GlaxoSmithKline lupus drug gets new manufacturing partner

GlaxoSmithKline’s collaboratively-developed new drug Benlysta is to be manufactured jointly by biologics firm Lonza.

Human Genome Sciences (HGS), GlaxoSmithKline’s developmental partner for the systemic lupus erythematosus treatment, has agreed a commercial supply arrangement with Lonza in order to guarantee a sufficient long-term worldwide supply.

Benlysta is currently undergoing regulatory review in both Europe and the US and, if approved, would be the first new treatment for lupus to receive clearance for sale in more than 50 years.

Randy Maddux, vice-president for manufacturing operations at HGS, stated that Lonza has been chosen on account of its global network of large-scale production sites.

He explained: “Our HGS large-scale manufacturing facility has ample capacity to provide worldwide supply of Benlysta for the first two or three years following launch. However, we believe that we will eventually require additional capacity.”

Earlier this month, another GlaxoSmithKline treatment, Votrient, was granted a conditional licence by the European Medicines Agency for use as a therapy for renal cell carcinoma.