title: Targeted B cell therapies in the treatment of adult and pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus.
abstract: Belimumab (Benlysta) is a fully-humanized monoclonal antibody that inhibits B-lymphocyte stimulator (also known as B cell activating factor) and was approved by the U.S. Federal Drug Administration and European Medicines Evaluation Agency for treatment in adults with autoantibody-positive systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Rituximab (Rituxan) is a chimeric anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody targeting B lymphocytes. This review discusses the key findings of the phase III trials in adults with SLE and of real-world use of belimumab and rituximab in the care of both adult and pediatric SLE patients. It highlights the safety profile of belimumab and rituximab and gives insight into the consideration of these therapies for specific SLE disease states. It concludes with a discussion of the current clinical trials investigating B cell therapies in specific SLE disease states and a look to the future, with ongoing clinical trials.
authors: Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children Medical Center, Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine, USA.
authors: J S
authors: JS
authors: Hui-Yuen
authors: Division of Rheumatology, New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, USA.
authors: S C
authors: SC
authors: Nguyen
authors: Division of Rheumatology, New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, USA ada20@cumc.columbia.edu.
authors: A D
authors: AD
authors: Askanase
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D017326:Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007223:Infant; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D064887:Observational Studies as Topic; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D000069283:Rituximab / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D000069283:Rituximab; C511911:belimumab
keywords: Belimumab; lupus treatment; rituximab; systemic lupus erythematosus