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LymphoStat-B® (belimumab)

LymphoStat-B® is a human monoclonal antibody that inhibits the biological activity of B-lymphocyte stimulator, or BLyS®. BLyS is a naturally occurring protein discovered by HGS. In lupus and certain other autoimmune diseases, elevated levels of BLyS are believed to contribute to the production of autoantibodies – antibodies that attack and destroy the body’s own healthy tissues.

How LymphoStat-B Works

LymphoStat-B specifically recognizes and inhibits the biological activity of BLyS, a naturally occurring protein required for the development of B-lymphocyte cells into mature plasma B cells.1-2 Plasma B cells produce antibodies, a key component of the body’s defense against infection. However, in lupus and certain other autoimmune diseases, elevated levels of BLyS are believed to contribute to the production of autoantibodies – antibodies that attack and destroy the body’s own healthy tissues. The results of prospective observational studies show a significant correlation of elevated levels of BLyS with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) disease activity.[3-13]

Preclinical and clinical studies demonstrate that B-cell antagonists such as LymphoStat-B can reduce autoantibody levels and help control autoimmune disease activity. LymphoStat-B acts by: (1) binding to BLyS, (2) inhibiting BLyS’s stimulation of B-cell development, and (3) restoring the potential for autoantibody-producing B cells to undergo the normal process of apoptosis (programmed cell death).[14-39]

LymphoStat-B Inhibits the Biological Activity of BLyS

lsb_clip_image001_0000.jpg

Figure 1. LymphoStat-B specifically binds to and inhibits the biological activity of BLyS. Preclinical and clinical results to date show that LymphoStat-B can reduce the levels of circulating B cells, including precursor cells to the plasma B cells that produce the body’s normal and abnormal antibodies. This suggests that LymphoStat-B may prove useful in the treatment of lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and certain other autoimmune diseases.


Collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline

In August 2006, HGS and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) entered into a definitive co-development and co-commercialization agreement under which HGS has responsibility for conducting the LymphoStat-B Phase 3 trials, with assistance from GSK. The companies will share equally in Phase 3/4 development costs, sales and marketing expenses, and profits of any product commercialized under the agreement[40-41]

Potential Treatment Settings

HGS and GSK are working closely together to develop LymphoStat-B as a potential new treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and other autoimmune diseases. SLE is a chronic, life-threatening disease. The Lupus Foundation of America estimates that approximately 1.5 million Americans suffer from various forms of lupus, including SLE. More than 300,000 people are afflicted with SLE in the United States alone. Lupus can occur at any age, but appears mostly in young people between the ages of fifteen and forty-five. About 90 percent of the individuals diagnosed with lupus are women. African-American women are about three times more likely to develop lupus, and it is also more common in Hispanic, Asian and American Indian women. Symptoms may include extreme fatigue, painful and swollen joints, unexplained fever, skin rash, and kidney problems. Lupus can lead to arthritis, kidney failure, heart and lung inflammation, central nervous system abnormalities, inflammation of the blood vessels, and blood disorders. For more information on lupus, visit the Lupus Foundation of America at www.lupus.org, or the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases at www.niams.nih.gov.

BLyS in Patients with Autoimmune Disease

 
lsb_clip_image001_0001.jpg

Figure 2.  In healthy people, the body signals autoantibody-producing B cells to kill themselves through apoptosis. In patients with autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, the BLyS protein stimulates B cell hyperactivity and inhibits apoptosis. This allows autoantibody-producing B cells to mature and release autoantibodies into the body. Autoantibodies then attack the body’s own tissues, causing autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.


Phase 3 Clinical Development Program

The LymphoStat-B Phase 3 clinical development program includes two double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center Phase 3 superiority trials – BLISS-76 and BLISS-52 – to evaluate the efficacy and safety of LymphoStat-B plus standard of care, versus placebo plus standard of care, in the treatment of patients with active SLE.[41-46] BLISS-52 was initiated in May 2007, and has enrolled and randomized a total of 867 patients at 90 clinical sites in 13 countries, primarily in Asia, South America and Eastern Europe. Completion of enrollment for the other pivotal Phase 3 trial of belimumab, BLISS-76, is expected by the end of summer 2008. BLISS-76, which was initiated in February 2007, is being conducted primarily in North America and Europe, and will enroll and randomize a minimum of 810 subjects. HGS now expects to have the first Phase 3 data available for LymphoStat-B available by mid-2009, and all Phase 3 data available in fall 2009.

