FDA approves belimumab for lupus nephritis for pediatric patients
The FDA has approved belimumab for the treatment of active lupus nephritis for children who are also receiving standard therapy. The drug is being manufactured and marketed by GlaxoSmithKline.
This is the first FDA-approved treatment for pediatric lupus nephritis, which remains a driving factor in increased complications, hospitalizations and mortality rates in children[ii]. Prior to this, treatment options for children were mainly limited to use of non-selective immunosuppressants and corticosteroids.
"Active lupus nephritis is a potential serious complication in children with lupus, with most cases occurring within the first two years after their initial lupus diagnosis," said Stevan W. Gibson, President and CEO, Lupus Foundation of America. "This approval marks a significant step forward in providing treatment options to these children at risk of incurring kidney damage early on in life."
"The long-term goal of lupus nephritis management in adults and children is to preserve renal function while minimizing treatment-related toxicities and associated morbidity," said Herson Quinones, VP, Specialty and Pipeline US Medical Affairs, GSK.
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