After More Than 50 Years, A New Lupus Drug

The FDA has approved a new drug for lupus - called Benylsta. The drug is the first drug ever approved developed by Human Genome Sciences, and it will be marketed by pharma giant GlaxoSmithKline. Benylsta is the first drug approved to help those who suffer with lupus in over fifty years.

Lupus is a complicated disease where the immune system attacks the organs. There is no cure, and each person with lupus is affected differently. Women are at a higher risk than men, and symptoms often begin between the ages of 15 and 45. There is a higher risk for those who have a family history of the disease. The causes of lupus are unknown, but environmental factors, genetic history and hormones seem to have an impact on whether one has the disease, according to research.

There are two different types of lupus. Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) affects the skin that is exposed to sunlight. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)is the more serious of the two, and is the illness approved for Benalysta use. Because lupus affects everyone differently, the symptoms vary widely.SLE can cause rashes, inflammation in the joints and kidney disease. More aggressive forms of the illness can cause heart problems like atherosclerosis, and neurological problems including stroke. Even though there is no cure for lupus, symptoms can be successfully managed. People with lupus can lead productive, healthy lives.
Currently, lupus is treated with anti-malaria drugs and NSAIDS. For more aggressive forms of the disease, sufferers may take corticosteroids and immunosuppressive medications. Stress reduction and a healthy diet are imperative to reducing lupus flare-ups. For those with DLE, patients must wear sunscreen, wear protective clothing in the sunlight, and monitor their sun exposure.
The drug will cost $35,000 per year. Analysts expect worldwide sales to eventually exceed $2 billion per year. Drug manufacturers have some room to breathe now as they try to find drugs in the pipeline as their patents expire. Initial sales are expected to be slow as insurance companies may be reluctant to approve a new treatment.

The drug will undergo further testing by the Human Genomic Project regarding its effectiveness on people of African descent. Although original study results showed that the drug didn't help African-Americans, the FDA says that there weren't enough African Americans in the study to provide conclusive results. Ironically, lupus affects African Americans, Asians and Native Americans at three times the rate of whites.

Photo by epsos.de