1. Pink Sheet
  2. >>Geography
  3. >>North America
  4. >>United States

HGS Calls For Confidence In Slow, Steady Ramp-Up For Benlysta

In the fourth quarter, the new SLE drug continued its slow sales growth – HGS said rheumatologists are still largely in trial mode, testing the drug in a few patients and gaining confidence in its benefits.

It was the continuation of a theme Feb. 27 as Human Genome Sciences Inc. reported on its fourth quarter and full-year 2011 financial performance, including sales data for Benlysta, a lupus drug approved by FDA and launched last March, followed by an EU approval at mid-year. Benlysta (belimumab), indicated for treatment of adult patients with active, autoantibody-positive systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), continued a slow growth path in the fourth quarter, posting net sales of $25.7 million.

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Pink Sheet for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required
Start Free Trial

Already a subscriber?

More from United States

Moderna Pivots To Increase Focus On Cancer Amid US Vaccine Policy Changes

 
• By Joseph Haas

During its first quarter earnings call, Moderna avoided criticizing vaccine policy changes, but de-emphasized its flu/COVID-19 vaccine for those under age 50 and prioritized cancer programs.

What MAHA Means For US FDA: Prevention Is Not What You Think

 
• By Michael McCaughan

US HHS Advisor Calley Means said new pathways for root-cause treatments are part of the HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s vision for the FDA. But what most biopharma companies consider preventative medicines are not what he has in mind, nor does he seem to see those companies as part of the solution.

Makary’s Reorganization Decision A Turning Point For US FDA?

 
• By Michael McCaughan

US FDA Commissioner Martin Makary’s disavowal of a proposed reorganization plan may be an important turning point in the Trump Administration. The move does not improve the situation, but may mean the administration stops actively making things worse.

Pink Sheet Podcast: Vaccine Review Political Interference, Missed Deadlines A Harbinger Of US FDA Problems?

 
• By Derrick Gingery, Sarah Karlin-Smith, Sue Sutter, and Nielsen Hobbs

Pink Sheet reporter and editors discuss FDA Commissioner Martin Makary’s decision to have one of his assistants lead negotiations for Novavax’s delayed COVID-19 vaccine review, as well as some recent missed review deadlines, which may be the result of recent FDA cuts.

More from North America

How Tumult At US FDA Could Impact Merger and Acquisition Strategy

 
• By Joseph Haas and Nielsen Hobbs

With review and development uncertainly increasing, "it’s going to take longer for certain targets … to progress to a place where they’ve been derisked enough that big pharma is ready to write a big check," said Andrew Goodman of Paul Hastings.

US FDA Not Industry’s ‘Sock Puppet,’ Ultragenyx’s Emil Kakkis Says

 
• By Sue Sutter

The biotech CEO said the Trump Administration’s treatment of FDA employees, including the HHS secretary’s comments about industry capture, are insulting to agency staff, but he is encouraged by FDA Commissioner Martin Makary’s talk of a new conditional approval pathway.

US FDA Asks Adcomm If Opioid Postmarketing Studies Are Relevant, Warrant Action

 
• By Sue Sutter

Two US FDA advisory committees will discuss results from epidemiological studies that attempted to quantify the prevalence, incidence and risk factors for misuse, abuse, overdose and death with opioid analgesics.