First New Lupus Drug in 50 Years: What Promise Might it Hold?

We spoke to URMC lupus expert Dr. Jennifer Anolik to learn more about the promise -- and limits -- of the first new FDA-approved lupus drug in 50 years.

The drug -- Benlysta, or brand-name belimumab -- is a biologic therapy administered by IV (patients would likely receive one infusion a month, lasting about an hour). A prime example of a new type of targeted therapy, belimumab homes in on a specific molecule thought to be a key player in helping faulty B-cells survive (thereby causing disease).