BENLYSTA by is a Prescription medication manufactured, distributed, or labeled by GlaxoSmithKline LLC. Drug facts, warnings, and ingredients follow.
BENLYSTA is a B-lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS)-specific inhibitor indicated for the treatment of patients aged 5 years and older with active, autoantibody-positive, systemic lupus erythematosus who are receiving standard therapy. (1)
Limitations of Use: The efficacy of BENLYSTA has not been evaluated in patients with severe active lupus nephritis or severe active central nervous system lupus. BENLYSTA has not been studied in combination with other biologics or intravenous cyclophosphamide. Use of BENLYSTA is not recommended in these situations. (1)
Intravenous Administration in Adult and Pediatric Patients
Subcutaneous Administration in Adults
Previous anaphylaxis to belimumab. (4)
Common adverse reactions in adults (≥5%): nausea, diarrhea, pyrexia, nasopharyngitis, bronchitis, insomnia, pain in extremity, depression, migraine, pharyngitis, and injection site reactions (subcutaneous administration). Adverse reactions in pediatric patients aged 5 years and older were consistent with those observed in adults. (6.1, 6.2)
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact GlaxoSmithKline at 1-877-423-6597 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
See 17 for PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION and Medication Guide.
Revised: 1/2020
BENLYSTA (belimumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients aged 5 years and older with active, autoantibody‑positive, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who are receiving standard therapy.
Limitations of Use
The efficacy of BENLYSTA has not been evaluated in patients with severe active lupus nephritis or severe active central nervous system lupus. BENLYSTA has not been studied in combination with other biologics or intravenous cyclophosphamide. Use of BENLYSTA is not recommended in these situations.
BENLYSTA may be administered as an intravenous infusion in patients aged 5 years and older or as a subcutaneous injection in patients aged 18 years and older. Vials are intended for intravenous use only (not for subcutaneous use) and autoinjectors and prefilled syringes are intended for subcutaneous use only (not for intravenous use).
Recommended Intravenous Dosage Regimen — Adult and Pediatric Patients
BENLYSTA for intravenous use must be reconstituted and diluted prior to administration. Do not administer as an intravenous push or bolus.
The recommended intravenous dosage regimen is 10 mg/kg at 2‑week intervals for the first 3 doses and at 4‑week intervals thereafter. Reconstitute, dilute, and administer as an intravenous infusion over a period of 1 hour. The infusion rate may be slowed or interrupted if the patient develops an infusion reaction. The infusion must be discontinued immediately if the patient experiences a serious hypersensitivity reaction [see Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].
Premedication Recommendations prior to Intravenous Use
Prior to intravenous dosing with BENLYSTA, consider administering premedication for prophylaxis against infusion reactions and hypersensitivity reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3, 5.4), Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
Preparation of Intravenous Solutions
BENLYSTA for intravenous use is provided as a lyophilized powder in a single‑dose vial and should be reconstituted and diluted by a healthcare professional using aseptic technique as follows. Use of a 21- to 25-gauge needle is recommended when piercing the vial stopper for reconstitution and dilution.
Reconstitution Instructions for Intravenous Use:
Dilution Instructions for Intravenous Use:
6. Dextrose intravenous solutions are incompatible with BENLYSTA. BENLYSTA should only be diluted in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP (normal saline), 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP (half-normal saline), or Lactated Ringer’s Injection, USP to a volume of 250 mL for intravenous infusion. For patients whose body weight is less than or equal to 40 kg, 100 mL may be used such that the resulting belimumab concentration in the infusion bag does not exceed 4 mg/mL. From a 250‑mL (or 100‑mL) infusion bag or bottle of normal saline, half-normal saline, or Lactated Ringer’s Injection, withdraw and discard a volume equal to the volume of the reconstituted solution of BENLYSTA required for the patient’s dose. Then add the required volume of the reconstituted solution of BENLYSTA into the infusion bag or bottle. Gently invert the bag or bottle to mix the solution. Any unused solution in the vials must be discarded.
Administration Instructions for Intravenous Use
Subcutaneous dosing of BENLYSTA has not been evaluated and is not approved for patients younger than 18 years of age.
Recommended Subcutaneous Dosage Regimen — Adult Patients
The recommended dosage is 200 mg once weekly given as a subcutaneous injection in the abdomen or thigh. Subcutaneous dosing is not based on weight.
If transitioning from intravenous therapy with BENLYSTA to subcutaneous administration, administer the first subcutaneous dose 1 to 4 weeks after the last intravenous dose.
Administration Instructions for Subcutaneous Injection
Intravenous Infusion
For injection: 120 mg or 400 mg lyophilized powder in single‑dose vials for reconstitution and dilution prior to intravenous infusion.
Subcutaneous Injection
Injection: 200 mg/mL as a clear to opalescent, and colorless to pale yellow solution in a single-dose prefilled autoinjector or a single-dose prefilled glass syringe.
There were more deaths reported with BENLYSTA than with placebo during the controlled period of the intravenous clinical trials in adults. Out of 2,133 patients in 3 clinical trials, a total of 14 deaths occurred during the placebo-controlled, double-blind treatment periods: 3/675 (0.4%), 5/673 (0.7%), 0/111 (0%), and 6/674 (0.9%) deaths in the groups receiving placebo, BENLYSTA 1 mg/kg, BENLYSTA 4 mg/kg, and BENLYSTA 10 mg/kg, respectively. No single cause of death predominated. Etiologies included infection, cardiovascular disease, and suicide.
In the controlled trial of BENLYSTA administered subcutaneously in adults (N = 836), a total of 5 deaths occurred during the placebo-controlled, double-blind treatment period (0.7% [2/280] of patients receiving placebo and 0.5% [3/556] of patients receiving BENLYSTA). Infection was the most common cause of death.
Serious and sometimes fatal infections have been reported in patients receiving immunosuppressive agents, including BENLYSTA. Physicians should exercise caution when considering the use of BENLYSTA in patients with severe or chronic infections. Consider interrupting therapy with BENLYSTA in patients who develop a new infection while undergoing treatment with BENLYSTA and monitor these patients closely.
In the controlled clinical trials of BENLYSTA administered intravenously in adults, the overall incidence of infections was 71% in patients treated with BENLYSTA compared with 67% in patients who received placebo. The most frequent infections (>5% of patients receiving BENLYSTA) were upper respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, nasopharyngitis, sinusitis, bronchitis, and influenza. Serious infections occurred in 6.0% of patients treated with BENLYSTA and in 5.2% of patients who received placebo. The most frequent serious infections included pneumonia, urinary tract infection, cellulitis, and bronchitis. Infections leading to discontinuation of treatment occurred in 0.7% of patients receiving BENLYSTA and 1.0% of patients receiving placebo. Infections resulting in death occurred in 0.3% (4/1,458) of patients treated with BENLYSTA and in 0.1% (1/675) of patients receiving placebo.
In the controlled trial of BENLYSTA administered subcutaneously in adults (N = 836), the overall incidence of infections was 55% in patients treated with BENLYSTA compared with 57% in patients who received placebo (serious infections: 4.1% with BENLYSTA and 5.4% with placebo). The most commonly reported infections with BENLYSTA administered subcutaneously were similar to those reported with BENLYSTA administered intravenously.
Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML)
Cases of JC virus-associated PML resulting in neurological deficits, including fatal cases, have been reported in patients with SLE receiving immunosuppressants, including BENLYSTA. Risk factors for PML include treatment with immunosuppressant therapies and impairment of immune function. Consider the diagnosis of PML in any patient presenting with new-onset or deteriorating neurological signs and symptoms and consult with a neurologist or other appropriate specialist as clinically indicated. In patients with confirmed PML, consider stopping immunosuppressant therapy, including BENLYSTA.
Acute hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and death, have been reported in association with BENLYSTA. These events generally occurred within hours of the infusion; however, they may occur later. Non-acute hypersensitivity reactions including rash, nausea, fatigue, myalgia, headache, and facial edema, have been reported and typically occurred up to a week following the most recent infusion. Hypersensitivity, including serious reactions, has occurred in patients who have previously tolerated infusions of BENLYSTA. Limited data suggest that patients with a history of multiple drug allergies or significant hypersensitivity may be at increased risk.
In the controlled clinical trials of BENLYSTA administered intravenously in adults, hypersensitivity reactions (occurring on the same day of infusion) were reported in 13% (191/1,458) of patients receiving BENLYSTA and 11% (76/675) of patients receiving placebo. Anaphylaxis was observed in 0.6% (9/1,458) of patients receiving BENLYSTA and 0.4% (3/675) of patients receiving placebo. Manifestations included hypotension, angioedema, urticaria or other rash, pruritus, and dyspnea. Due to overlap in signs and symptoms, it was not possible to distinguish between hypersensitivity reactions and infusion reactions in all cases [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]. Some patients (13%) received premedication, which may have mitigated or masked a hypersensitivity response; however, there is insufficient evidence to determine whether premedication diminishes the frequency or severity of hypersensitivity reactions.