HGS designed the Phase 3 program for LymphoStat-B in collaboration with GSK and leading international SLE experts. In October 2006, HGS received a Special Protocol Assessment from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), agreeing that the design of the Phase 3 program and clinical trials is suitable to support regulatory approval. HGS also met with the European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products (EMEA), and received agreement from EMEA on the major components of the Phase 3 program, including the primary efficacy endpoint measures, target patient population, and dose selection.[45-46]

The duration of therapy in BLISS-76 is 76 weeks. The duration of therapy in BLISS-52 is 52 weeks. The data from BLISS-76 will be analyzed after 52 weeks in support of a potential Biologics License Application (BLA) in the U.S., and Marketing Authorization Applications in other countries. The primary efficacy endpoint of both studies is the response rate at Week 52, as defined by: A reduction from baseline in the SELENA SLEDAI score of at least 4 points; no worsening in Physician’s Global Assessment (with worsening defined as an increase in PGA of more than 0.30 points from baseline); no new BILAG A organ domain score and no more than 1 new BILAG B organ domain score from baseline. Important secondary endpoints include the patient response rate at Week 76, the SF-36 Health Survey physical component summary score, fatigue measures, and the percentage of patients with reduction from baseline in average prednisone dose at Weeks 40-52. Safety and tolerability are being evaluated by an independent Data Monitoring Committee throughout both studies.

In each of the two Phase 3 trials, patients are randomized to 1 of 3 treatment groups (1 mg/kg LymphoStat-B, 10 mg/kg LymphoStat-B or placebo). Patients are dosed intravenously on Days 0, 14 and 28, then every 28 days for the duration of the study. To be eligible for enrollment in the Phase 3 trials, patients must be serologically active, with unequivocally positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) test results assessed at 2 independent time points (HEp-2 ANA > 1:80 and/or anti-dsDNA > 30 IU/mL). Background SLE medications must be stable for a period of at least 30 days prior to Day 0.

Clinical Progress to Date

In June 2006, HGS reported the 52-week results of the Phase 2 trial of LymphoStat-B in patients with SLE. [31-34] The 52-week results demonstrated that LymphoStat-B significantly reduced disease activity versus placebo in patients with serologically active SLE across multiple clinical measures, exhibited clinically relevant biological activity, and appeared generally safe and well tolerated. Frequency and severity of adverse events were similar to placebo, with no increase at higher doses. Among the findings at Week 52 was a significantly improved response rate among serologically active patients, as defined by an improvement in SELENA SLEDAI score of 4 points or greater, no new BILAG A flare and no more than one new BILAG B flare, and no worsening in Physician’s Global Assessment (46% for LymphoStat-B versus 29% for placebo, p<0.01). This combination of measures is the primary efficacy endpoint in the ongoing pivotal Phase 3 clinical trials.

The primary objectives of the Phase 2 study were to evaluate the efficacy and safety of LymphoStat-B (belimumab) plus standard of care, versus placebo plus standard of care. A total of 449 patients with active SLE were randomized to receive one of three different doses of LymphoStat-B or placebo (1, 4 or 10 mg/kg) administered intravenously over a 52-week treatment period, in addition to standard-of-care therapy. At the end of 52 weeks, 345 patients chose to participate in an optional 24-week extension phase of the study, during which all patients received LymphoStat-B.[23-29] At Week 76, 296 patients chose to remain on LymphoStat-B treatment in an open-label long-term continuation phase of the Phase 2 trial, in which all patients are receiving 10 mg/kg LymphoStat-B. As of October 1, 2007, 244 patients remained on LymphoStat-B treatment in the continuation study.

In November 2007, HGS presented results, which demonstrated that LymphoStat-B achieved sustained improvement or stabilization of SLE disease activity in serogically active patients through 2.5 years.[14-17] LymphoStat-B also decreased the frequency of SLE disease flares in these patients over time. The overall incidence of adverse events and laboratory abnormalities remained stable or decreased from Week 52 to Week 128.

The evidence of sustained clinical effect in serologically active SLE patients from Week 52 to Week 128 includes:

  • An increase from 46% to 54% in the combined patient response rate selected as the primary efficacy endpoint of the Phase 3 trials.  Among serologically active subjects who completed 128 weeks of treatment (n=175), 63% responded based on this measure of clinical effect.
  • An increase from 49% to 58% in the proportion of patients who had improvement in SLE disease activity, as measured by SELENA SLEDAI (>4-pt reduction).
  • A sustained improvement in the percentage of serologically active patients who experienced no new BILAG A organ flare and no more than one new BILAG B organ flare (92% at Week 52; 94% at Week 128).
  • A sustained improvement in the percentage of serologically active patients showing no worsening in SLE disease activity, as measured by the Physician's Global Assessment (<.03-pt worsening - 90% at Week 52 and 91% at Week 128).
  • A decrease over time in the overall frequency of SLE disease flares, and in the frequency of severe disease flares, in patients who remained on LymphoStat-B through 2.5 years, as measured by the SELENA SLEDAI SLE Flare Index.
  • Sustained response to LymphoStat-B therapy was independent of the type of autoantibody at baseline.

