standard therapy.1,2 The safety profile observed was consistent with the known clinical profile of Saphnelo administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion.3-5
 
Professor Thomas Dörner, Rheumatologist and Professor of Rheumatology and Hemostaseology at Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany and investigator of the TULIP-SC trial said: "The positive recommendation for the subcutaneous administration of anifrolumab in the EU is highly encouraging for people living with systemic lupus erythematosus, as many still rely on oral corticosteroids, which carry significant side effects and are known to accelerate damage and functional impairment. With the latest treatment recommendations for SLE now placing increased importance on the use of biologics and earlier intervention to target remission while minimising steroids, a subcutaneous form of anifrolumab has the potential to offer broader access for patients."
 
Ruud Dobber, Executive Vice President, BioPharmaceuticals Business Unit, AstraZeneca, said: "Saphnelo IV infusion has already helped transform outcomes for many patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. With this positive CHMP recommendation, we're one step closer to offering the clinically meaningful benefits of Saphnelo to more people in a convenient, once-weekly self-administration option. We are also advancing a robust development programme to explore Saphnelo's potential in other diseases where type 1 interferon plays a central role, including cutaneous lupus erythematosus, lupus nephritis, myositis and systemic sclerosis."
 
SLE is a debilitating autoimmune condition impacting more than 3.4 million people globally.6 It primarily affects women and can cause pain, rashes, fatigue, swelling in joints and fevers.7-11 In Europe, people with SLE have a two to three times increased risk of death compared to the overall population.12 While oral corticosteroids are often used to provide relief from SLE symptoms, they are associated with adverse events and do not target the underlying drivers of the disease.13-15 Approximately 70% of people in Europe who are on biologic therapy for SLE are already receiving a subcutaneous administration option.16
 
Subcutaneous administration of Saphnelo is under regulatory review in several other countries around the world. Saphnelo IV infusion is approved for the treatment of moderate to severe SLE in more than 70 countries worldwide including the US, EU and Japan, with regulatory reviews ongoing in other countries. To date, more than 40,000 patients globally have been treated with Saphnelo.17
 
Notes
 
Financial considerations 
AstraZeneca acquired global rights to Saphnelo through an exclusive license and collaboration agreement with Medarex, Inc. in 2004. The option for Medarex to co-promote the product expired on its acquisition by Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) in 2009. Under the agreement AstraZeneca will pay BMS a low to mid-teens royalty for sales dependent on geography. 
 
Systemic lupus erythematosus
SLE is a chronic and complex autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks healthy tissue in the body.7 An estimated 50% of people with SLE have irreversible organ damage within five years of diagnosis due to long-term corticosteroid use and disease activity.14,18 Even a small reduction in daily oral corticosteroid use (for example 1mg/day) can lower the risk of organ damage.19 Recent updates to clinical guidelines elevate the importance of treating to target remission or low disease activity and minimising the use of oral corticosteroids.9,10
 
EULAR treatment recommendations
The recently updated international SLE treatment recommendations from the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) emphasise the need for prompt initiation of treatment aiming at remission, which is associated with improved clinical outcomes including reduced organ damage, fewer flares, reduced hospitalisation, reduced mortality and improved health-related quality of life.10 The revised SLE treatment recommendations advise an OCS-sparing approach (a threshold of 5mg per day or less) to significantly reduce disease progression and improve quality of life for patients.10
 
TULIP-SC
TULIP-SC was a Phase III, multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a subcutaneous administration of anifrolumab versus placebo in participants aged 18 to 70 years with moderate to severe, active, autoantibody-positive SLE while receiving standard therapy (oral corticosteroids, antimalarial, and/or immunosuppressants).20
  
The reduction of disease activity was measured using the British Isles Lupus Assessment Group based Composite Lupus Assessment (BICLA) at week 52.20 The BICLA requires improvement in all organs with disease activity at baseline with no new flares.20
 
Participants (367) were randomised 1:1 to receive 120mg subcutaneous dose of anifrolumab or placebo administered via a pre-filled, single-use syringe.20 A planned interim analysis was conducted when the first 220 participants reached week 52.20 The trial also includes an open-label extension period of 52 weeks for participants who completed the 52-week treatment period.20
 
Saphnelo subcutaneous administration   
Since 2021, Saphnelo has been available in an IV infusion administered by healthcare professionals in a hospital or clinic setting. The potential option for a subcutaneous administration with Saphnelo will enable patients and caregivers to administer the medicine at home or in clinic via a simple process.
 