BENLYSTA for intravenous use should be administered by healthcare providers prepared to manage anaphylaxis. In the event of a serious reaction, administration of BENLYSTA must be discontinued immediately and appropriate medical therapy administered. Patients should be monitored during and for an appropriate period of time after intravenous administration of BENLYSTA.
In the controlled trial of BENLYSTA administered subcutaneously in adults (N = 836), systemic hypersensitivity reactions were similar to those observed in the intravenous clinical trials.
Patients receiving BENLYSTA should be informed of the signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions and be instructed to seek immediate medical care should a reaction occur.
In the controlled clinical trials of BENLYSTA administered intravenously in adults, adverse events associated with the infusion (occurring on the same day of the infusion) were reported in 17% (251/1,458) of patients receiving BENLYSTA and 15% (99/675) of patients receiving placebo. Serious infusion reactions (excluding hypersensitivity reactions) were reported in 0.5% of patients receiving BENLYSTA and 0.4% of patients receiving placebo and included bradycardia, myalgia, headache, rash, urticaria, and hypotension. The most common infusion reactions (≥3% of patients receiving BENLYSTA) were headache, nausea, and skin reactions. Due to overlap in signs and symptoms, it was not possible to distinguish between hypersensitivity reactions and infusion reactions in all cases [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]. Some patients (13%) received premedication, which may have mitigated or masked an infusion reaction; however, there is insufficient evidence to determine whether premedication diminishes the frequency or severity of infusion reactions [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
BENLYSTA for intravenous use should be administered by healthcare providers prepared to manage infusion reactions. The infusion rate may be slowed or interrupted if the patient develops an infusion reaction. Healthcare providers should be aware of the risk of hypersensitivity reactions, which may present as infusion reactions, and monitor patients closely.
In controlled clinical studies, psychiatric disorders (depression, suicidal ideation and behavior) have been reported more frequently in patients receiving BENLYSTA. Physicians should assess the risk of depression and suicide considering the patient’s medical history and current psychiatric status before treatment with BENLYSTA and continue to monitor patients during treatment. Patients receiving BENLYSTA (and caregivers if applicable) should be instructed to contact their healthcare provider if they experience new or worsening depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior, or other mood changes. The risk and benefit of continued treatment with BENLYSTA should be assessed for patients who develop such symptoms.
In controlled clinical trials of BENLYSTA administered intravenously in adults (N = 2,133), psychiatric events were reported more frequently with BENLYSTA (16%) than with placebo (12%), related primarily to depression-related events (6.3% BENLYSTA; 4.7% placebo), insomnia (6.0% BENLYSTA; 5.3% placebo), and anxiety (3.9% BENLYSTA; 2.8% placebo). Serious psychiatric events were reported in 0.8% (12/1,458) of patients receiving BENLYSTA and 0.4% (3/675) of patients receiving placebo. Serious depression was reported in 0.4% (6/1,458) of patients receiving BENLYSTA and 0.1% (1/675) of patients receiving placebo. Two suicides (0.1%) were reported in patients receiving BENLYSTA (one with 10 mg/kg and one with 1 mg/kg).
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, postmarketing study of BENLYSTA 10 mg/kg administered intravenously (N = 4,003), serious psychiatric events were reported in 1.0% (20/2,002) of patients receiving BENLYSTA and 0.3% (6/2,001) of patients receiving placebo. Serious depression was reported in 0.3% (7/2,002) of patients receiving BENLYSTA and in <0.1% (1/2,001) receiving placebo. The overall incidence of serious suicidal ideation or behavior or self-injury without suicidal intent was 0.7% (15/2,002) of patients receiving BENLYSTA and 0.2% (5/2,001) of patients receiving placebo. On the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), 2.4% (48/1,974) of patients receiving BENLYSTA reported suicidal ideation or behavior compared with 2.0% (39/1,988) of patients receiving placebo. No suicide was reported in either group.
The intravenous studies above did not exclude patients with a history of psychiatric disorders.
In a controlled trial of BENLYSTA 200 mg administered subcutaneously in adults (N = 836), which excluded patients with a history of psychiatric disorders, psychiatric events were reported in 6% of patients receiving BENLYSTA and 11% of patients receiving placebo. Depression-related events were reported in 2.7% (15/556) of patients receiving BENLYSTA and 3.6% (10/280) of patients receiving placebo. Serious psychiatric events were reported in 0.2% (1/556) of patients receiving BENLYSTA and in no patients receiving placebo. There were no serious depression-related events or suicides reported in either group. On the C‑SSRS, 1.3% (7/554) of patients receiving BENLYSTA reported suicidal ideation or behavior compared with 0.7% (2/277) of patients receiving placebo.
The impact of treatment with BENLYSTA on the development of malignancies is not known.
In the controlled clinical trials of BENLYSTA administered intravenously in adults, malignancies (including non-melanoma skin cancers) were reported in 0.4% of patients receiving BENLYSTA and 0.4% of patients receiving placebo. In the intravenous controlled clinical trials, malignancies, excluding non-melanoma skin cancers, were observed in 0.2% (3/1,458) and 0.3% (2/675) of patients receiving BENLYSTA and placebo, respectively. In the controlled clinical trial of BENLYSTA administered subcutaneously (N = 836), the data were similar. The mechanism of action of BENLYSTA could increase the risk for the development of malignancies.
Live vaccines should not be given for 30 days before or concurrently with BENLYSTA as clinical safety has not been established. No data are available on the secondary transmission of infection from persons receiving live vaccines to patients receiving BENLYSTA or the effect of BENLYSTA on new immunizations. Because of its mechanism of action, BENLYSTA may interfere with the response to immunizations.
BENLYSTA has not been studied in combination with other biologic therapies, including B-cell targeted therapies, or intravenous cyclophosphamide. Therefore, use of BENLYSTA is not recommended in combination with biologic therapies or intravenous cyclophosphamide.
The following have been observed with BENLYSTA and are discussed in detail in the Warnings and Precautions section:
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared with rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
Adults
The data described in Table 1 reflect exposure to BENLYSTA administered intravenously plus standard therapy compared with placebo plus standard therapy in 2,133 adult patients in 3 controlled trials (Trials 1, 2, and 3). Patients received BENLYSTA plus standard therapy at doses of 1 mg/kg (n = 673), 4 mg/kg (n = 111; Trial 1 only), or 10 mg/kg (n = 674), or placebo plus standard therapy (n = 675) intravenously over a 1‑hour period on Days 0, 14, 28, and then every 28 days. In 2 of the trials (Trial 1 and Trial 3), treatment was given for 48 weeks, while in the other trial (Trial 2) treatment was given for 72 weeks [see Clinical Studies (14.1)]. Because there was no apparent dose-related increase in the majority of adverse events observed with BENLYSTA, the safety data summarized below are presented for the 3 intravenous doses pooled, unless otherwise indicated; the adverse reaction table displays the results for the recommended intravenous dose of 10 mg/kg compared with placebo.
The population had a mean age of 39 years (range: 18 to 75), 94% were female, and 52% were white. In these trials, 93% of patients treated with BENLYSTA plus standard therapy reported an adverse event compared with 92% treated with placebo plus standard therapy.
The most common serious adverse events were serious infections (6.0% and 5.2% in the groups receiving BENLYSTA and placebo plus standard therapy, respectively), some of which were fatal [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
The most commonly reported adverse events, occurring in ≥5% of patients in clinical trials were nausea, diarrhea, pyrexia, nasopharyngitis, bronchitis, insomnia, pain in extremity, depression, migraine, and pharyngitis.
The proportion of patients who discontinued treatment due to any adverse reaction during the controlled clinical trials was 6.2% for patients receiving BENLYSTA plus standard therapy and 7.1% for patients receiving placebo plus standard therapy. The most common adverse reactions resulting in discontinuation of treatment (≥1% of patients receiving BENLYSTA or placebo) were infusion reactions (1.6% BENLYSTA and 0.9% placebo), lupus nephritis (0.7% BENLYSTA and 1.2% placebo), and infections (0.7% BENLYSTA and 1.0% placebo).
Table 1 lists adverse reactions, regardless of causality, occurring in at least 3% of patients with SLE who received BENLYSTA 10 mg/kg plus standard therapy and at an incidence at least 1% greater than that observed with placebo plus standard therapy in 3 controlled studies (Trials 1, 2, and 3).
