Phase II for LymphoStat-B

[cheerleader]

A lupus medication fast-tracked for MS- more B cell activity....

LymphoStat-B® (belamumab) is a human monoclonal antibody that inhibits the biological activity of B-lymphocyte stimulator, or BLyS®. BLyS is a naturally occurring protein discovered by HGS. In lupus and certain other autoimmune diseases, elevated levels of BLyS are believed to contribute to the production of autoantibodies – antibodies that attack and destroy the body’s own healthy tissues.

http://www.hgsi.com/lymphostat-ba-belimumab.html

Human Genome Sciences today also announced that HGS and GSK have agreed to initiate a Phase 2 trial of LymphoStat-B for use in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). Patients with MS continue to have unmet medical needs despite the treatments currently available. The scientific rationale for testing LymphoStat-B in MS is strong, since the drug acts by inhibiting the activity of BLyS(TM), a protein discovered by HGS, which is found at elevated levels in MS lesions and is associated with the MS disease process. In addition, the results of a Phase 2 trial of rituximab provided clinical validation for B-cell modulation in the treatment of relapsing-remitting MS.
http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2008/05/ ... 56795.html