A separate poster presentation reported that LymphoStat-B also promoted progressive normalization of autoantibody, immunoglobulin and complement levels over the 2.5 years of therapy in SLE patients (Stohl et al), including: 

  • Stable reductions in immunoglobulins, with no increase in infections or infectious events over time.
  • Normalization of IgG in patients with elevated IgG at baseline; from 45% to 57% of patients with hypergammaglobulinemia at baseline normalized at Weeks 52-128.
  • An increase in C3 and C4 complement among patients with low complement at baseline.
  • Reversion of autoantibody levels from positive to negative (anti-dsDNA, anti-RNP, anti-Smith).

Rheumatoid Arthritis: The results of a Phase 2 clinical trial of LymphoStat-B in rheumatoid arthritis show that LymphoStat-B met the primary efficacy and safety endpoints, and demonstrate that it appears safe and well tolerated, biologically active, and reduces rheumatoid arthritis disease activity at a level of statistical significance.[30, 35-36]

LymphoStat-B has received a Fast Track Product designation from the FDA for its potential use in treating SLE and has been selected for participation in FDA’s Continuous Marketing Application Pilot 2 Program.[46]

How LymphoStat-B Was Discovered

HGS first discovered the naturally occurring protein, BLyS, or B-lymphocyte stimulator, and published a preliminary description of its activity in the journal, Science, in July 1999.[1-2] Following that discovery, HGS initiated a program to develop human monoclonal antibodies that would specifically recognize and inhibit the biological activity of BLyS. LymphoStat-B is a human monoclonal antibody that HGS generated through a collaboration with Cambridge Antibody Technology.[47]

For More Information about LymphoStat-B Clinical Trials

Health professionals and patients interested in clinical trials of LymphoStat-B or other HGS products may inquire by e-mailing This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or calling HGS at (301) 610-5790, extension 3550.


