GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) researchers recently published results from a study indicating that use of one of its products, Benlysta (belimumab) -- when coupled with standard of care over a five-year period -- slowed organ damage in patients living with moderate to severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
The trial was a two-pooled, open label continuation study.
“This is the first analysis to investigate Benlysta’s long-term effect on organ damage,” Ian Bruce, professor at the University of Manchester, said. “Whilst this is an open-label continuation study, the results are very encouraging and suggest that use of more targeted therapies may slow progression of irreversible long-term damage for lupus patients. Further studies to examine this question further would be warranted.”
Benlysta comes in several variations, including 120 milligrams in a five-milliliter single-use vial and 400 milligrams in a 20-milliliter single-use vial for injection. It is tested and prescribed for intravenous use only.
