Systemic lupus erythematosus is a complex autoimmune disease that remains challenging to treat. Recent advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of SLE pave the way for the evaluation of biologic medicine. The most promising therapeutic targets in SLE are those that interfere with B cells count or normal function, interferon inhibitors, JAK inhibitors and biologicals that alter the cytokines imbalance that characterizes SLE. Recent phase 3 clinical trials have evaluated the role of belimumab in lupus nephritis and the usefulness of anifrolumab in the treatment of moderate to severe SLE. Many more trials are currently underway and may improve the level of care of patients with SLE in the near future.