Belimumab in systemic lupus erythematosus.

ABSTRACT: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is one of the most challenging autoimmune disorders with a complex pathophysiology and diverse clinical presentation. Many drugs have been used to treat SLE with suboptimal results, especially in patients with moderate-to-severe disease. Belimumab is the first biological drug to be approved for the treatment of SLE in more than 50?years. This monoclonal antibody blocks B-cell activating factor, a cytokine important for B-cell differentiation and survival. In this review we focus on the activity of belimumab in patients with SLE and discuss the controversies of its use.

SUBMITTER: Vilas-Boas A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4612697 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature