Value of antimalarial drugs in the treatment of lupus

Antimalarial agents are now used as the standard of care for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The first documented use of antimalarial medications dates back to the sixteenth century. However, it was not until 1951 when Page, extrapolating from the observations he made during the Second World War, demonstrated clear success in treating 18 patients with cutaneous lupus. This was the beginning of a new era. Hydroxychloroquine came on the market in 1955 and, over the course of a few decades became the cornerstone of SLE treatment.