Belimumab, an anti-BLyS human monoclonal antibody for potential treatment of inflammatory autoimmune diseases.
BACKGROUND
B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) is a factor determining the survival of B cells, and elevated levels in serum or locally have been observed in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Belimumab (LymphoStat-B), a human monoclonal antibody that inhibits BlyS, was developed for the treatment of these diseases.


OBJECTIVE
To summarize preclinical development, efficacy and safety of belimumab in treatment of RA and SLE.


METHODS
Articles found in a PubMed search and data presented in abstract form at international conferences up to August 2008 are described.


CONCLUSIONS
Belimumab was well tolerated in treatment of RA over 24 weeks and SLE over 3 years. It significantly decreased rheumatoid factor (RF) levels, and modestly reduced symptoms of RA, especially in some subgroups such as patients with high disease activity, positive RF and no anti-TNF treatment experience. It also significantly reduced symptoms of SLE, and decreased anti-double-stranded DNA autoantibodies among patients with positive baseline anti-double-stranded DNA or antinuclear antibodies during a long-period treatment. These results suggest that careful patient selection is necessary to achieve optimal outcomes.
University of Tasmania, Menzies Research Institute, Private Bag 23, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia. changhai.ding@utas.edu.au
Changhai
C
Ding
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000737:chemistry; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D053264:B-Cell Activating Factor / Q000378:metabolism; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D007249:Inflammation / Q000628:therapy*; D008024:Ligands; D013256:Steroids / Q000378:metabolism; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D001323:Autoantibodies; D053264:B-Cell Activating Factor; D008024:Ligands; D013256:Steroids; C511911:belimumab; D004247:DNA