Footnotes

  1. Moore PA, Belvedere O, Orr A, et al.  BLyS: member of the tumor necrosis factor family and B-lymphocyte stimulator. Science.  1999; 285: 260-263.
  2. (HGSI Press Release) Human Genome Sciences Announces the Discovery of a Novel Immune Stimulant. July 8, 1999.
  3. Petri M, Stohl W, Chatham W, et al.  BLyS plasma concentrations correlate with disease activity and levels of anti-dsDNA autoantibodies and immunoglobulins (IgG) in an SLE patient observational study. 67th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Rheumatology/Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals. October 27, 2003. Abstract #1712.
  4. Carter RH.  A role for BLyS in tissue inflammation? Arthritis & Rheumatism April 2003; 48(4): 882-885.
  5. Tan S, Roschke V, Perry JW, Arkfeld DG, Ehresmann GR, Migone T, Hilbert DM, and Stohl W.  Local production of B lymphocyte stimulator and APRIL in arthritic joints of patients with inflammatory arthritis. Arthritis & Rheumatism April 2003; 48(4): 982-992.
  6. Petri M.  Biomarkers in SLE: The Hopkins lupus cohort.  Lupus Foundation of America biomarkers for the assessment of systemic lupus erythematosus meeting. March 2003.
  7. Zhang J, Roschke V, Baker K, Kimberly R, et al.  Cutting edge: A role for B lymphocyte stimulator in systemic lupus erythematosus.  J Immuno. 2001; 166:6-10.
  8. Cheema GS, Roschke V, Hilbert DM and Stohl W.   Elevated serum B lymphocyte stimulator levels in patients with systemic immune-based rheumatic diseases.  Arthritis & Rheumatism June 2001; 44(6): 1313-1319.
  9. Wang H, Marsters SA, Baker T, et al.  TACI-ligand interactions are required for T cell activation and collagen-induced arthritis in mice.  Nature Immunol. 2001; 2: 632-637.
  10. (HGSI Press Release) High Levels of BLyS Implicated in Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients. October 30, 2000.
  11. Gross JA, Johnston J, Mudri S, et al.  TACI and BCMA are receptors for a TNF homologue implicated in B-cell autoimmune disease.  Nature. 2000; 404: 995-999.
  12. Khare SD, Saarosi I, Xia XZ, et al.  Severe B cell hyperplasia and autoimmune disease in TALL-1 transgenic mice.  Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2000; 97: 3370-3375.
  13. MacKay F, Woodcock SA, Lawton P, et al.  Mice transgenic for BAFF develop lymphocytic disorders along with autoimmune manifestations.  J. Exp. Med. 1999; 190: 1697-1710.
  14. (HGSI Press Release) Human Genome Sciences Reports Positive Data from Long-Term Treatment with LymphoStat-B in Patients with Active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.  November 9, 2007.
  15. Petri M, Furie R, Ginzler E, Freimuth W, et al.  Belimumab improved or stabilized SLE disease activity and reduced flare rate over 2.5 years of therapy.  71st Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Rheumatology.  November 9, 2007.  Oral presentation. 
  16. Merrill JT, Wallace DJ, Stohl W, Freimuth W, et al.  Safety profile of belimumab (fully human monoclonal antibody to BLyS) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) treated during a placebo-controlled trial and in a long-term continuation study.  71st Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Rheumatology.  November 8, 2007.  Poster presentation. 
  17. Stohl W, Chatham W, McKay J, Freimuth W, et al.  Progressive normalization of autoantibody, immunoglobulin, and complement levels over 2.5 years of belimumab (fully human monoclonal antibody to BLyS) therapy in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients.  71st Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Rheumatology.  November 8, 2007.  Poster presentation. 
  18. (HGSI Press Release) Human Genome Sciences Reports that a Phase 2 Study of LymphoStat-B Showed Significant Reductions in Disease Activity in Patients with Active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.  June 14, 2007.
  19. Ginzler G, Furie R, Wallace DJ, et al.  Novel combined response endpoint shows that belimumab (fully human monoclonal antibody to B-lymphocyte stimulator [BLyS]) improves or stabilizes SLE disease activity in a Phase 2 trial.  Annual Congress of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR 2007).  June 14, 2007.  Oral presentation.
  20. Chatham W, Stohl W, Merrill JT, et al.  Changes in circulating B cell subtype counts, antibody levels and immunoglobulins that associate with therapeutic responsiveness in SLE to BLyS protein antagonism by belimumab.  Annual Congress of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR 2007).  June 16, 2007.  Poster presentation.    
  21. Strand V, Crawford B, Petri M, et al.  Responders defined by SELENA SLEDAI, BILAG and Physicians Global Assessment of disease activity report stabilization and/or improvement in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) following treatment with belimumab.  Annual Congress of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR 2007).  June 16, 2007.  Poster presentation.
  22. Strand V, Petri M, Buyon J, et al.  Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) impacts all domains of health-related quality of life (HRQOL):  baseline results from five randomized controlled trials (RCTS).  Annual Congress of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR 2007).  June 16, 2007.  Poster presentation. 
  23. (HGSI Press Release) Human Genome Sciences Announces Positive 76-Week Results of Phase 2 Clinical Trial of LymphoStat-B in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.  November 14, 2006.
  24. Wallace DJ, Lisse J, Stohl W, Freimuth W, et al.  Belimumab reduces SLE disease activity and demonstrates durable bioactivity at 76 weeks.  70th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Rheumatology.  November 14, 2006.
