Woohoo! Benlysta's approved!
After more than 52 years, the FDA has approved a new drug to treat lupus, a drug that is, in fact, the first drug EVER to be specifically developed to treat the disease. What a milestone!
On Wednesday, March 9th, the FDA approved Benlysta for the treatment of systemic lupus. The drug came out of Human Genome Sciences, Inc., which is located right here in Rockville, Maryland. I had the pleasure of passing on a copy of my book to one of the doctors working on the Benlysta team at HGSI. Maybe I should get a few more copies in circulation among other pharmaceutical companies to provide the same motivation!
Looks like the drug is going to be in the hands of doctors and patients by the end of the month. In the meantime, here are some commonly asked questions about the drug. Read up now so you'll be informed when the drug comes a-calling!
(For a complete list of FAQ, check out this link to the Lupus Foundation of America. They cover everything!)
What is BENLYSTA?
BENLYSTA is a human monoclonal antibody, which is a type of protein made in the laboratory that is developed to find and attach to only one type of substance in the body.
How does BENLYSTA work?
BENLYSTA is a human monoclonal antibody that specifically recognizes and blocks the biological activity of B-lymphocyte stimulator, or BLyS® (pronounced bliss), a naturally occurring protein which was discovered by scientists at Human Genome Sciences (HGS). Elevated levels of BLyS prolong the survival of B cells which can contribute to the production of autoantibodies – antibodies that target the body’s own tissues. Studies have shown that BENLYSTA can reduce autoantibody levels and help control autoimmune disease activity.
What does an FDA approval of BENLYSTA mean for people with lupus?
BENLYSTA represents a breakthrough in the treatment of lupus. BENLYSTA is the first drug approved to treat lupus in more than 50 years AND is the first drug developed specifically for lupus since the disease was discovered more than a century ago! Successful treatment of lupus will require an arsenal of safe, effective, and tolerable treatments. The approval of BENLYSTA is a significant first step toward reaching that goal.
What makes BENLYSTA different from other lupus treatments?
BENLYSTA is the FIRST FDA-approved medication specifically designed for the treatment of lupus. BENLYSTA targets specific immune cells, rather than the blanket approach of other therapies which suppress the entire immune system. Currently approved medications for lupus are borrowed from other diseases and conditions; other treatments are used off-label, which means they were never approved by the FDA for lupus. Many of these treatments have serious and devastating side effects.
These drugs include high doses of steroids, antimalarial medications, immunosupressive drugs, and organ-rejection drugs.
Who should take BENLYSTA? Will it work for everyone?
Each person with lupus is unique, and BENLYSTA will not be an option for everyone. You will need to discuss with your doctor if BENLYSTA may be an appropriate treatment option for you.
BENLYSTA is approved for the treatment of adult patients with active, autoantibody-positive systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who are receiving standard therapy.
The label for BENLYSTA includes the following limitations of use: The efficacy of BENLYSTA has not been evaluated in patients with severe active lupus nephritis or severe active central nervous system lupus, and has not been studied in combination with other biologics or intravenous cyclophosphamide. Use of BENLYSTA is therefore not recommended in these situations. Nor has BENLYSTA been approved for use in children. More clinical studies are needed.
What side effects have been found with BENLYSTA?
The most commonly reported adverse reactions with BENLYSTA were nausea, diarrhea, pyrexia, nasopharyngitis, bronchitis, insomnia, pain in extremity, depression, migraine, and pharyngitis.
How is BENLYSTA administered?
BENLYSTA is administered through an IV (intravenous) infusion directly into the vein.
How much does BENLYSTA cost?
We understand that there are going to be many questions, particularly around the affordability and accessibly of BENLYSTA, and the LFA will continue to address these important issues, and provide information as it is available.
Why has it taken so long to find a treatment for lupus?
Lupus is a complex disease. It can affect multiple organ systems and symptoms can range in severity from one day to the next. Also, lupus affects each person differently, with varying responses to treatment. The complexity and heterogeneity of the disease presents challenges in evaluating potential new therapies. With each research study, regardless of the outcome, there are new discoveries that help pave the way for new therapies.
