LJP 394 (abetimus sodium, Riquent) in the management of systemic lupus erythematosus.
LJP 394 (abetimus, Riquent, La Jolla Pharmaceuticals) is four oligonucleotide B cell toleragen which acts as an 'anti-anti DNA'. Given as a weekly infusion, Phase 1, 2, and 3 studies with this biologic on close to 1,000 patients have demonstrated no toxicity of any note. In patients with lupus nephritis and an elevated anti-DNA (Farr assay) who have a high affinity to LJP 394, the drug significantly decreases anti-DNA, improves quality of life, and trends towards reducing renal flares. LJP 394 is a promising induction and/or maintenance therapy for lupus patients with elevated anti-DNA and active disease.
Wallace
D J
DJ
Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Cedars-Sinai/UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, USA. dwallace@ucla.edu
Tumlin
J A
JA
D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009841:Oligonucleotides / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D009841:Oligonucleotides; C094104:abetimus