  25. Stohl W, Wallace DJ, Merrill JT, et al.  Changes in circulating B-cell counts, autoantibody levels and immunoglobulins that associate with therapeutic responsiveness in SLE to BLyS protein antagonism by belimumab.  70th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Rheumatology.  November 14, 2006.
  26. Furie R, Lisse J, Merrill JT, Petri M, Ginzler E, Freimuth W, et al.  Belimumab (fully human monoclonal antibody to B-lymphocyte stimulator [BLyS]) improves or stabilizes SLE activity in a multi-center Phase 2 trial. 70th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Rheumatology.  November 12, 2006.
  27. Strand V, Crawford, B, Petri M, et al.  Patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) treated with belimumab improve health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in a randomized controlled trial (RCT).  70th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Rheumatology.  November 12, 2006.
  28. Strand V, Crawford, B, Petri M, et al.  Therapeutic responses reflecting a reduction in SELENA SLEDAI score are associated with a stabilization or improvement in health-related quality of life (HRQOL).  70th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Rheumatology.  November 12, 2006.
  29. Strand V, Petri M, Buyon J, et al.  Baseline data from five controlled trials (RCTs) demonstrate that systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) impacts all domains of health-related quality of life (HRQOL).  70th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Rheumatology.  November 12, 2006.
  30. Huizinga, TW, Boling E, Valente R, et al.  Genetic and environmental risk factors, disease outcome and responses to anti B-cell therapy belimumab indicate anti-CCP positive RA is a distinct disease entity.  70th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Rheumatology.  November 13, 2006.
  31. (HGSI Press Release) Human Genome Sciences Announces Full Presentation of Results of Phase 2 Clinical Trial of LymphoStat-B in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.  June 22, 2006.
  32. Wallace DJ, Lisse J, Stohl W, McKay J, et al.  Belimumab (LymphoStat-B) shows bioactivity and reduces SLE disease activity.  Annual Congress of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR 2006).  June 22, 2006.  Oral Presentation #0029. 
  33. Furie R, Lisse J, Merrill JT, Petri M, et al.  Multiple SLE disease activity measures in a multi-center Phase 2 SLE trial demonstrate belimumab improves or stabilizes SLE activity in serologically active SLE patients.  Annual Congress of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR 2006).  June 22, 2006.  Oral Presentation #0030. 
  34. Petri M, Wallace DJ, Stohl W, McKay J, et al.  SLE patients with active production of anti-nuclear autoantibodies (ANA positive) have distinct patterns of lupus activity and peripheral B-cell biomarkers compared to ANA negative patients.  Annual Congress of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR 2006).  June 23, 2006.  Abstract #FRI0231. 
  35. (HGSI Press Release) Human Genome Sciences Reports Phase 2 Results for LymphoStat-B (Belimumab) in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.  November 17, 2005.
  36. McKay J, Chwalinska-Sadowska H, Boling E, et al.  Belimumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody to B-lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS), combined with standard of care therapy reduces the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in a heterogeneous subject population.  69th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Rheumatology.  November 16, 2005.  Oral Presentation #1920.
  37. (HGSI Press Release) Results of Phase 1 Clinical Trial Demonstrate that LymphoStat-B Is Safe and Biologically Active in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. April 21, 2003
  38. Halpern W, Lappin P, Zanardi T, et al.  Effects of LymphoStat-B, a BLyS antagonist, when administered intravenously to cynomolgus monkeys.  67th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Rheumatology. October 27, 2003. Abstract # 1537.
  39. Sekut L, Sturm B, Poortman C, Wager R, Zhang C, Abramian D, Riccobene T, Sosnovtseva S, Sung C, Roschke V, Baker KP, Hilbert DM.  Characterization of a human monoclonal antibody that antagonizes B-lymphocyte stimulator bioactivities.   65th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Rheumatology (2001).  Abstract 1377.
  40. (HGSI Press Release) GlaxoSmithKline Exercises Option to LymphoStat-B.  July 7, 2005.
  41. (HGSI Press Release) Human Genome Sciences Completes Enrollment in First of Two Phase 3 LymphoStat-B Trials. April 22, 2008.
  42. (HGSI Press Release) Human Genome Sciences and GlaxoSmithKline Initiate Second Phase 3 Clinical Trial of LymphoStat-B in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. May 30, 2007.
  43. (HGSI Press Release) Human Genome Sciences and GlaxoSmithKline Announce Initiation of Phase 3 Clinical Trial of LymphoStat-B in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. February 13, 2007.
  44. (HGSI Press Release) Human Genome Sciences Announces Special Protocol Assessment and Agreement from FDA for Phase 3 Clinical Trials of LymphoStat-B in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. October 26, 2006.
  45. (HGSI Press Release) Human Genome Sciences Announces Phase 3 Clinical Development Program for LymphoStat-B in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. August 9, 2006.
  46. (HGSI Press Release) Human Genome Sciences Announces Selection of LymphoStat-B for Participation in FDA’s Continuous Marketing Application Pilot 2 Program. March 4, 2004.
  47. (HGSI Press Release) Human Genome Sciences and Cambridge Antibody Technology Commit to Exclusive Development of Anti-BLyS Antibodies. October 30, 2000.