Preferred Term |
BENLYSTA 10 mg/kg +
Standard Therapy
|
Placebo +
Standard Therapy
|
Nausea |
15 |
12 |
Diarrhea |
12 |
9 |
Pyrexia |
10 |
8 |
Nasopharyngitis |
9 |
7 |
Bronchitis |
9 |
5 |
Insomnia |
7 |
5 |
Pain in extremity |
6 |
4 |
Depression |
5 |
4 |
Migraine |
5 |
4 |
Pharyngitis |
5 |
3 |
Cystitis |
4 |
3 |
Leukopenia |
4 |
2 |
Gastroenteritis viral |
3 |
1 |
Black/African-American Patients: The safety of BENLYSTA 10 mg/kg administered intravenously plus standard therapy (n = 331) compared with placebo plus standard therapy (n = 165) in black patients (Trial 4) was consistent with the known safety profile of BENLYSTA administered intravenously plus standard therapy in the overall population [see Clinical Studies (14.1)].
Pediatric Patients
The safety of BENLYSTA administered intravenously plus standard therapy (n = 53) compared with placebo plus standard therapy (n = 40) was evaluated in 93 pediatric patients (Trial 5). The adverse reactions observed were consistent with those observed in adults [see Clinical Studies (14.1)].
The data described below reflect exposure to BENLYSTA administered subcutaneously plus standard therapy compared with placebo plus standard therapy in 836 patients in a controlled trial (Trial 6). In addition to standard therapy, patients received BENLYSTA 200 mg (n = 556) or placebo (n = 280) (2:1 randomization) once weekly for up to 52 weeks [see Clinical Studies (14.2)].
The overall population had a mean age of 39 years (range: 18 to 77), 94% were female, and 60% were white. In the trial, 81% of patients treated with BENLYSTA plus standard therapy reported an adverse event compared with 84% treated with placebo plus standard therapy. The proportion of patients who discontinued treatment due to any adverse reaction during the controlled clinical trial was 7.2% of patients receiving BENLYSTA plus standard therapy and 8.9% of patients receiving placebo plus standard therapy.
The safety profile observed for BENLYSTA administered subcutaneously plus standard therapy was consistent with the known safety profile of BENLYSTA administered intravenously plus standard therapy, with the exception of local injection site reactions.
Injection Site Reactions
In the clinical study for BENLYSTA administered subcutaneously, the frequency of injection site reactions was 6.1% (34/556) for patients receiving BENLYSTA plus standard therapy and 2.5% (7/280) for patients receiving placebo plus standard therapy. These injection site reactions (most commonly pain, erythema, hematoma, pruritus, and induration) were mild to moderate in severity. The majority (94%) did not necessitate discontinuation of treatment.
The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of BENLYSTA. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
As with all therapeutic proteins, there is potential for immunogenicity. The detection of antibody formation is highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. Additionally, the observed incidence of antibody (including neutralizing antibody) positivity in an assay may be influenced by several factors including assay methodology, sample handling, timing of sample collection, concomitant medications, and underlying disease. For these reasons, comparison of the incidence of antibodies to belimumab with the incidence of antibodies in other studies or to other products may be misleading.
In Trials 2 and 3 (intravenous dosing in adults), anti-belimumab antibodies were detected in 4 of 563 (0.7%) patients receiving BENLYSTA 10 mg/kg and in 27 of 559 (4.8%) patients receiving BENLYSTA 1 mg/kg. The reported frequency for the group receiving 10 mg/kg may underestimate the actual frequency due to lower assay sensitivity in the presence of high drug concentrations. Neutralizing antibodies were detected in 3 patients receiving BENLYSTA 1 mg/kg. Three patients with anti-belimumab antibodies experienced mild infusion reactions of nausea, erythematous rash, pruritus, eyelid edema, headache, and dyspnea; none of the reactions was life-threatening. In Trial 4 (intravenous dosing in adult black patients), anti-belimumab antibodies were detected in 2 of 321 (0.6%) patients receiving BENLYSTA 10 mg/kg during the 52-week, placebo-controlled period. In Trial 5 (intravenous dosing in pediatric patients), there was no formation of anti-belimumab antibodies in 53 patients receiving BENLYSTA 10 mg/kg plus standard therapy during the 52-week, placebo‑controlled period. In Trial 6 (subcutaneous dosing in adults), there was no formation of anti‑belimumab antibodies in 556 patients receiving BENLYSTA 200 mg during the 52-week, placebo-controlled period.
The clinical relevance of the presence of anti-belimumab antibodies is not known.
The data reflect the percentage of patients whose test results were positive for antibodies to belimumab in specific assays.
Formal drug interaction studies have not been performed with BENLYSTA. In clinical trials of patients with SLE, BENLYSTA was administered concomitantly with other drugs, including corticosteroids, antimalarials, immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive agents (including azathioprine, methotrexate, and mycophenolate), angiotensin pathway antihypertensives, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) without evidence of a clinically meaningful effect of these concomitant medications on belimumab pharmacokinetics. The effect of belimumab on the pharmacokinetics of other drugs has not been evaluated [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Pregnancy Exposure Registry
There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to BENLYSTA during pregnancy. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to register patients by calling 1-877-681-6296.
Risk Summary
Available data on use of BENLYSTA in pregnant women, from observational studies, published case reports, and postmarketing surveillance, are insufficient to determine whether there is a drug-associated risk for major birth defects or miscarriage. There are risks to the mother and fetus associated with SLE (see Clinical Considerations). Monoclonal antibodies, such as belimumab, are actively transported across the placenta during the third trimester of pregnancy and may affect immune response in the in utero-exposed infant (see Clinical Considerations). In an animal combined embryo-fetal and pre- and post-natal development study with monkeys that received belimumab by intravenous administration, there was no evidence of fetal harm with exposures approximately 9 times (based on intravenous administration) and 20 times (based on subcutaneous administration) the exposure at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD). Belimumab-related findings in monkey fetuses and/or infants included reductions of B-cell counts, reductions in the density of lymphoid tissue B-lymphocytes in the spleen and lymph nodes, and altered IgG and IgM titers. The no-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) was not identified for these findings; however, they were reversible within 3 to 12 months after the drug was discontinued (see Data). Based on animal data and the mechanism of action of belimumab, the immune system in infants of treated mothers may be adversely affected. It is unknown, based on available data, whether immune effects, if identified, are reversible [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1)].
The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.
Clinical Considerations
Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryo/Fetal Risk: Pregnant women with SLE are at increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including worsening of the underlying disease, premature birth, miscarriage, and intrauterine growth restriction. Maternal lupus nephritis increases the risk of hypertension and preeclampsia/eclampsia. Passage of maternal autoantibodies across the placenta may result in adverse neonatal outcomes, including neonatal lupus and congenital heart block.
Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions: Monoclonal antibodies are increasingly transported across the placenta as pregnancy progresses, with the largest amount transferred during the third trimester. Risks and benefits should be considered prior to administering live or live-attenuated vaccines to infants exposed to BENLYSTA in utero. Monitor an infant of a treated mother for B-cell reduction and other immune dysfunction [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].
Data
Animal Data: In a combined embryo-fetal and pre- and post-natal development study, pregnant cynomolgus monkeys received belimumab at intravenous doses of 0, 5, or 150 mg/kg every 2 weeks from confirmation of pregnancy at Gestation Days (GD) 20 to 22, throughout the period of organogenesis (up to approximately GD 50), and continuing to either the day of scheduled cesarean section (GD 150 [late third trimester]) or the day of parturition. There was no evidence of maternal toxicity, effects on embryofetal and infant survival, or structural abnormalities at exposure approximately 9 times the MRHD of 10 mg/kg intravenously or 20 times the MRHD of 200 mg subcutaneously (on an AUC basis with maternal animal intravenous doses up to 150 mg/kg). Belimumab-related findings in mothers included reductions of immature and mature B-cell counts and in fetuses and/or infants included reductions of immature and mature B-cell counts, reductions in the density of lymphoid tissue B-lymphocytes in the spleen and lymph nodes, reduced spleen weights, increased IgG titers, and reduced IgM titers. B-cell counts in infant monkeys exposed to belimumab in utero recovered by 3 months of age and in mothers after 1 year. IgG and IgM levels in infant monkeys recovered by 6 months of age and the reductions in B-lymphocytes in the lymph nodes and spleen were reversed by 1 year of age. Belimumab crossed the placenta, as it was detected in fetal cord blood and amniotic fluid on GD 150.
Risk Summary
No information is available on the presence of belimumab in human milk, the effects of the drug on the breastfed infant, or the effects of the drug on milk production. Belimumab was detected in the milk of cynomolgus monkeys; however, due to species-specific differences in lactation physiology, animal data may not predict drug levels in human milk. Maternal IgG is known to be present in human milk. If belimumab is transferred into human milk, the effects of local exposure in the gastrointestinal tract and potential limited systemic exposure in the infant to belimumab are unknown. The lack of clinical data during lactation precludes clear determination of the risk of BENLYSTA to an infant during lactation; therefore, the developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for BENLYSTA, and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from BENLYSTA or from the underlying maternal condition.