On Wednesday, March 9th, the FDA approved Benlysta for the treatment of systemic lupus. The drug came out of Human Genome Sciences, Inc., which is located right here in Rockville, Maryland. I had the pleasure of passing on a copy of my book to one of the doctors working on the Benlysta team at HGSI. Maybe I should get a few more copies in circulation among other pharmaceutical companies to provide the same motivation!
Looks like the drug is going to be in the hands of doctors and patients by the end of the month. In the meantime, here are some commonly asked questions about the drug. Read up now so you'll be informed when the drug comes a-calling!
(For a complete list of FAQ, check out this link to the Lupus Foundation of America. They cover everything!)
What is BENLYSTA?
BENLYSTA is a human monoclonal antibody, which is a type of protein made in the laboratory that is developed to find and attach to only one type of substance in the body.
How does BENLYSTA work?
BENLYSTA is a human monoclonal antibody that specifically recognizes and blocks the biological activity of B-lymphocyte stimulator, or BLyS® (pronounced bliss), a naturally occurring protein which was discovered by scientists at Human Genome Sciences (HGS). Elevated levels of BLyS prolong the survival of B cells which can contribute to the production of autoantibodies – antibodies that target the body’s own tissues. Studies have shown that BENLYSTA can reduce autoantibody levels and help control autoimmune disease activity.
What does an FDA approval of BENLYSTA mean for people with lupus?
BENLYSTA represents a breakthrough in the treatment of lupus. BENLYSTA is the first drug approved to treat lupus in more than 50 years AND is the first drug developed specifically for lupus since the disease was discovered more than a century ago! Successful treatment of lupus will require an arsenal of safe, effective, and tolerable treatments. The approval of BENLYSTA is a significant first step toward reaching that goal.
What makes BENLYSTA different from other lupus treatments?
BENLYSTA is the FIRST FDA-approved medication specifically designed for the treatment of lupus. BENLYSTA targets specific immune cells, rather than the blanket approach of other therapies which suppress the entire immune system. Currently approved medications for lupus are borrowed from other diseases and conditions; other treatments are used off-label, which means they were never approved by the FDA for lupus. Many of these treatments have serious and devastating side effects.
These drugs include high doses of steroids, antimalarial medications, immunosupressive drugs, and organ-rejection drugs.
Who should take BENLYSTA? Will it work for everyone?
Each person with lupus is unique, and BENLYSTA will not be an option for everyone. You will need to discuss with your doctor if BENLYSTA may be an appropriate treatment option for you.
BENLYSTA is approved for the treatment of adult patients with active, autoantibody-positive systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who are receiving standard therapy.
The label for BENLYSTA includes the following limitations of use: The efficacy of BENLYSTA has not been evaluated in patients with severe active lupus nephritis or severe active central nervous system lupus, and has not been studied in combination with other biologics or intravenous cyclophosphamide. Use of BENLYSTA is therefore not recommended in these situations. Nor has BENLYSTA been approved for use in children. More clinical studies are needed.
What side effects have been found with BENLYSTA?
The most commonly reported adverse reactions with BENLYSTA were nausea, diarrhea, pyrexia, nasopharyngitis, bronchitis, insomnia, pain in extremity, depression, migraine, and pharyngitis.
How is BENLYSTA administered?
BENLYSTA is administered through an IV (intravenous) infusion directly into the vein.
How much does BENLYSTA cost?
We understand that there are going to be many questions, particularly around the affordability and accessibly of BENLYSTA, and the LFA will continue to address these important issues, and provide information as it is available.
Why has it taken so long to find a treatment for lupus?
Lupus is a complex disease. It can affect multiple organ systems and symptoms can range in severity from one day to the next. Also, lupus affects each person differently, with varying responses to treatment. The complexity and heterogeneity of the disease presents challenges in evaluating potential new therapies. With each research study, regardless of the outcome, there are new discoveries that help pave the way for new therapies.
Comments
Interesting times to be living in, right?
This is the reason I am fighting so hard for my Rituximab to keep going. It may be off-label, but it works in a similar fashion to Belimumab. Target specific function.
Sigh... just around the corner... gotta keep believing..
Anonymous - And your participation gives us all hope!! Thanks so much and fingers crossed that it continues to work its magic.