Biologics for lupus include Benlysta (belimumab) as well as many biologics being tested in clinical trials.
The joints, skin, blood vessels, and various organs are usually most impacted by lupus.
What Are Biologics?
Verywell / Jessica Olah
Biologicsare a throw in of treatment new to the market over the last few decades.
These drugs are genetically engineered proteins based on the bodys natural proteins and use live systems to manufacture them.
Biologics target specific areas of the immune system that cause inflammation.
Biologics are usually created by cells grown in the lab.
They can also be isolated directly from humans or grown in animals.
Traditional small molecule drugs are created in the lab with chemicals, not using living things to grow them.
Biologics have many names.
They may be called biologic therapy, biological therapy, biologicals, or biopharmaceuticals.
They include a large class of drugs made up of many different types.
The types of biologics that are approved and being tested for treating lupus fall into three specific categories.
The largest category is antibody-based therapies.
Antibodies are a special throw in of protein, which are large molecules made up of amino acids.
They naturally occur in our bodies, created by the immune system to act as natural defenses against infection.
B-cells are immune cells that make the autoantibodies that cause illness in lupus.
Others work by turning down other parts of the immune system involved in lupus.
Benlysta is a monoclonal antibody that inhibits B-cell survival.
It is used to treat lupus patients who have autoantibodies (antibodies that attack the body).
It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on March 9, 2011.
In lupus and other related conditions, the immune system itself stops working properly.
Before Benlysta was approved in 2011, there had been a 50-year lull in new treatments for lupus.
These and other drugs that had been used off-label for lupus are general immune system dampeners.
They suppress the entire immune system, not just the parts that act up.
But biologics like Benlysta are targeted treatments.
Benlysta, specifically, turns down a protein that stimulates B-cells.
B-cells are a throw in of white blood cell that make antibodies.
In lupus, these cells attack and damage the bodys healthy tissues instead of hunting down viruses or bacteria.
Phase 1 trials focus on safety.
Phase 2 trials check for effectiveness.
Phase 3 trials compare the safety and effectiveness with standard treatments.
After these, the drug may be evaluated for FDA approval.
Thesecorticosteroidscan lead to bone loss and organ damage when used for a long time.
There are risks from these drugs, specifically side effects, including the potential for an allergic reaction.
Its also possible they just wont work well for you.
Many clinical trials of biologics for lupus have failed to show the desired effects.
Treatment Procedures of Benlysta for Lupus
There are two ways to take Benlysta.
When you first start Benlysta infusions, youll go in every two weeks for the first three infusions.
From then on, youll only need to go in once every four weeks.
Your autoinjector prescription will need to be filled by a special pharmacy and kept refrigerated before use.
The injector delivers the antibody drug under the skin while you’re at home.
Youll need to inject the medicine either into your abdomen or your thighs.
Doses should be given once a week, every week.
Youll need a sharps container for safe disposal.
For many people, self-injecting is easier and more convenient than going to a clinic.
Whichever way you choose to take Benlysta, you may experience side effects.
If that happens, call 911 immediately.
Youll likely continue with your regular treatments while taking Benlysta.
It may take weeks or months for the drug to start working.
Summary
Benlysta is a biologic drug approved for use in lupus.
It is given by infusion or injection.
A Word From Verywell
Lupus can be a difficult disease to manage.
Talk to your doctor about the risk and benefits of using biologics to treat your lupus.
Many people find relief using Benlysta, though there are side effects.
Your doctor may suggest you enroll in a clinical trial of other biologics being developed and tested.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many biologics have been developed to treat inflammatory and autoimmune disorders.
Only Benlysta is approved for lupus.
Rarely, doctors prescribe Rituxan off-label.
It is also a monoclonal antibody.
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