Contraception
Following an assessment of benefit versus risk, if prevention of pregnancy is warranted, females of reproductive potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 4 months after the final treatment.
Intravenous administration of BENLYSTA is indicated in children aged 5 years and older. Determination of efficacy in pediatric patients was based on pharmacokinetic (PK) and efficacy results from a pediatric SLE study (Trial 5), as well as PK exposure and extrapolation of the established efficacy of BENYLSTA plus standard therapy from the Phase 3 intravenous studies in adults. A randomized, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled, PK, efficacy, and safety study (Trial 5) to evaluate intravenously administered BENLYSTA 10 mg/kg plus standard therapy compared with placebo plus standard therapy over 52 weeks was conducted in 93 pediatric patients with SLE. The proportion of pediatric patients achieving an SRI-4 response was higher in patients receiving BENLYSTA plus standard therapy compared with placebo plus standard therapy. Pediatric patients receiving BENLYSTA plus standard therapy also had a lower risk of experiencing a severe flare compared with the placebo group [see Clinical Studies (14.1)].
The adverse event profile in pediatric patients was consistent with the overall population in the Phase 3 studies in adults [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
Pharmacokinetics were evaluated in a total of 53 pediatric patients and were consistent with the adult population [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. The safety and effectiveness of BENLYSTA have not been established in pediatric patients younger than 5 years of age.
The safety and effectiveness of subcutaneous administration of BENLYSTA have not been established in pediatric patients younger than 18 years of age.
Clinical studies of BENLYSTA did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 or older to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Use with caution in elderly patients.
The safety and efficacy of BENLYSTA were evaluated in studies that included patients with SLE who had mild (creatinine clearance [CrCl] ≥60 and <90 mL/min), moderate (CrCl ≥30 and <60 mL/min), or severe (CrCl ≥15 and <30 mL/min) renal impairment. No dosage adjustment is recommended in patients with renal impairment.
No formal trials were conducted to examine the effects of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of belimumab. No dosage adjustment is recommended in patients with hepatic impairment.
In Trial 2 and Trial 3 (intravenous dosing), SLE Responder Index-4 (SRI-4) response rates were lower for black patients receiving BENLYSTA plus standard therapy relative to black patients receiving placebo plus standard therapy [see Clinical Studies (14.1)].
In Trial 4 (intravenous dosing), a 2:1 randomized, placebo-controlled trial in black patients, SLE Responder Index (SRI-S2K) response rates were higher for black patients receiving BENLYSTA plus standard therapy (49%) relative to black patients receiving placebo plus standard therapy (42%). However, the treatment difference was not statistically significant [see Clinical Studies (14.1)].
In Trial 6 (subcutaneous dosing), SRI-4 response was 45% (26/58) in black patients receiving BENLYSTA plus standard therapy compared with 39% (13/33) in black patients receiving placebo plus standard therapy [see Clinical Studies (14.2)].
The safety profile of BENLYSTA in black patients was consistent with the known safety profile of BENLYSTA administered in the overall population [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
There is limited experience with overdosage of belimumab. Adverse reactions reported in association with cases of overdose have been consistent with those expected for belimumab.
Two doses of up to 20 mg/kg have been given intravenously to humans with no increase in incidence or severity of adverse reactions compared with doses of 1, 4, or 10 mg/kg.
Belimumab is a human IgG1λ monoclonal antibody specific for soluble human B lymphocyte stimulator protein (BLyS, also referred to as BAFF and TNFSF13B). Belimumab has a molecular weight of approximately 147 kDa. Belimumab is produced by recombinant DNA technology in a murine cell (NS0) expression system.
Intravenous Infusion
BENLYSTA (belimumab) for injection is a sterile, white to off-white, preservative‑free, lyophilized powder in a single-dose vial for reconstitution and dilution prior to intravenous infusion. BENLYSTA for injection is supplied as 120 mg per vial and 400 mg per vial and requires reconstitution with Sterile Water for Injection, USP (1.5 mL and 4.8 mL, respectively) to obtain a concentration of 80 mg/mL [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)]. After reconstitution, each vial allows for withdrawal of 1.5 mL (120 mg) or 5 mL (400 mg). Each mL delivers 80 mg belimumab, citric acid (0.16 mg), polysorbate 80 (0.4 mg), sodium citrate (2.7 mg), and sucrose (80 mg), with a pH of 6.5.
The vial stoppers are not made with natural rubber latex.
Subcutaneous Injection
BENLYSTA (belimumab) injection is a sterile, preservative-free, clear to opalescent, and colorless to pale yellow solution for subcutaneous use. It is supplied in a 1-mL single-dose prefilled autoinjector with a fixed 27-gauge, half-inch needle or in a 1-mL single-dose prefilled syringe with a fixed 27-gauge, half-inch needle with a needle guard. Each 1 mL delivers 200 mg belimumab, L-arginine hydrochloride (5.3 mg), L-histidine (0.65 mg), L-histidine monohydrochloride (1.2 mg), polysorbate 80 (0.1 mg), and sodium chloride (6.7 mg), with a pH of 6.0.
The autoinjectors and prefilled syringes are not made with natural rubber latex.
BENLYSTA is a BLyS-specific inhibitor that blocks the binding of soluble BLyS, a B-cell survival factor, to its receptors on B cells. BENLYSTA does not bind B cells directly, but by binding BLyS, BENLYSTA inhibits the survival of B cells, including autoreactive B cells, and reduces the differentiation of B cells into immunoglobulin-producing plasma cells.
Treatment with BENLYSTA in adult patients significantly reduced circulating CD19+, CD20+, naïve, and activated B cells, and the SLE B‑cell subset at Week 52. Reductions in naïve and the SLE B‑cell subset were observed as early as Week 8 and sustained to Week 52. Memory cells increased initially and slowly declined toward baseline levels by Week 52.
Treatment with BENLYSTA in adult patients led to reductions in IgG and anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies (anti-dsDNA) which were observed as early as Week 8 and sustained through Week 52. In patients with low complement levels at baseline, treatment led to increases in complement C3 and C4 as early as Week 12 and were sustained through Week 52.
The pharmacodynamic response observed in black patients (Trial 4) was consistent with the previous studies.
In Trial 5 (pediatric dosing) the pharmacodynamic response was consistent with the adult data.
The clinical relevance of above mentioned pharmacodynamic biomarkers has not been established.
Intravenous Infusion in Adults
The pharmacokinetic parameters displayed in Table 2 are based on population parameter estimates from 563 adult patients who received BENLYSTA 10 mg/kg.
a Intravenous infusions were administered at 2-week intervals for the first 3 doses and at 4-week intervals thereafter. | |
Pharmacokinetic Parameter |
Population Estimates
|
Peak concentration (Cmax, mcg/mL) |
313 |
Area under the curve (AUC0-∞, day●mcg/mL) |
3,083 |
Distribution half-life (t½, days) |
1.8 |
Terminal half-life (t½, days) |
19.4 |
Systemic clearance (CL, mL/day) |
215 |
Volume of distribution (Vss, L) |
5 |
Subcutaneous Injection in Adults
The pharmacokinetic parameters displayed in Table 3 are based on population parameter estimates from 661 subjects after subcutaneous administration of belimumab. The time to reach maximum serum concentration (Cmax) was 2.6 days (Tmax) after administration at steady state. The bioavailability of belimumab was approximately 74%. With weekly subcutaneous administration there were minor fluctuations around the average concentration (Cavg 104 mcg/mL), with Cmin (97 mcg/mL) being only slightly below Cavg.
Pharmacokinetic Parameter |
Population Estimates
|
Peak concentration (Cmax, mcg/mL) |
108 |
Area under the curve (AUC0-∞, day●mcg/mL) |
726 |
Distribution half-life (t½, days) |
1.1 |
Terminal half-life (t½, days) |
18.3 |
Systemic clearance (CL, mL/day) |
204 |
Volume of distribution (Vss, L) |
5 |
Specific Populations
The following information is based on the population pharmacokinetic analyses of intravenous administration and subcutaneous administration of BENLYSTA.
Age: Age did not significantly influence the pharmacokinetics of belimumab, where the majority of subjects were between 18 and 45 years (70% with intravenous dosing; 74% with subcutaneous dosing).
Geriatric Patients: Limited pharmacokinetic data are available for elderly patients as less than 2% of the subjects included in the pharmacokinetic analysis were 65 years or older [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5)].
