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Biologic Differences Between Various Inhibitors of the BLyS/BAFF Pathway: Should We Expect Differences Between Belimumab and Other Inhibitors in Development?

  • SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS (JT MERRILL, SECTION EDITOR)
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Abstract

For the first time in more than 50 years, the US Food and Drug Administration has approved a drug specifically for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This drug, belimumab, is a monoclonal antibody that neutralizes the B-cell survival factor, B-lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS). Although belimumab has demonstrated a very favorable safety profile, many SLE patients have failed to clinically improve from belimumab therapy. Three additional BLyS antagonists (atacicept, blisibimod, tabalumab) are currently undergoing clinical testing. These antagonists subtly differ from belimumab in their biologic targets, and each is administered through a route (subcutaneous) that differs from the route through which belimumab is currently delivered (intravenous). Whether these differences will have meaningful consequences for efficacy and safety remains to be determined.

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Disclosure

Dr. Stohl has received clinical trial support from Human Genome Sciences, Eli Lilly and Company, and Amgen.

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  1. Division of Rheumatology, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, 2011 Zonal Avenue, HMR 711, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA

    William Stohl

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Correspondence to William Stohl.

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Stohl, W. Biologic Differences Between Various Inhibitors of the BLyS/BAFF Pathway: Should We Expect Differences Between Belimumab and Other Inhibitors in Development?. Curr Rheumatol Rep 14, 303–309 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-012-0254-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-012-0254-6

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