Belimumab – new treatment opportunities in systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease which course is characterized by flares and remissions. Despite the progress in its therapy and longer lifespan of patients it still remains a disease of uncertain prognosis and prolonged therapy, including steroid treatment, carries a burden of many side effects. No new treatment have been accepted in SLE for the last 50 years. It has changed lately, as the first biologic treatment – belimumab, monoclonal antibody anty-BLyS – has been registered in SLE. Belimumab inhibits growth factor for B-lymphocytes and in the large clinical trials has proved safe and efficacious in the treatment of SLE. It is especially indicated in patients with active disease, with positive anti-dsDNA antibodies and low complement and dependent on steroids.

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