Pediatric Patients: The pharmacokinetic parameters are based on individual parameter estimates from a population pharmacokinetic analysis of 53 pediatric patients (Trial 5). Following IV administration of 10 mg/kg on Days 0, 14, and 28, and at 4‑week intervals thereafter, belimumab exposures were similar between pediatric and adult subjects with SLE. Steady-state geometric mean Cmax, Cmin, Cavg, and AUC values were 305, 42, 92 mcg/mL, and 2,569 daymcg/mL in the 5- to 11-year-old group, and 317, 52, 112 mcg/mL and 3,126 daymcg/mL in the 12- to 17-year-old group. [See Use in Specific Populations (8.4).]
Male and Female Patients: Gender did not significantly influence belimumab pharmacokinetics in the largely female trial population (94% with intravenous dosing; 85% with subcutaneous dosing).
Racial Groups: Race did not significantly influence belimumab pharmacokinetics. The racial distribution with intravenous administration was 53% white, 16% Asian, 16% Alaska native/American Indian, and 14% black in Trials 1, 2, and 3. Trial 4 enrolled only black patients. The racial distribution with subcutaneous administration (Trial 6) was 61% white, 20% Asian, 11% black, and 6% Alaska native/American Indian.
Weight: Body weight and body mass index (BMI) had no clinically relevant effect on the pharmacokinetics of belimumab administered subcutaneously in adults. No dose adjustment is recommended based on weight or BMI for subcutaneous administration.
Patients with Renal Impairment: No formal trials were conducted to examine the effects of renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics of belimumab. BENLYSTA was studied in a limited number of adult patients with SLE who had mild (CrCl ≥60 and <90 mL/min), moderate (CrCl ≥30 and <60 mL/min), or severe (CrCl ≥15 and <30 mL/min) renal impairment: 770 patients with mild renal impairment, 261 patients with moderate renal impairment, and 14 patients with severe renal impairment received belimumab intravenously; 121 patients with mild renal impairment and 30 patients with moderate renal impairment received belimumab subcutaneously. [See Use in Specific Populations (8.6).]
Patients with Hepatic Impairment: No formal trials were conducted to examine the effects of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of belimumab. Baseline ALT and AST levels did not significantly influence belimumab pharmacokinetics. [See Use in Specific Populations (8.7).]
Drug Interaction Studies
No formal drug interaction studies have been conducted with BENLYSTA. Concomitant use of mycophenolate, azathioprine, methotrexate, antimalarials, NSAIDs, aspirin, and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors did not significantly influence belimumab pharmacokinetics. Coadministration of steroids and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors resulted in an increase of systemic clearance of belimumab that was not clinically significant because the magnitude was well within the range of normal variability of clearance. The effect of belimumab on the pharmacokinetics of other drugs has not been evaluated.
The safety and effectiveness of BENLYSTA administered intravenously plus standard therapy were evaluated in 4 randomized, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled trials involving 2,581 adult patients (Trial 1, NCT #00071487, Trial 2, NCT #00410384, Trial 3, NCT #00424476, and Trial 4 NCT #01632241), and one trial involving 93 pediatric patients (Trial 5, NCT #01649765) with SLE according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria. Patients with severe active lupus nephritis and severe active CNS lupus were excluded. Patients were on a stable standard therapy SLE treatment regimen comprising any of the following (alone or in combination): corticosteroids, antimalarials, NSAIDs, and immunosuppressives. Use of other biologics and intravenous cyclophosphamide was not permitted.
Trial 1: BENLYSTA 1 mg/kg, 4 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg - Intravenous
Trial 1 enrolled 449 patients and evaluated doses of 1, 4, and 10 mg/kg BENLYSTA plus standard therapy compared with placebo plus standard therapy over 52 weeks in patients with SLE. Patients had to have a Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment-Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SELENA-SLEDAI) score of >4 at baseline and a history of autoantibodies (anti-nuclear antibody [ANA] and/or anti-double-stranded DNA [anti-dsDNA]), but 28% of the population was autoantibody negative at baseline. The co-primary endpoints were percent change in SELENA-SLEDAI score at Week 24 and time to first flare over 52 weeks. No significant differences between any of the groups receiving BENLYSTA and the group receiving placebo were observed. Exploratory analysis of this trial identified a subgroup of patients (72%) who were autoantibody positive in whom BENLYSTA appeared to offer benefit. The results of this trial informed the design of Trials 2 and 3 and led to the selection of a target population and indication that is limited to autoantibody-positive SLE patients.
Trials 2, 3 and 4: BENLYSTA 1 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg - Intravenous
Trials 2 and 3 were randomized, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled trials in patients with SLE that were similar in design except duration - Trial 2 (N = 819) was 76 weeks’ duration and Trial 3 (N = 865) was 52 weeks’ duration. Patients had active SLE disease with a SELENA‑SLEDAI score ≥6 and positive autoantibody test results at screening. Patients were excluded from the trial if they had ever received treatment with a B‑cell-targeted agent or if they were currently receiving other biologic agents. Intravenous cyclophosphamide was not permitted within the previous 6 months or during the trial. Trial 2 was conducted primarily in North America and Europe. Trial 3 was conducted in South America, Eastern Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Baseline concomitant medications included corticosteroids (Trial 2: 76%, Trial 3: 96%), immunosuppressives (Trial 2: 56%, Trial 3: 42%; including azathioprine, methotrexate, and mycophenolate), and antimalarials (Trial 2: 63%, Trial 3: 67%). Most patients (>70%) were receiving 2 or more classes of SLE medications.
In Trial 2 and Trial 3, more than 50% of patients had 3 or more active organ systems involved at baseline. The most common active organ systems at baseline based on SELENA-SLEDAI were mucocutaneous (82% in both trials), immune (Trial 2: 74%, Trial 3: 85%), and musculoskeletal (Trial 2: 73%, Trial 3: 59%). Less than 16% of patients had some degree of renal activity and less than 7% of patients had activity in the vascular, cardio-respiratory, or CNS systems.
At screening, patients were stratified by disease severity based on their SELENA‑SLEDAI score (≤9 vs. ≥10), proteinuria level (<2 g/24 h vs. ≥2 g/24 h), and race (African or Indigenous-American descent vs. other), and then randomly assigned to receive BENLYSTA 1 mg/kg, BENLYSTA 10 mg/kg, or placebo in addition to standard therapy. The patients were administered trial medication intravenously over a 1‑hour period on Days 0, 14, 28, and then every 28 days for 48 weeks in Trial 3 and for 72 weeks in Trial 2.
The primary efficacy endpoint was a composite endpoint (SLE Responder Index-4 or SRI-4) that defined response as meeting each of the following criteria at Week 52 compared with baseline:
The SRI uses the SELENA‑SLEDAI score as an objective measure of reduction in global disease activity; the BILAG index to ensure no significant worsening in any specific organ system; and the PGA to ensure that improvements in disease activity are not accompanied by worsening of the patient’s condition overall.
In both Trials 2 and 3, the proportion of patients with SLE achieving an SRI-4 response, as defined for the primary endpoint, was significantly higher in the group receiving BENLYSTA 10 mg/kg plus standard therapy than in the group receiving placebo plus standard therapy. The effect on the SRI-4 was not consistently significantly different for patients receiving BENLYSTA 1 mg/kg plus standard therapy relative to placebo plus standard therapy in both trials. The 1-mg/kg dose is not recommended. The trends in comparisons between the treatment groups for the rates of response for the individual components of the endpoint were generally consistent with that of the SRI-4 (Table 4). At Week 76 in Trial 2, the SRI-4 response rate with BENLYSTA 10 mg/kg was not significantly different from that of placebo (39% and 32%, respectively).
a Patients dropping out of the trial early or experiencing certain increases in background medication were considered as failures in these analyses. In both trials, a higher proportion of placebo patients were considered as failures for this reason compared with the groups receiving BENLYSTA. b The 1-mg/kg dose is not recommended. |
||||||
Trial 2 |
Trial 3 |
|||||
Response |
Placebo + Standard Therapy (n = 275) |
BENLYSTA 1 mg/kg + Standard Therapyb (n = 271) |
BENLYSTA 10 mg/kg + Standard Therapy (n = 273) |
Placebo + Standard Therapy (n = 287) |
BENLYSTA 1 mg/kg + Standard Therapyb (n = 288) |
BENLYSTA 10 mg/kg + Standard Therapy (n = 290) |
SLE Responder Index-4 (SRI-4)a |
34% |
41% |
43% |
44% |
51% |
58% |
Odds Ratio (95% CI) vs. placebo |
1.3 (0.9, 1.9) |
1.5 (1.1, 2.2) |
1.6 (1.1, 2.2) |
1.8 (1.3, 2.6) |
||
Components of SLE Responder Index-4 (SRI-4) |
||||||
Percent of patients with reduction in SELENA-SLEDAI ≥4 |
36% |
43% |
47% |
46% |
53% |
58% |
Percent of patients with no worsening by BILAG index |
65% |
75% |
69% |
73% |
79% |
81% |
Percent of patients with no worsening by PGA |
63% |
73% |
69% |
69% |
79% |
80% |
The reduction in disease activity seen in the SRI-4 was related primarily to improvement in the most commonly involved organ systems; namely, mucocutaneous, musculoskeletal, and immune.
