GSK Plans Benlysta Expansion In Lupus Nephritis Based On Successful Phase III

Benlysta was an early pioneer in systemic lupus erythematosus, but GSK now plans to expand the drug into the acute area, active lupus nephritis, with a filing in 2020.

GSK is expanding Benlysta in lupus • Source: Shutterstock

Nearly eight years after GlaxoSmithKline PLC's Benlysta (belimumab) became the first drug approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for lupus, the company is looking to expand the drug's indication to a substantial new subset of patients in the acute phase of the disease, even as the late-stage development space is heating up.

The company announced on 18 December positive data from a Phase III trial testing Benlysta in patients with lupus nephritis,...