TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan College of Rheumatology Chair Li Ko-jen (李克仁) urged the government to include a new lupus drug in National Health Insurance coverage to reduce the risk of complications and dialysis, per CNA.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues and organs, causing widespread inflammation. It commonly affects the skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, and blood cells. While there is no cure, treatment focuses on controlling symptoms through medication.

The association said about 60% of people with the condition develop kidney inflammation, which can lead to dialysis if not properly controlled. It said antibodies can reach the kidneys and become trapped, triggering inflammation.

The group said the new drug approved by the Ministry of Health and Welfare can reduce kidney damage and lower the need for steroids. Typical lupus treatments rely on steroids and immunosuppressant drugs, which can also harm healthy cells.

Li said the condition commonly affects women aged 15 to 45, who are nine times more likely to develop it than men. The ministry said Taiwan has about 25,000 people living with the condition.

He cited the case of a 40-year-old woman whose excessive protein in her urine led to severe abdominal fluid buildup. After receiving the new drug, her condition improved and her need for steroids was greatly reduced.

Tsai Yun-chen (蔡昀臻), an immunologist at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, said people with the condition often need steroids to reduce immune attacks on organs. However, long-term steroid use can cause side effects such as weight gain, thinning skin, and weak bones.