Effect in Black/African-American Patients: In Trials 2 and 3, exploratory sub-group analyses of SRI-4 response rate in black patients (n = 148) were performed. The SRI-4 response rate in black patients in groups receiving BENLYSTA plus standard therapy was less than that in the group receiving placebo plus standard therapy (22/50 or 44% for placebo, 15/48 or 31% for BENLYSTA 1 mg/kg, and 18/50 or 36% for BENLYSTA 10 mg/kg).
Trial 4 was a 2:1 randomized, placebo-controlled trial in black patients (N = 448) conducted in North America, South America, Europe, and Africa (same study design as Trials 2 and 3 with exceptions of patients having a baseline SELENA-SLEDAI score of >8 and using the modified SLEDAI-2K scoring for proteinuria). The population had a mean age of 39 years (range: 18 to 71) and 97% were female. The proportion of black patients achieving an SRI-S2K response at Week 52 (primary endpoint), and the individual components of the endpoint, were higher in the group receiving BENLYSTA 10 mg/kg plus standard therapy relative to the group receiving placebo plus standard therapy. However, the treatment difference was not statistically significant (Table 5).
a Patients dropping out of the trial early or experiencing certain increases in background medication were considered as failures in these analyses. A higher proportion of patients receiving placebo were considered as failures for this reason compared with the group receiving BENLYSTA. | |||||||||
Response |
Placebo + Standard Therapy (n = 149) |
BENLYSTA 10 mg/kg + Standard Therapy (n = 299) |
|||||||
SLE Responder Index (SRI-S2K)a |
42% |
49% |
|||||||
Odds Ratio (95% CI) |
1.4 (0.9, 2.1) P = 0.107 |
||||||||
Components of SLE Responder Index (SRI-S2K) |
|||||||||
Percent of patients with reduction in SELENA‑SLEDAI-S2K ≥4 |
42% |
50% |
|||||||
Odds Ratio (95% CI) |
1.5 (1.0, 2.2) |
||||||||
Percent of patients with no worsening by BILAG index |
62% |
68% |
|||||||
Odds Ratio (95% CI) |
1.2 (0.8, 1.9) |
||||||||
Percent of patients with no worsening by PGA |
64% |
70% |
|||||||
Odds Ratio (95% CI) |
1.3 (0.8, 1.9) |
Effect on Concomitant Steroid Treatment: In Trial 2 and Trial 3, 46% and 69% of patients, respectively, were receiving prednisone at doses >7.5 mg/day at baseline. The proportion of patients able to reduce their average prednisone dose by at least 25% to ≤7.5 mg/day during Weeks 40 through 52 was not consistently significantly different for BENLYSTA plus standard therapy relative to placebo plus standard therapy in both trials. In Trial 2, 17% of patients receiving BENLYSTA 10 mg/kg plus standard therapy and 19% of patients receiving BENLYSTA 1 mg/kg plus standard therapy achieved this level of steroid reduction compared with 13% of patients receiving placebo plus standard therapy. In Trial 3, 19%, 21%, and 12% of patients receiving BENLYSTA 10 mg/kg, BENLYSTA 1 mg/kg, and placebo, respectively, plus standard therapy achieved this level of steroid reduction.
Effect on Severe SLE Flares: The probability of experiencing a severe SLE flare, as defined by a modification of the SELENA Trial flare criteria, which excluded severe flares triggered only by an increase of the SELENA-SLEDAI score to >12, was calculated for both Trials 2 and 3. The proportion of patients having at least 1 severe flare over 52 weeks was not consistently significantly different for BENLYSTA plus standard therapy relative to placebo plus standard therapy in both trials. In Trial 2, 18% of patients receiving BENLYSTA 10 mg/kg plus standard therapy and 16% of patients receiving BENLYSTA 1 mg/kg plus standard therapy had a severe flare compared with 24% of patients receiving placebo plus standard therapy. In Trial 3, 14%, 18%, and 23% of patients receiving BENLYSTA 10 mg/kg, BENLYSTA 1 mg/kg and placebo, respectively, plus standard therapy had a severe flare.
Trial 5: BENLYSTA 10 mg/kg in Pediatric Patients - Intravenous
The safety and efficacy of BENLYSTA was evaluated in an international, randomized, double-blind, placebo‑controlled, 52-week, pharmacokinetics (PK), efficacy and safety study conducted in 93 pediatric patients with a clinical diagnosis of SLE according to the American College of Rheumatology classification criteria. Patients had active SLE disease, defined as a SELENA-SLEDAI score ≥6 and positive autoantibodies at screening as defined in the adult trials. Patients were on a stable SLE treatment regimen (standard of care) and had similar inclusion and exclusion criteria as in the adult studies. The median age was 15 years (range: 6 to 17). The majority (95%) of patients were female. More than 50% of patients had 3 or more active organ systems involved at baseline. The most common active organ systems at baseline based on SELENA-SLEDAI were mucocutaneous (91%), immunologic (74%), and musculoskeletal (73%). Overall, 19% of pediatric patients had some degree of renal activity and less than 7% had activity in the cardio-respiratory, hematologic, CNS or vascular systems. Randomization into age-related treatment cohorts was stratified by screening SELENA-SLEDAI scores (6 to 12 vs >13) and age (5 to 11 years vs 12 to 17 years).
The primary efficacy endpoint was the SLE Responder Index (SRI-4) at Week 52, as described in the adult intravenous trials. There was a numerically higher proportion of pediatric patients achieving a response in SRI‑4 and its components in pediatric patients receiving BENLYSTA plus standard therapy compared with placebo plus standard therapy (Table 6).
a Based on a non-powered trial. | ||||||||||||
Response |
Placebo (n = 40) |
BENLYSTA 10 mg/kg (n = 53) |
||||||||||
SLE Responder Index |
44% |
53% |
||||||||||
Odds Ratio (95% CI) vs. Placebo |
1.49 (0.64, 3.46) |
|||||||||||
Components of SLE Responder Index |
||||||||||||
Percent of patients with reduction in SELENA‑SLEDAI ≥4 |
44% |
55% |
||||||||||
Percent of patients with no worsening by BILAG index |
62% |
74% |
||||||||||
Percent of patients with no worsening by PGA |
67% |
76% |
||||||||||
Other endpoints |
||||||||||||
SRI-6 using SELENA SLEDAI ≥6-point reduction |
34% |
41% |
||||||||||
Proportion of subjects with a sustained SRI response |
41% |
43% |
Effect on Concomitant Steroid Treatment: At baseline, 95% of pediatric patients were receiving prednisone. Among those pediatric patients, 20% of pediatric patients receiving BENLYSTA plus standard therapy reduced their average prednisone dose by at least 25% per day during Weeks 44 through 52 compared with 21% of pediatric patients on placebo plus standard therapy.
Effect on Severe SLE Flares: In Trial 5, the probability of experiencing a severe SLE flare, as measured by the modified SELENA-SLEDAI Flare Index, excluding severe flares triggered only by an increase of the SELENA-SLEDAI score to >12, was calculated. The proportion of pediatric patients reporting at least one severe flare during the study was numerically lower in pediatric patients receiving BENLYSTA plus standard therapy (23%) compared with those receiving placebo plus standard therapy (43%). Pediatric patients receiving BENLYSTA 10 mg/kg plus standard therapy had a 62% lower risk of experiencing a severe flare during the 52 weeks of observation, relative to the placebo plus standard therapy group. Of the pediatric patients experiencing a severe flare, the median time to the first severe flare was 160 days in pediatric patients receiving BENLYSTA plus standard therapy compared with 82 days in pediatric patients receiving placebo plus standard therapy.
The safety and effectiveness of BENLYSTA administered subcutaneously were evaluated in a randomized, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled trial involving 836 adult patients with SLE according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria (Trial 6, NCT #01484496). Patients with severe active lupus nephritis and severe active CNS lupus were excluded. The trial (2:1 randomization) evaluated BENLYSTA 200 mg once weekly plus standard therapy (n = 556) compared with placebo once weekly plus standard therapy (n = 280) over 52 weeks in patients with active SLE disease. Patients had to have a SELENA-SLEDAI score of ≥8 and positive autoantibody test (anti-nuclear antibody [ANA] and/or anti-double-stranded DNA [anti-dsDNA]) results at screening.
