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Synonyms: Benlysta® | hBlySmAb-1.1 | LimphoStat-B | lymphostat-B
belimumab is an approved drug (FDA (2011), EMA (2011))
Compound class:
Antibody
Comment: Belimumab is a monoclonal antibody targeting TNFSF13B (BAFF; BLyS) [1,4] , an immunostimulant essential for normal B cell maintenance and humoral immunity [5], and which is reported to be elevated in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and other autoimmune diseases
View more information in the IUPHAR Pharmacology Education Project: belimumab |
| No information available. |
Summary of Clinical Use  |
| Approved as an adjunctive treatment for systematic lupus erythematosus (SLE) [3]. The original formulation of belimumab was administered intravenously. In July 2017, a new self-injectable subcutaneous formulation of belimumab for the treatment of adult patients with active, autoantibody‑positive SLE was FDA approved, which allows patients to self-administer their medicine at home rather than going to medical facilities to receive their i.v. infusions. Additional indications being evaluated with belimumab include vasculitis (Phase 3), and myaesthenia gravis and transplant rejection (both Phase 2). |
| Mechanism Of Action and Pharmacodynamic Effects |
| Suppresses B-cell mediated immunity and the autoimmune response by binding to circulating soluble TNFSF13B (BAFF; BLyS), effectively reducing the amount of TNFSF13B available to mediate B-cell activation [2,4]. |
| External links |
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For extended ADME data see the following: Electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC) Drugs.com European Medicines Agency (EMA) |
