Belimumab in systemic lupus erythematosus: a perspective review.
Belimumab (Benlysta(®)) is a fully humanized monoclonal antibody that inhibits B-lymphocyte stimulator (also known as B cell activating factor of the tumor necrosis factor family) and was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Evaluation Agency for treatment of autoantibody-positive systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in adults. This review discusses the key findings of the phase III trials, post hoc analyses, and real-world postmarketing use of belimumab in the routine care of SLE patients. It also highlights the safety profile of belimumab and gives insight into its potential use to treat childhood-onset SLE. It concludes with a discussion of the current clinical trials investigating belimumab in specific SLE disease states and a look to the future with novel targeted B-cell therapies.
Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of New York-Presbyterian, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
Joyce S
JS
Hui-Yuen
Division of Rheumatology, New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
Xiao Q
XQ
Li
Division of Adult Rheumatology, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University Medical Center, 630 W 168th St, P&S Building, 10th floor, New York, NY 10032, USA.
Anca D
AD
Askanase
belimumab; lupus treatment; systemic lupus erythematosus