No significant differences in baseline patient characteristics were observed between treatment groups. In some countries, treatment with a B-cell-targeted agent was permitted if received a year or more prior to baseline; otherwise, treatment with a B-cell-targeted agent was not permitted. Patients were excluded from the trial if they were currently receiving other biologic agents. Anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy, intravenous cyclophosphamide, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), prednisone >100 mg/day, and plasmapheresis were not permitted within the previous 3 months or during the trial. The trial was conducted in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. Baseline concomitant medications included corticosteroids (86%), antimalarials (69%), and immunosuppressives (46%, including azathioprine, methotrexate, and mycophenolate). Most patients (approximately 80%) were receiving 2 or more classes of SLE medications.
More than 50% of patients had 3 or more active organ systems involved at baseline. The most common active organ systems at baseline based on SELENA-SLEDAI were mucocutaneous (88%), musculoskeletal (78%), and immunologic (76%). Overall, 12% of patients had some degree of renal activity and less than 15% of patients had activity in the vascular, cardio-respiratory, or CNS systems. Patients were stratified by disease severity based on their SELENA-SLEDAI score (≤9 vs. ≥10), complement level (C3 and/or C4 low vs. other), and race (black vs. other), and then randomly assigned to receive BENLYSTA 200 mg plus standard therapy or placebo once weekly plus standard therapy.
The primary efficacy endpoint was the SLE Responder Index-4 (SRI-4) at Week 52 as described in the intravenous trials. Secondary efficacy endpoints included time to first severe flare (as measured by the modified SELENA-SLEDAI SLE Flare Index) and the proportion of patients receiving prednisone >7.5 mg/day at baseline whose average prednisone dose had been reduced by ≥25% to ≤7.5 mg/day during Weeks 40 through 52.
The proportion of patients achieving an SRI-4 response was significantly higher in patients receiving BENLYSTA plus standard therapy compared with placebo plus standard therapy. The trends comparing the treatment groups with respect to the probability of response for the individual components of the endpoint were consistent with that of the SRI-4 (Table 7).
a Patients dropping out of the trial early or experiencing certain increases in background medication were considered as failures in these analyses. A higher proportion of patients receiving placebo plus standard therapy were considered as failures for this reason compared with the group receiving BENLYSTA plus standard therapy. | ||
Response |
Placebo + Standard Therapy (n = 279) |
BENLYSTA + Standard Therapy (n = 554) |
SLE Responder Index-4 (SRI-4)a |
48% |
61% P = 0.0006 |
Odds Ratio (95% CI) vs. placebo |
1.7 (1.3, 2.3) |
|
Components of SLE Responder Index-4 (SRI-4) |
||
Percent of patients with reduction in SELENA-SLEDAI ≥4 |
49% |
62% |
Percent of patients with no worsening by BILAG index |
74% |
81% |
Percent of patients with no worsening by PGA |
73% |
81% |
The reduction in disease activity seen in the SRI-4 was related primarily to improvement in the most commonly involved organ systems, namely, mucocutaneous, musculoskeletal, immunologic, and vascular.
The proportion of SRI-4 responders by visit through Week 52 is shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1. Proportion (%) of SRI-4 Responders (+/- Standard Error) by Visita
a The same patients may not have responded at each timepoint.
Effect in Black/African-American Patients: Exploratory sub-group analyses of SRI-4 response rate in black patients (n = 91) were performed. The SRI-4 response rate in black patients receiving BENLYSTA plus standard therapy was 45% (26/58) compared with 39% (13/33) in the group receiving placebo plus standard therapy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.8)].
Effect on Concomitant Steroid Treatment: At baseline, 60% of patients were receiving prednisone at doses >7.5 mg/day. Among these patients, 18% of patients receiving BENLYSTA plus standard therapy reduced their average prednisone dose by at least 25% to ≤7.5 mg/day during Weeks 40 through 52 compared with 12% of patients on placebo plus standard therapy; this difference was not statistically significant (OR = 1.65 [95% CI: 0.95, 2.84]).
Effect on Severe SLE Flares: The probability of experiencing a severe SLE flare, as measured by the modified SELENA-SLEDAI SLE Flare Index, excluding severe flares triggered only by an increase of the SELENA-SLEDAI score to >12, was calculated. The proportion of patients reporting at least 1 severe flare during the study was lower in patients treated with BENLYSTA plus standard therapy (11%) compared with those receiving placebo plus standard therapy (18%). Patients treated with BENLYSTA plus standard therapy had a 49% lower risk of experiencing at least 1 severe flare during the 52 weeks of observation, relative to the patients receiving placebo plus standard therapy (HR = 0.51 [95% CI: 0.35, 0.74]). Of the patients experiencing a severe flare, the median time to the first severe flare was delayed in patients receiving BENLYSTA plus standard therapy compared with placebo plus standard therapy (171 days vs. 118 days).
BENLYSTA (belimumab) for injection is a sterile, preservative-free, lyophilized powder for reconstitution and dilution prior to intravenous infusion provided in single-dose glass vials with a rubber stopper (not made with natural rubber latex) and a flip-off seal. Each 5-mL vial contains 120°mg of belimumab. Each 20-mL vial contains 400°mg of belimumab.
BENLYSTA vials are supplied as follows:
120 mg belimumab in a 5-mL single-dose vial (NDC: 49401-101-01)
400°mg belimumab in a 20-mL single-dose vial (NDC: 49401-102-01)
Refrigerate vials at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Store vials in the original carton until use to protect from light. Do not freeze. Avoid exposure to heat.
BENLYSTA (belimumab) injection is a clear to opalescent, and colorless to pale yellow solution for subcutaneous use. Each single-dose prefilled autoinjector or single-dose prefilled syringe is designed to deliver 200 mg of belimumab in 1 mL of solution and is supplied as follows:
200 mg/mL single-dose prefilled autoinjector with 27-gauge, half-inch needle attached (NDC 49401-088-01) in a carton of 4 (NDC: 49401-088-35).
200 mg/mL single-dose prefilled glass syringe with 27-gauge, half-inch needle attached (NDC 49401-088-42) in a carton of 4 (NDC: 49401-088-47).
Prior to Dispensing
Refrigerate prefilled autoinjectors and prefilled syringes at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Keep the product in the original carton to protect from light until the time of use. Do not freeze. Do not shake. Avoid exposure to heat.
Following Dispensing
Refrigerate prefilled autoinjectors and prefilled syringes at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Keep the product in the original carton to protect from light until the time of use. Do not freeze. Do not shake. Avoid exposure to heat.
BENLYSTA may be stored outside of the refrigerator up to 86°F (30°C) for up to 12 hours if protected from sunlight. Do not use and do not place back in refrigerator if left out for more than 12 hours.
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide and Instructions for Use). It is important that the patient’s overall health be assessed at each visit and any questions resulting from the patient’s reading of the Medication Guide and Instructions for Use be discussed.
For patients receiving BENLYSTA, give patients the Medication Guide for BENLYSTA.
Mortality
Advise patients that more patients receiving BENLYSTA in the main clinical trials died than did patients receiving placebo treatment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Serious Infections
Advise patients that BENLYSTA may decrease their ability to fight infections. Ask patients if they have a history of chronic infections and if they are currently on any therapy for an infection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. Instruct patients to tell their healthcare provider if they develop signs or symptoms of an infection.
Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy
Advise patients to contact their healthcare professional if they experience new or worsening neurological symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, dizziness or loss of balance, difficulty talking or walking, or vision problems [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Hypersensitivity Reactions/Anaphylaxis and Infusion Reactions
Educate patients on the signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions and infusion reactions, including wheezing, difficulty breathing, angioedema, rash, hypotension, bradycardia, and headache. Instruct patients to immediately tell their healthcare provider if they experience symptoms of an allergic reaction during or after the administration of BENLYSTA. Inform patients to tell their healthcare provider about possible delayed reactions that may include a combination of symptoms such as rash, nausea, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, and/or facial swelling that may occur after administration of BENLYSTA [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3, 5.4)].
Depression and Suicidality
Instruct patients (and caregivers if applicable) to contact their healthcare provider if they experience new or worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, or other mood changes [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].
Immunizations
Inform patients that they should not receive live vaccines while taking BENLYSTA. Response to vaccinations could be impaired by BENLYSTA [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].
Pregnancy Registry
Inform patients that there is a pregnancy registry to monitor fetal outcomes of pregnant women exposed to BENLYSTA [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].
Pregnancy
Inform female patients of reproductive potential that BENLYSTA may impact the immune system in infants of treated mothers and to inform their prescriber of a known or suspected pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].
Trademarks are owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies.
Manufactured by
Human Genome Sciences, Inc.
