For the first time there are medications being designed specifically for lupus. These new medications are called Biologics. Biologics are advanced medications designed to target specific components of the immune system, unlike older, non-specific drugs such as steroids and immunosuppressants. They are crucial because they target specific pathways in the immune system to reduce inflammation and prevent joint and tissue damage, thus allowing faster and more effective tapering of corticosteroids and improving overall physical function and quality of life.

Currently, these medications are only available to lupus patients under the Exceptional Access Program (EAP). This program requires rheumatologists to undergo an extensive time-consuming, and detailed application process to gain approval. The EAP approval process takes 3-5 weeks, imposing an unnecessary administrative burden on already resource-constrained rheumatologists and significantly delaying access for lupus patients in need. In addition, the EAP process only grants approval for 12 months making reapplication necessary. This creates additional administrative burden and interruptions in treatment.In the summer of 2024, Lupus Ontario created a Biologics Petition advocating for a change in the usage code of lupus biologics from EAP to Limited Use (LU). The petition was to support and endorse the listing of all current and new lupus-specific biologics approved by the Canada Drug Agency on the Ontario Drug Formulary under the Limited Use code. Signatures have been collected and will be presented at the Ontario Legislature in the Spring of 2025.