GlaxoSmithKline reports positive data from Benlysta trial

GlaxoSmithKline has presented new trial data from a phase III study of Benlysta, its collaboratively-developed treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus.

In association with partner Human Genome Sciences, the company attended the 2010 Congress of the European League against Rheumatism to showcase data from the Bliss-52 trial, which tested the drug’s efficacy among seropositive patients

It was found that a treatment of Benlysta in combination with the current standard of care demonstrated a superior performance to placebo plus standard of care, meaning the drug met its primary trial endpoint.

The companies now hope to receive positive responses to their applications for regulatory approvals in Europe and the US.

Dr Carlo Russo, senior vice-president of biopharmaceutical development at GlaxoSmithKline, said: “We very much hope that we will be able to deliver a new option for the treatment of systemic lupus.”

Last month, GlaxoSmithKline was granted conditional regulatory authorisation in Europe for Votrient, its new renal cell carcinoma drug.