Belimumab: A Review in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

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Blair HA, Duggan ST

Belimumab: A Review in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Drugs. 2018 Mar;78(3):355-366. doi: 10.1007/s40265-018-0872-z.

PubMed ID

29396833 [ View in PubMed

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Abstract

Belimumab (Benlysta((R))) is a human immunoglobulin G1lambda monoclonal antibody that inhibits the binding of soluble B lymphocyte stimulator to B cells. It is the only biological agent currently approved for the treatment of non-renal systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Belimumab is approved in the EU, the USA and other countries as add-on therapy in adult patients with active, autoantibody-positive SLE despite standard therapy. In phase III trials, treatment with IV or SC belimumab plus standard therapy was effective in terms of reducing overall disease activity and reducing the incidence and severity of flares, without worsening of patients' overall condition or the development of significant disease activity in new organ systems. Sustained disease control was maintained during longer-term (up to 10 years) treatment with IV belimumab. Belimumab also demonstrated steroid-sparing effects and was associated with clinically meaningful improvements in health-related quality of life and fatigue. Belimumab was generally well tolerated in clinical trials, with low rates of immunogenicity. In view of the flexibility regarding the route of administration and the convenience of the once-weekly, self-administered, SC regimen, add-on therapy with belimumab is a useful treatment option for patients with active, autoantibody-positive SLE despite standard therapy.

DrugBank Data that Cites this Article

Drugs

Belimumab

Drug Targets

Drug	Target	Kind	Organism	Pharmacological Action	Actions
Belimumab	Tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 13B	Protein	Humans	Yes	Antibody	Details