 Fab fragment of belimumab. PDB: 5Y9K. | |
| Monoclonal antibody | |
|---|---|
| Type | Whole antibody |
| Source | Human |
| Target | B-cell activating factor (BAFF, BLyS) |
| Clinical data | |
| Trade names | Benlysta |
| Other names | LymphoStat-B |
| AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
| MedlinePlus | a611027 |
| License data | |
| Pregnancy category |
|
| Routes of administration | Intravenous |
| Legal status | |
| Legal status | |
| Chemical and physical data | |
| Formula | C6714H10428O2102S52 |
| Molar mass | 126450.30 g·mol−1 |
  (what is this?) (verify) | |
Belimumab, sold under the brand name Benlysta, is a medication used to treat systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or lupus nephritis.[2] It is used in addition to other treatments, when those are not sufficient.[4] It is given by injection into a vein or under the skin.[2]
Common side effects include respiratory tract infections, diarrhea, and shingles.[3] Other side effects may include infusion reactions, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, depression, and anaphylaxis.[3][2] It is a monoclonal antibody that attaches too and blocks B-cell activating factor (BAFF), shortening the lifespan of B lymphocytes.[3]
Belimumab was approved for medical use in the United States and Europe in 2011.[3][2] In the United Kingdom 400 mg costs the NHS about £405 as of 2021.[4] This amount in the United States costs about 1,950 USD.[5]
References edit
- ^ a b "Belimumab (Benlysta) Use During Pregnancy". Drugs.com. 5 February 2020. Archived from the original on 4 December 2020. Retrieved 29 July 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f "Benlysta- belimumab injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution Benlysta- belimumab solution". DailyMed. 17 January 2020. Archived from the original on 25 September 2020. Retrieved 29 July 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f "Benlysta EPAR". European Medicines Agency (EMA). Archived from the original on 25 October 2020. Retrieved 29 July 2020.
- ^ a b BNF 81: March-September 2021. BMJ Group and the Pharmaceutical Press. 2021. p. 891. ISBN 978-0857114105.
- ^ "Benlysta Prices, Coupons & Patient Assistance Programs". Drugs.com. Retrieved 8 January 2022.