Saphnelo
Saphnelo (anifrolumab) is a first-in-class, fully human monoclonal antibody that binds to subunit 1 of the type I interferon (IFN) receptor, blocking the activity of type I IFN.5,21 Type I IFNs, such as IFN-alpha, IFN-beta and IFN-kappa, are cytokines involved in regulating the inflammatory pathways implicated in SLE.22-27
 
Saphnelo continues to be evaluated in diseases where type I IFN plays a key role, including Phase III trials in cutaneous lupus erythematosus, myositis, systemic sclerosis and lupus nephritis.28-31
 
AstraZeneca in Respiratory & Immunology
Respiratory & Immunology, part of AstraZeneca BioPharmaceuticals, is a key disease area and growth driver to the Company.
AstraZeneca is an established leader in respiratory care with a 50-year heritage and a growing portfolio of medicines in immune-mediated diseases. The Company is committed to addressing the vast unmet needs of these chronic, often debilitating, diseases with a pipeline and portfolio of inhaled medicines, biologics and new modalities aimed at previously unreachable biologic targets. Our ambition is to deliver life-changing medicines that help eliminate COPD as a leading cause of death, eliminate asthma attacks and achieve clinical remission in immune-mediated diseases.
 
AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca (LSE/STO/Nasdaq: AZN) is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialisation of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Diseases, and BioPharmaceuticals, including Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology. Based in Cambridge, UK, AstraZeneca's innovative medicines are sold in more than 125 countries and used by millions of patients worldwide. Please visit astrazeneca.com and follow the Company on Social Media @AstraZeneca.
 
Contacts
For details on how to contact the Investor Relations Team, please click here. For Media contacts, click here.
 
References
1.   AstraZeneca. Saphnelo self-administration TULIP-SC Phase III trial meets primary endpoint in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus based on an interim analysis. Available at: Saphnelo self-administration TULIP-SC Phase III trial meets primary endpoint in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus based on an interim analysis.  [Last accessed: October 2025].
2.   Furie R, et al. What does it mean to be a British Isles Lupus Assessment group-based composite lupus assessment responder? Post hoc analysis of two phase III trials. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2021;73:2059-2068.
3.   Morand E, et al. Trial of anifrolumab in active systemic lupus erythematosus. N Engl J Med. 2020;382(3):211-221.   
4.   Furie R, et al. Type I interferon inhibitor anifrolumab in active systemic lupus erythematosus (TULIP-1): a randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial. Lancet Rheumatol. 2019;1(4):e208-e219.  
5.   Furie R, et al. Anifrolumab, an anti-interferona receptor monoclonal antibody, in moderatetosevere systemic lupus erythematosus. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2017;69(2):376-386. 
6.   Tian J, et al. Global epidemiology of systemic lupus erythematosus: a comprehensive systematic analysis and modelling study. Ann Rheum Dis. 2023;82(3):351-356.
7.   Bruce IN, et al. Factors associated with damage accrual in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: results from the systemic lupus international collaborating Clinics (SLICC) inception cohort. Ann Rheum Dis. 2015;74:1706-1713.
8.   Guéry JC. Why is systemic lupus erythematosus more common in women?. Joint Bone Spine. 2019;86(3):297-299.
9.   American College of Rheumatology. 2025 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) guideline for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Available at: sle-guideline-summary-2025.pdf. [Last accessed: October 2025].
10.  Fanouriakis A, et al. EULAR recommendations for the management of systemic lupus erythematosus: 2023 update. Ann Rheum Dis. 2024;83:15-29.  
11.  Kaul A, et al. Systemic lupus erythematosus. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2016;2:16039.
12.  Barber MRW, et al. Global epidemiology of systemic lupus erythematosus. Nat Rev Rheuatol. 2021;17(9):515-532.
13.  Apostolopoulos D and Morand EF. It hasn't gone away: the problem of glucocorticoid use in lupus remains. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2017;56(Suppl 1):i114-22. 
14.  Ji L, et al. Low-dose glucocorticoids should be withdrawn or continued in systemic lupus erythematosus? A systematic review and meta-analysis on risk of flare and damage accrual. Rheumatology. 2021;60:5517-26. 
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Matthew Bowden
Company Secretary
AstraZeneca PLC
 
 
 
 
 
 
SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
AstraZeneca PLC
 
 
Date: 20 October 2025
 
 
By: /s/ Matthew Bowden
 
Name: Matthew Bowden
 
Title: Company Secretary

FAQ

What did AZN announce on this 6-K?

A positive CHMP recommendation for EU approval of a once-weekly, self-administered subcutaneous Saphnelo (anifrolumab) for adult SLE alongside standard therapy.

What evidence supports subcutaneous Saphnelo?

Interim Phase III TULIP-SC results showed a statistically significant and clinically meaningful reduction in disease activity versus placebo with safety consistent with IV.

How is the new Saphnelo formulation used?

It is a once-weekly subcutaneous pre-filled pen for self-administration by adult SLE patients on top of standard therapy.

Where is Saphnelo currently approved?

The IV infusion is approved for moderate to severe SLE in more than 70 countries, including the US, EU and Japan.

How many patients have been treated with Saphnelo?

More than 40,000 patients globally have been treated with Saphnelo to date.

Are there financial obligations tied to Saphnelo sales?

Yes. AstraZeneca pays Bristol-Myers Squibb a low to mid-teens royalty on Saphnelo sales, dependent on geography.

Is subcutaneous Saphnelo being reviewed outside the EU?

Yes. Subcutaneous administration is under regulatory review in several other countries.
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