Bibliography

HGS and Collaborators

Baker K, Edwards B, Main S, et al. Generation and characterization of LymphoStat-B, a human monoclonal antibody that antagonizes BLyS bioactivities. Arthritis & Rheumatism Nov 2003; 48: 3253-3265.

Carter RH. A role for BLyS in tissue inflammation? Arthritis & Rheumatism April 2003; 48(4): 882-885.

Chatham W, Stohl W, Merrill JT, et al. Changes in circulating B cell subtype counts, antibody levels and immunoglobulins that associate with therapeutic responsiveness in SLE to BLyS protein antagonism by belimumab. Annual Congress of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR 2007). June 16, 2007. Poster presentation.

Cheema GS, Roschke V, Hilbert DM, Stohl W. Elevated serum B lymphocyte stimulator levels in patients with systemic immune-based rheumatic diseases. Arthritis & Rheumatism June 2001; 44(6): 1313-1319.

Furie R, Stohl W, Ginzler E, et al. Safety, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic results of a Phase 1 single and double dose-escalation study of LymphoStat-B (human monoclonal antibody to BLyS) in SLE patients. 67th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Rheumatology/Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals. October 26, 2003. Abstract 922.

Furie R, Lisse J, Merrill JT, Petri M, et al. Multiple SLE disease activity measures in a multi-center Phase 2 SLE trial demonstrate belimumab improves or stabilizes SLE activity in serologically active SLE patients. Annual Congress of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR 2006). June 22, 2006. Oral Presentation #0030.

Furie R, Lisse J, Merrill JT, Petri M, Ginzler E, Freimuth W, et al. Belimumab (fully human monoclonal antibody to B-lymphocyte stimulator [BLyS]) improves or stabilizes SLE activity in a multi-center Phase 2 trial. 70th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Rheumatology. November 12, 2006. 

Ginzler G, Furie R, Wallace DJ, et al. Novel combined response endpoint shows that belimumab (fully human monoclonal antibody to B-lymphocyte stimulator [BLyS]) improves or stabilizes SLE disease activity in a Phase 2 trial. Annual Congress of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR 2007). June 14, 2007. Oral presentation.

Halpern W, Lappin P, Zanardi T, et al. Effects of LymphoStat-B, a BLyS antagonist, when administered intravenously to cynomolgus monkeys. 67th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Rheumatology/Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals. October 27, 2003. Abstract # 1537.

Huizinga, TW, Boling E, Valente R, et al. Genetic and environmental risk factors, disease outcome and responses to anti B-cell therapy belimumab indicate anti-CCP positive RA is a distinct disease entity. 70th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Rheumatology. November 13, 2006.

McKay J, Chwalinska-Sadowska H, Boling E, et al. Belimumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody to B-lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS), combined with standard of care therapy reduces the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in a heterogeneous subject population. 69th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Rheumatology. November 16, 2005. Oral Presentation #1920.

Merrill JT, Wallace DJ, Stohl W, Freimuth W, et al. Safety profile of belimumab (fully human monoclonal antibody to BLyS) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) treated during a placebo-controlled trial and in a long-term continuation study. 71st Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Rheumatology. November 8, 2007. Poster presentation.

Moore PA, Belvedere O, Orr A, et al. BLyS: member of the tumor necrosis factor family and B lymphocyte stimulator. Science. 1999; 285: 260-263.

Nardelli B, Belvedere O, Roschke V, Moore PA, Olsen HS, Migone TS, Sosnovtseva S, Carrell JA, Feng P, Giri JG, Hilbert DM. Synthesis and release of B-lymphocyte stimulator from myeloid cells. Blood 2001 Jan 1; 97(1):198-204.

Petri M. Biomarkers in SLE : The Hopkins lupus cohort. Lupus Foundation of America Biomarkers for the Assessment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Meeting. March 2003.  

Petri M, Stohl W, Chatham W, et al. BLyS plasma concentrations correlate with disease activity and levels of anti-dsDNA autoantibodies and immunoglobulins (IgG) in a SLE patient observational study. 67th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Rheumatology/Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals. October 27, 2003. Abstract #1712.

Petri M, Wallace DJ, Stohl W, McKay J, et al. SLE patients with active production of anti-nuclear autoantibodies (ANA positive) have distinct patterns of lupus activity and peripheral B-cell biomarkers compared to ANA negative patients. Annual Congress of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR 2006). June 23, 2006. Abstract #FRI0231.

Petri M, Furie R, Ginzler E, Freimuth W, et al. Belimumab improved or stabilized SLE disease activity and reduced flare rate over 2.5 years of therapy. 71st Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Rheumatology. November 9, 2007. Oral presentation.

Sekut L, Sturm B, Poortman C, Wager R, Zhang C, Abramian D, Riccobene T, Sosnovtseva S, Sung C, Roschke V, Baker KP, Hilbert DM. Characterization of a human monoclonal antibody that antagonizes B-lymphocyte stimulator bioactivities. American College of Rheumatology 2001 Annual Meeting, Abstract 1377.

Stohl W, Wallace DJ, Merrill JT, et al. Changes in circulating B-cell counts, autoantibody levels and immunoglobulins that associate with therapeutic responsiveness in SLE to BLyS protein antagonism by belimumab. 70th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Rheumatology. November 14, 2006.

Stohl W, Chatham W, McKay J, Freimuth W, et al. Progressive normalization of autoantibody, immunoglobulin, and complement levels over 2.5 years of belimumab (fully human monoclonal antibody to BLyS) therapy in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. 71st Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Rheumatology. November 8, 2007. Poster presentation.

Strand V, Crawford, B, Petri M, et al. Patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) treated with belimumab improve health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in a randomized controlled trial (RCT). 70th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Rheumatology. November 12, 2006.

Strand V, Crawford, B, Petri M, et al. Therapeutic responses reflecting a reduction in SELENA SLEDAI score are associated with a stabilization or improvement in health-related quality of life (HRQOL). 70th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Rheumatology. November 12, 2006.

