Positive Results for Human Genome’s Lupus Drug Benlysta

Biotechnology company Human Genome Sciences reported that its drug candidate Benlysta reduced symptoms of lupus in a long-term clinical trial. The four-year Phase II study showed that Benlysta (also known as belimumab) decreased the severity and frequency of flare-ups in patients with a form of the disease called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Benlysta was generally well-tolerated and showed no decrease in efficacy over time. Shares of Rockville, MD-based Human Genome jumped over 20 percent in premarket trading on Thursday. However, Reuters reports that some analysts are still cautious about the future of Benlysta. Given the erratic nature of SLE, researchers may have difficulty determining the long-term effectiveness of any treatment.

 SLE is the most common form of lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease that can attack any part of the body. Some of the more serious complications of SLE include inflammation of the kidneys, pulmonary hypertension, inflammation of the nervous system and brain (possibly leading to stroke), and coronary artery disease. The Lupus Foundation of America estimates that 1.5 million people in the U.S. suffer from lupus, with 16,000 new cases reported annually. Women of childbearing age are most likely to develop the disease, although it can strike anyone.

Other companies developing pharmaceuticals to treat lupus include Genelabs Technologies, Watson Pharmaceuticals, VLST Corporation, and La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company. Pittsburgh-based StageMark is working on diagnostic and monitoring solutions for autoimmune diseases such as lupus. Accordant Health Services of Greensboro, NC, offers disease management programs to patients suffering from lupus and other chronic conditions.



4 Responses to “Positive Results for Human Genome’s Lupus Drug Benlysta”

1. Ltroberts95 says:

   June 24, 2009 at 5:59 am

   Hope this one will be one that can help everyone with SLE…would be great for my husband, if all the other meds hasn’t damaged his organs already….Would love any information on this new med to pass along to the doctor….
2. Jgrigor says:

   July 16, 2009 at 11:15 am

   Will know on Monday 7/20 if it passes. The lupus sufferers would have a relief drug the stock will then soar and this would be a great thing. A win, win situation. Check out HGSI. This is the maker of the drug “Benlysta” I hope it works..
3. » Human Genome’s Lupus Drug Surprises Analysts | OneMedPlace » Archive says:

   July 20, 2009 at 10:12 pm

   [...] Related post: Positive Results for Human Genome’s Lupus Drug Benlysta [...]
4. MARTHA PUPIALES says:

   July 30, 2009 at 12:15 pm

   HOLA BUENAS TARDES ESTADO MIRANDO LO DEL NUEVO MEDICAMENTO EXPERIMENTAL PARA EL LUPUS ME TENER MAS INFORMACION SOBRE ELLO YA QUE TENGO UNA HIJA CON 11 AÑOS CON LUPUS Y YA LLEVAMOS MAS DE UN AÑO CON ELLO Y LOS MEDICOS NO LOGRAN ESTABILISALE CON LOS MEDICAMENTOS YA EXISTENTES Y ASI LLEVAMOS BROTE TRAS BROTE .
   AVER SI TIENE EXITO EL NUEVO MEDICAMENTO Y PODRIAN PASAR LA IMFORMACION A SER POSIBLE EN ESPAÑOL YA QUE YO NO COMPRENDO INGLES GRACIAS UN SALUDO.
5. MOREIRA MONICA says:

   August 27, 2009 at 6:01 pm

   ME PARECE MARAVILLOSO Y ALENTADOR SABER QUE EXISTE UNA MEDICACIÓN PARA EL LUPUS, MUCHAS PERSONAS NO TENEMOS DEMASIADAS ESPERANZAS CON EL CORTICOIDE, SABEMOS QUE ES PALIATIVO Y SOLO ALIVIA, PERO NO CURA
   ADEMAS DE LOS DAÑOS COLATERALES A LOS CUALES DEBEMOS ENFRENTARNOS. QUE TIEMPO DE ESPERA DEBERÍAMOS TENER PARA TENER RESULTADOS CERTEROS, Y CUANTO DURARÍA EL TRATAMIENTO, Y OTRA COSA FUNDAMENTAL, EL COSTO DEL MEDICAMENTO. TENGO LUPUS DETECTADO HACE TRES AÑOS, AUNQUE LOS PRIMEROS SÍNTOMAS APARECIERON
   HACE 11 AÑOS, PROVE TRATAMIENTOS, PERO ME TEMO QUE AVANZA, MI EDAD ES DE 41 AÑOS.
   DESDE YA MUCHAS GRACIAS POR EL ESPACIO , NOS SENTIMOS OÍDOS,TODAS LAS BENDICIONES…