 Systemic lupus erythematosus SLE is an autoimmune disease of unclear cause that affects primarily women of childbearing age. Patients with lupus have a significantly increased risk of developing complications of their blood vessels due to accelerated hardening of the arteries atherosclerosis. These complications include heart attacks and stroke. No drug to date has proven to prevent this type of complication in lupus and premature vascular disease significantly impacts the quality of life of these patients and enhances their risk of death. 