Human Genome Sciences Announces Presentation of Additional Phase 3 SLE Study Results for BENLYSTA® (Belimumab)

News from LUPUS 2010

Friday, June 25, 2010

ROCKVILLE, Md., Jun 25, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Human Genome Sciences, Inc. today announced the presentation of additional results from BLISS-76, one of two pivotal Phase 3 trials of BENLYSTA(R) (belimumab) in seropositive patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The additional data will be presented in Vancouver at the 9th International Congress on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus on Friday and Saturday, June 25-26.

"The BLISS-76 Phase 3 results presented at the International Congress on SLE include new data showing that belimumab treatment, consistent with its mechanism of action, resulted in selective and significantly greater reductions in levels of B-cell and plasma B-cell subsets, with significant preservation of memory B-cells," said William W. Freimuth, M.D., Ph.D., Vice President, Clinical Research -- Immunology, Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, HGS. "Importantly, belimumab did not significantly affect the ability of SLE patients to maintain a protective response to vaccines, a finding that is consistent with the preservation of memory B-cells."