Strand V, Petri M, Buyon J, et al. Baseline data from five controlled trials (RCTs) demonstrate that systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) impacts all domains of health-related quality of life (HRQOL). 70th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Rheumatology. November 12, 2006.

Strand V, Petri M, Buyon J, et al. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) impacts all domains of health-related quality of life (HRQOL): baseline results from five randomized controlled trials (RCTS). Annual Congress of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR 2007). June 16, 2007. Poster presentation.

Strand V, Crawford B, Petri M, et al. Responders defined by SELENA SLEDAI, BILAG and Physicians Global Assessment of disease activity report stabilization and/or improvement in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) following treatment with belimumab. Annual Congress of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR 2007). June 16, 2007. Poster presentation.

Tan S, Roschke V, Perry JW, Arkfeld DG, Ehresmann GR, Migone T, Hilbert DM, Stohl W. Local production of B lymphocyte stimulator and APRIL in arthritic joints of patients with inflammatory arthritis. Arthritis & Rheumatism April 2003; 48(4): 982-992.

Wallace DJ, Lisse J, Stohl W, Freimuth W, et al. Belimumab reduces SLE disease activity and demonstrates durable bioactivity at 76 weeks. 70th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Rheumatology. November 14, 2006.

Wallace DJ, Lisse J, Stohl W, McKay J, et al. Belimumab (LymphoStat-B) shows bioactivity and reduces SLE disease activity. Annual Congress of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR 2006). June 22, 2006. Oral Presentation #0029.

Wu Y, Bressette D, Carrell JA et al. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily member TACI Is a high affinity receptor for TNF family members APRIL and BLyS. J. Biol. Chem. 2000; 275(45): 35478—35485

Zhang J, Roschke V, Baker K, Kimberly R, et al. Cutting edge: A role for B lymphocyte stimulator in systemic lupus erythematosus. J Immuno. 2001; 166:6-10.

Non-HGS, Non-Collaborators

Bukhari M, et al. Rheumatoid factor is the major predictor of increasing severity of radiographic erosions in rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis & Rheumatism. 2002; 46(4): 906-912.

Cambridge G, Leandro MJ, Edwards JCW, Ehrenstein MR, Salden M, and Webster D. B lymphocyte depletion in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: Serial studies of immunological parameters. American College of Rheumatology 2002 Annual Meeting, Abstract 1350.

Edwards JCW, Szczepanski L, Szechinski J, et al. Efficacy of B-cell-targeted therapy with rituximab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. New England Journal of Medicine. 2004; 350(25): 2572-2581.

Gross JA, Johnston J, Mudri S, et al. TACI and BCMA are receptors for a TNF homologue implicated in B-cell autoimmune disease. Nature. 2000; 404: 995-999.

Gross J, Dillon S, Mudri S, et al. TACI-Ig neutralizes molecules critical for B cell development and autoimmune disease. Impaired B cell maturation in mice lacking BLyS. Immunity 2001 15(2): 289-302.

Khare SD, Saarosi I, Xia XZ, et al. Severe B cell hyperplasia and autoimmune disease in TALL-1 transgenic mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2000; 97: 3370-3375.

Knijff-Dutmer E, et al. Rheumatoid factor measured by fluoroimmunoassay: a responsive measure of rheumatoid arthritis disease activity that is associated with joint damage. Annals of Rheumatoid Disease. 2002; 61: 603-607.

Leandro MJ, Edwards JCW, Cambridge G. Clinical outcome in 22 patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with B lymphocyte depletion. Ann Rheum Dis 2002; 61: 883-888.

MacKay F., Woodcock SA, Lawton P, et al. Mice transgenic for BAFF develop lymphocytic disorders along with autoimmune manifestations. J. Exp. Med. 1999; 190: 1697-1710.

Schiemann B, Gommerman JL, Vora K, Cachero TG, Shulga-Morskaya S, Dobles M, Frew E, Scott ML. An essential role for BAFF in the normal development of B cells through a BCMA-independent pathway. Science. 14 September, 2001 ; 293: 2111-2114.

Schneider P, MacKay F, Steiner V, Hofmann K, Bodmer JL, Holler N, Ambrose C, Lawton P, Bixler S, Acha-Orbea H, Valmori D, Romero P, Werner-Favre C, Zubler RH, Browning JL, Tschopp J. BAFF, a novel ligand of the tumor necrosis factor family, stimulates B cell growth. J. Exp Med 1999 Jun 7; 189(11): 1747-56.

Thompson JS, Bixler SA, Qian F, Vora K, Scott ML, Cachero TG, Hession C, Schneider P, Sizing ID, Mullen C, Strauch K, Zafari M, Benjamin CD, Tschopp J, Browning JL, Ambrose C. BAFF-R, a Novel TNF Receptor That Specifically Interacts with BAFF. Science. 14 September 2001 ; 293: 2108-2111.

