In Switzerland, around 2’400 to 4’000 people suffer from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a rare but potentially life-threatening autoimmune disease.1 It mainly affects women between the ages of 15 and 44 and is often associated with a significant reduction in quality of life.2 A new Swiss study by AstraZeneca, supported by the patient organisation ‘lupus suisse’ and the association ‘Swiss SLE Cohort Study’, now shows for the first time how those affected cope with the disease – and which strategies help them to better manage their everyday lives.1
A survey of 146 lupus patients living in Switzerland shows that 74 per cent rely on active coping strategies to overcome physical, emotional and practical challenges. These include open communication with healthcare professionals, actively seeking information, physical activities to promote well-being, and emotional processing through journaling, mindfulness, therapy or support groups. Passive patients who withdraw or repress the disease, on the other hand, report a significantly lower quality of life and that they use more painkillers.
Active coping strategies go hand in hand with an improved quality of life
The diagnosis of lupus is complex because the symptoms are very diverse, can occur in episodes and sometimes resemble other diseases. AstraZeneca has been involved in lupus research for many years with the aim of better understanding the mechanisms of the disease and developing new, more effective treatment options. It is crucial to take the patient’s perspective into account. Marie-Louise Hagen-Perrenoud, board member of «lupus suisse» and a lupus sufferer herself, emphasises: «Improving quality of life depends largely on early diagnosis, appropriate treatment and clear, understandable communication with those affected.»
Promoting research and targeted care
The results show for the first time what kind of support makes the biggest difference in everyday life. They form a solid basis for designing more targeted care services and better tailoring therapies to individual needs. «This study shows us specifically what kind of support really helps lupus patients. Only when we understand their perspective can we develop therapies that are not only medically effective but also noticeably improve their quality of life», explains Florian Saur, Managing Director of AstraZeneca Switzerland.
About the study
Respondents:
- 146 lupus patients in Switzerland
- Average age: 48.5 years; 85.6% women
- Median duration of illness: 12 years
The study was reviewed and approved by the Commission cantonale d’éthique de la recherche Genève (BASEC-ID: 2023-01927)
Further information on lupus, symptoms and treatment options: lupus-suisse.ch
To the study: sciencedirect.com
S. Yaghmaei, J.A. Schäfer, K. Schmiedeberg, M. Trendelenburg, J. von Kempis, C. Balbo Pogliano, P. Langer, P. Wörner, C. Chizzolini, POS0172 DISEASE COPING MECHANISMS AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS, Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, Volume 84, Supplement 1, 2025, Pages 458-459, ISSN 0003-4967, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ard.2025.05.560.
Media contact
Tel. +41 (0) 41 725 75 75; media.switzerland@astrazeneca.com
Barbara Hess, Corporate Communications Lead, AstraZeneca Switzerland
AstraZeneca in Switzerland
AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that has been present in Switzerland for nearly 50 years, ranking among the country’s top ten revenue-generating pharmaceutical firms. AstraZeneca focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialisation of prescription medicines in the areas of Oncology, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, Respiratory and Immunology, and Rare Diseases. Over 285 employees in Switzerland are committed to providing patients with life-changing medicines and making a positive impact on the healthcare system, society, and the planet. Currently, over 230’000 people are treated with a drug from AstraZeneca in Switzerland. Between 2025 and 2027, the company expects the approval of over 35 new therapies. AstraZeneca has pledged to an inclusive work environment based on respect and acceptance. The company was thus recognised as a «Great Place to Work» for the seventh consecutive time in 2025 and carries the «Swiss LGBTI label». AstraZeneca aims to be CO2-negative by 2030.
For more information: www.astrazeneca.ch
References
1 Based on figures from the Swiss Rheumatism League (2’400) and Lupus Suisse (4’000)
2 https://www.lupus.org/resources/lupus-facts-and-statistics