Post-marketing experiences with belimumab in the treatment of SLE patients

Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2014 Aug;40(3):507-17, viii. doi: 10.1016/j.rdc.2014.04.007. Epub 2014 Jun 3.

Abstract

Belimumab (Benlysta) is a human recombinant monoclonal antibody that targets and inhibits soluble B-lymphocyte stimulator, also known as B-cell activating factor, a proliferation and survival factor for B cells. The published clinical trials data showed that in patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), belimumab effectively reduced peripheral B-cell levels and improved disease activity. This article reviews the belimumab clinical trials and the post-marketing experience with belimumab in the treatment of those lupus patients with persistent active disease despite current standard of care (SOC) therapy.

Keywords: Belimumab; Lupus; Observational studies; SLE.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / therapeutic use*
  • B-Cell Activating Factor / immunology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic* / drug therapy
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic* / immunology
  • Male
  • Observational Studies as Topic
  • Product Surveillance, Postmarketing / methods
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • B-Cell Activating Factor
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • belimumab