Benlysta Hopes to Change Lupus Treatment Forever

Human Genome Sciences and GlaxoSmithKline, recently announced impressive results from their yearlong clinical trial for lupus treatment Benlysta.

The study has finished after 52 weeks of lupus patients being treated by Benlysta, and showed significant patient improvement overall, without any crucial flare-ups in one or more isolated organs when compared to placebo patients.  In addition, Benlysta patients were able to minimize their steroid intake.

This is the largest study to have been conducted and completed for lupus and the first Phase III (late stage) trial of a new biological immune therapy.   Benlysta is the first lupus treatment option to emerge in the last 50 years.  Benlysta will undergo another study, which will focus on a longer-term Phase III clinical study.  The data from both studies will be evaluated by the US FDA, pending approval.