Tsokos, G. B-cells, be gone – B-cell depletion in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. New England Journal of Medicine. 2004; 350(25): 2546-2548.

Wang H, Marsters SA, Baker T, et al. TACI-ligand interactions are required for T cell activation and collagen-induced arthritis in mice. Nature Immunol. 2001; 2: 632-637.

Xia XZ, Treanor J, Senaldi G, et al. TACI is a TRAF-interacting receptor for TALL-1, a tumor necrosis factor family member involved in B cell regulation. J. Exp. Med. 2000; 192: 137-143.

Yan M, Wang H, Chan B, et al. Activation and accumulation of B cells in TACI-deficient mice. Nature Immunology. 2000; 2: 638-643.

To view announcements on LymphoStat-B and BLyS, click on the following:

Human Genome Sciences Completes Enrollment in First of Two Phase 3 LymphoStat-B® Trials - April 22, 2008

Human Genome Sciences Reports Positve Data from Long-Term Treatment with LymphoStat-B in Patients with Active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus - November 9. 2007

Human Genome Sciences Reports that a Phase 2 Study of Lymphostat-B® Showed Significant Reductions in Disease Activity in Patients with Active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus - June 14, 2007

Human Genome Sciences and GlaxoSmithKline Initiate Second Phase 3 Clinical Trial of LymphoStat-B® in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus - May 30, 2007

Human Genome Sciences and Glaxosmithkline Announce Initiation of Phase 3 Clinical Trial of Lymphostat-B® in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus - February 13, 2007

Human Genome Sciences Announces Positive Special Protocol Assessment from FDA for Phase 3 Clinical Trials of Lymphostat-B™ in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus - November 14, 2006

Human Genome Sciences Announces Positive Special Protocol Assessment from FDA for Phase 3 Clinical Trials of Lymphostat-B™ in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus - October 26, 2006

Human Genome Sciences Announces Phase 3 Clinical Development Program for Lymphostat-B™ in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus - August 9, 2006

Human Genome Sciences Announces Full Presentation of Results of Phase 2 Clinical Trial of Lymphostat-B™ in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus - June 22, 2006

Human Genome Sciences Reports Phase 2 Results for Lymphostat-B™ (Belimumab) in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis - November 17, 2005

Human Genome Sciences Reports Results of a Phase 2 Clinical Trial of LymphoStat-B™ in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus - October 5, 2005

GlaxoSmithKline Exercises Option to LymphoStat-B™ - July 7, 2005

Human Genome Sciences Reports Results of a Phase 2 Clinical Trial of LymphoStat-B™ in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis - April 6, 2005

Human Genome Sciences Completes Patient Enrollment in a Phase 2 Clinical Trial of Lymphostat-B™ for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis - July 29, 2004

Human Genome Sciences Completes Patient Enrollment in a Phase 2 Clinical Trial of Lymphostat-B™ for the Treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus - July 29, 2004

Human Genome Sciences Announces Selection of Lymphostat-BTM for Participation in FDA's Continuous Marketing Application Pilot 2 Program - March 4, 2004

Human Genome Sciences Initiates Phase 2 Clinical Trial of Lymphostat-BTM for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis - January 8, 2004

Human Genome Sciences Reports Results of Phase 1 Clinical Trial of Lymphostat-B™ in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus - October 28, 2003

Human Genome Sciences Initiates Phase 2 Clinical Trial of LymphoStat-B for the Treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus - September 25, 2003

Results of Phase I Clinical Trial Demonstrate That LymphoStat-B is Safe and Biolocically Active in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus - April 21, 2003

Human Genome Sciences Initiates Trials of a New Drug for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Other Autoimmune Diseases - November 1, 2001

Human Genome Sciences Announces Trial For Treatment of Immunoglobulin-A Deficiency - September 19, 2001

Human Genome Sciences Receives Orphan Drug Designation for BLyS Therapeutic Protein for Treatment of Common Variable Immunodeficiency - February 27, 2001

High Levels of BLyS Implicated in Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients - October 30, 2000

Human Genome Sciences and Cambridge Antibody Technology Commit to Exclusive Development of Anti-BLyS Antibodies - October 30, 2000

Human Genome Sciences and Dow Agree To Develop HGS' Radiolabeled B-Lymphocyte Stimulator - October 30, 2000

Human Genome Sciences to Initiate Human Clinical Trials of BLyS - June 23, 2000

Human Genome Sciences Announces the Discovery of a Novel Immune Stimulant - July 8, 1999

 
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