Latest News from the Lupus Research Institute

Human Genome Sciences and GlaxoSmithKline Announce Positive Results in Second of Two Phase 3 Trials of Benlysta™ in Lupus

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:49:55 -0800

BENLYSTA (belimumab) 10 mg/kg plus standard of care met its primary efficacy endpoint by achieving a statistically significant improvement in patient response rate versus placebo plus standard of care at Week 52 in BLISS-76

Primary efficacy endpoint met in two pivotal Phase 3 trials, as specified by Special Protocol Assessment agreement with FDA

Benlysta™ trial results in an historic research breakthrough and victory for people with lupus

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 03:47:33 -0800

Second successful phase III trial points to the first new lupus treatment in over 50 years

New York, NY (November 2, 2009) -- The Lupus Research Institute (LRI) and its National Coalition of state and local lupus organizations congratulate Human Genome Sciences (HGS) and GlaxoSmithKline for achieving an historical landmark - the second positive phase 3 clinical trial of Benlysta (belimumab), the first successfully tested new drug developed specifically for people with systemic lupus.

Lupus Research Institute Earns A+ from American Institute of Philanthropy

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:27:57 -0700

Only lupus organization designated a “Top Rated Charity” by national charity watchdog

Of the over 500 charities rated by the American Institute of Philanthropy (AIP) this year, the Lupus Research Institute (LRI) is the nation’s only lupus organization to meet the stringent standards for financial efficiency and accountability and win a spot on the “Top Rated Charity” list. The fiercely independent and nonprofit AIP helps donors make informed giving decisions.

ACR: Depression and CVD Linked in Patients with Lupus

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:47:23 -0700

PHILADELPHIA – For patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, depression further increases their already elevated risk for cardiovascular disease, researchers said here.

In these patients, depression was associated with a nearly four-fold greater risk of subclinical atherosclerosis (OR 3.85, 95% CI 1.37 to 10.87), Carol Greco, PhD, of the University of Pittsburgh, reported at the meeting of the American College of Rheumatology.

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Genetic Link to Lupus

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:05:58 -0700

More Than a Dozen Different Genes May Play a Role in Causing Lupus

Oct. 19, 2009 – At least a dozen or more genes may help explain what causes lupus, according to two new studies.

Researchers have identified 12 genetic variants that are associated with an increased risk of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the disease commonly referred to as lupus.

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More Good News for Lupus at the American College of Rheumatology Meeting

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:57:17 -0700

Human Genome Sciences and GlaxoSmithKline Report Details of First Positive Phase 3 Clinical Trial for Lupus

Philadelphia, October 20, 2009—Drug company Human Genome Sciences (HGS) and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) today reported details of the first of their two crucial Phase 3 trials of belimumab (Benlysta™) in people with systemic lupus erythematosus at the American College of Rheumatology’s (ACR) annual scientific meeting in Philadelphia.

“There is a lot of encouraging information in here for the 1.5 million Americans with lupus,” said Lupus Research Institute (LRI) President Margaret G. Dowd at the meeting.