Belimumab in systemic lupus erythematosus.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is one of the most challenging autoimmune disorders with a complex pathophysiology and diverse clinical presentation. Many drugs have been used to treat SLE with suboptimal results, especially in patients with moderate-to-severe disease. Belimumab is the first biological drug to be approved for the treatment of SLE in more than 50 years. This monoclonal antibody blocks B-cell activating factor, a cytokine important for B-cell differentiation and survival. In this review we focus on the activity of belimumab in patients with SLE and discuss the controversies of its use.
Internal Medicine Department , Hospital Pedro Hispano , Matosinhos , Portugal.
Andreia
A
Vilas-Boas
Internal Medicine Department , Hospital Pedro Hispano , Matosinhos , Portugal.
Sandra A
SA
Morais
Centre for Rheumatology, University College London Hospitals , London , UK.
David A
DA
Isenberg
Amyloidosis; Anticardiolipin Antibodies; Antiphospholipid Antibodies