(a subsidiary of GlaxoSmithKline)
Rockville, Maryland 20850
U.S. License No. 1820
Marketed by
GlaxoSmithKline
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
©2020 GSK group of companies or its licensor.
BNL:13PI
DETACH HERE AND GIVE MEDICATION GUIDE TO PATIENT.
MEDICATION GUIDE |
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BENLYSTA (ben-LIST-ah) (belimumab) for injection, for intravenous use |
BENLYSTA (ben-LIST-ah) (belimumab) injection, for subcutaneous use |
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What is the most important information I should know about BENLYSTA? BENLYSTA can cause serious side effects. Some of these side effects may cause death. It is not known if BENLYSTA causes these serious side effects. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the symptoms listed below while receiving BENLYSTA |
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What is BENLYSTA? BENLYSTA is a prescription medicine used to treat patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) who are receiving other lupus medicines. Intravenous dosing of BENLYSTA is approved for adults and children aged 5 years and older. Subcutaneous dosing of BENLYSTA is only approved for adult patients. BENLYSTA contains belimumab which is in a group of medicines called monoclonal antibodies. Lupus is a disease of the immune system (the body system that fights infection). When given together with other medicines for lupus, BENLYSTA decreases lupus disease activity more than other lupus medicines alone.
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Do not use BENLYSTA if you:
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Before you receive BENLYSTA, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of your medicines with you to show to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. |
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How will I receive BENLYSTA? When administered intravenously (by vein)
When administered subcutaneously (under your skin)
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What are the possible side effects of BENLYSTA? BENLYSTA can cause serious side effects, including: See “What is the most important information I should know about BENLYSTA?”
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The most common side effects of BENLYSTA include: |
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These are not all the possible side effects of BENLYSTA. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1‑800‑FDA‑1088. |
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How should I store BENLYSTA?
Keep BENLYSTA and all medicines out of the reach of children. |
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General information about the safe and effective use of BENLYSTA. Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use BENLYSTA for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give BENLYSTA to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them. This Medication Guide summarizes the most important information about BENLYSTA. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about BENLYSTA that is written for healthcare professionals. |
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What are the ingredients in BENLYSTA? Active ingredient: belimumab. Inactive ingredients (intravenous): citric acid, polysorbate 80, sodium citrate, sucrose. Inactive Ingredients (subcutaneous): L-arginine hydrochloride, L-histidine, L-histidine monohydrochloride, polysorbate 80, sodium chloride. |
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For more information, go to www.BENLYSTA.com or call 1-877-423-6597 BENLYSTA is a registered trademark owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies. The other brand listed is a trademark owned by or licensed to its respective owner and is not owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies. The maker of this brand is not affiliated with and does not endorse the GSK group of companies or its products. Manufactured by: Human Genome Sciences, Inc. (a subsidiary of GlaxoSmithKline), Rockville, Maryland 20850 U.S. License No. 1820 Marketed by: GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 ©2019 GSK group of companies or its licensor. BNL:9MG |
Instructions for Use
BENLYSTA (ben-LIST-ah)
(belimumab)
injection, for subcutaneous use
Prefilled Syringe
Read this Instructions for Use before you start to use BENLYSTA and each time you refill your prescription. There may be new information. You should also receive training from your healthcare provider on how to use the prefilled syringe the right way. If you do not follow these instructions the prefilled syringe may not work properly. BENLYSTA is for use under the skin only (subcutaneous).
Important Storage Information
Important Warnings
BENLYSTA Prefilled Syringe Parts
Before use
After Use – Needle is covered by Needle Guard
Supplies needed for the injection
BENLYSTA Prefilled Syringe
Alcohol Swab (not included)
Gauze Pad or Cotton Ball (not included)
Sharps Container (not included)
1 Gather and check supplies
Gather supplies
Check expiration date
2 Prepare and inspect the BENLYSTA Prefilled Syringe
Allow to come to room temperature
Inspect BENLYSTA solution
3 Choose and clean the injection site
Choose the injection site
Clean the injection site
4 Prepare for the injection
Remove the Needle Cap
5 Inject BENLYSTA
Insert the Needle
Complete the injection
6 Dispose of used prefilled syringe and inspect
Dispose of the used prefilled syringe
Throw away (dispose of) the used syringe and Needle Cap in a Sharps Container. See Figure J.
Inspect the injection site
Additional information
For more information about BENLYSTA, go to www.BENLYSTA.com or call 1-877-423-6597.
This Instructions for Use has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Trademark is owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies.
Manufactured by Human Genome Sciences, Inc., (a subsidiary of GlaxoSmithKline), Rockville, MD 20850
U.S. License No. 1820
©2018 GSK group of companies or its licensor.
BNL:2IFU-S
Revised June 2018
Instructions for Use
BENLYSTA (ben-LIST-ah)
(belimumab)
injection, for subcutaneous use
Prefilled Autoinjector
Read this Instructions for Use before you start to use BENLYSTA and each time you refill your prescription. There may be new information. You should also receive training from your healthcare provider on how to use the autoinjector the right way. If you do not follow these instructions the autoinjector may not work properly. BENLYSTA is for use under the skin only (subcutaneous).
Important Storage Information
Important Warnings
BENLYSTA Autoinjector Parts
Supplies needed for the injection
BENLYSTA Autoinjector
Alcohol Swab (not included)
Gauze Pad or Cotton Ball (not included)
Sharps Container (not included)
1 Gather and check supplies
Gather supplies
Check expiration date
2 Prepare and inspect the BENLYSTA Autoinjector
Allow to come to room temperature
Inspect BENLYSTA solution
3 Choose and clean the injection site
Choose the injection site
Clean the injection site
4 Prepare for the injection
Remove the Ring Cap
Position the autoinjector
5 Inject BENLYSTA
Start the injection
Complete the injection
6 Dispose of used autoinjector and inspect
Dispose of the used autoinjector
Throw away (dispose of) the used autoinjector and Ring Cap in a Sharps Container. See Figure K.
Inspect the injection site
Additional information
For more information about BENLYSTA, go to www.BENLYSTA.com or call 1-877-423-6597.
This Instructions for Use has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Trademark is owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies.
Manufactured by Human Genome Sciences, Inc., (a subsidiary of GlaxoSmithKline), Rockville, MD 20850
U.S. License No. 1820
©2018 GSK group of companies or its licensor.
BNL:2IFU-A
Revised June 2018
PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL
NDC: 49401-101-01
Benlysta®
(belimumab)
for Injection
120 mg/vial
For Intravenous Infusion after dilution only. Single-dose vial.
Discard unused portion
Reconstitution: Reconstitute with 1.5 mL of Sterile Water for Injection, USP. After reconstitution, the concentration of BENLYSTA is 80 mg/mL.
Dilute: Further dilute in 250 mL of one of the following solutions before use:
Federal Law requires dispensing of BENLYSTA® with the Medication Guide provided with this carton.
Rx only
©2016 the GSK group of companies
Rev. 6/16
10000000141921
PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL
NDC: 49401-102-01
Benlysta®
(belimumab)
for Injection
400 mg/vial
For Intravenous Infusion after dilution only. Single-dose vial.
Discard unused portion.
Reconstitution: Reconstitute with 4.8 mL of Sterile Water for Injection, USP. After reconstitution, the concentration of BENLYSTA is 80 mg/mL.
Dilute: Further dilute in 250 mL of one of the following solutions before use:
Federal Law requires dispensing of BENLYSTA® with the Medication Guide provided with this carton.
Rx only
©2016 the GSK group of companies
Rev. 7/16
10000000141890
PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL
NDC: 49401-088-35
Benlysta
(belimumab)
Injection
200 mg/mL
Once-weekly
For Subcutaneous Use
Rx only
Contents:
Federal Law requires dispensing of BENLYSTA with the Medication Guide provided with this package.
©2019 GSK group of companies or is licensor.
Rev. 1/19
62000000034180
BENLYSTA
belimumab injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution |
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BENLYSTA
belimumab injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution |
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BENLYSTA
belimumab solution |
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Labeler - Human Genome Sciences, Inc. (034062104) |
Mark Image Registration | Serial | Company Trademark Application Date |
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BENLYSTA 86538266 not registered Live/Pending |
GlaxoSmithKline Intellectual Property Limited 2015-02-18 |
BENLYSTA 85235903 not registered Dead/Abandoned |
GLAXOSMITHKLINE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LIMITED 2011-02-07 |
BENLYSTA 77979299 3797552 Live/Registered |
GLAXOSMITHKLINE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LIMITED 2006-12-04 |
BENLYSTA 77924752 not registered Dead/Abandoned |
Human Genome Sciences, Inc. 2010-02-01 |
BENLYSTA 77056582 not registered Dead/Abandoned |
Human Genome Sciences, Inc. 2006-12-04 |