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Data updated: Mar 10, 2026

BENLYSTA

BELIMUMAB B Lymphocyte Stimulator-directed Antibody Interactions
Immunology Approved 2011-03-09

BENLYSTA is a B-lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS)-specific inhibitor indicated for the treatment of patients aged five years and older. It is used in conjunction with standard therapy for the management of active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and active lupus nephritis. The medication is not recommended for use in patients with severe active central nervous system lupus, as its efficacy has not been evaluated in this population.

Source: FDA Label • GSK • B Lymphocyte Stimulator-specific Inhibitor

How BENLYSTA Works

BENLYSTA functions by blocking the binding of soluble BLyS, a B-cell survival factor, to its receptors on B cells. While the drug does not bind to B cells directly, its inhibition of BLyS prevents the survival of B cells, including autoreactive B cells. This process reduces the differentiation of B cells into plasma cells that produce immunoglobulins.

Source: FDA Label
10
Indications
--
Phase 3 Trials
4
Priority Reviews
15
Years on Market

Details

Status
Prescription
First Approved
2011-03-09
Routes
INJECTION
Dosage Forms
INJECTABLE

Companies

Active Ingredient: BELIMUMAB

BENLYSTA Approval History

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What BENLYSTA Treats

2 indications

BENLYSTA is approved for 2 conditions since its original approval in 2011. These indications span multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, and more.

  • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
  • Lupus Nephritis
Source: FDA Label
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Active Pipeline

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Key Completed Trials

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Completed studies with published results, ranked by significance

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Trial Timeline

Full development history with FDA approval milestones

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Understanding FDA Approval Types
Count Type What it means
- ORIG Original approval - drug first enters market
- SUPPL - Efficacy New indication (new disease/condition approved)
- SUPPL - Labeling Label text changes (warnings, dosing updates)
- SUPPL - Manufacturing Production changes (new facility)
- SUPPL - Chemistry Formulation changes (new dosage strength)

Green lines in the timeline show ORIG and Efficacy approvals - the clinically meaningful milestones.

BENLYSTA FDA Label Details

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Indications & Usage

FDA Label (PDF)

BENLYSTA is indicated for the treatment of patients 5 years of age and older with: • Active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who are receiving standard therapy, and • Active lupus nephritis who are receiving standard therapy. Limitations of Use The efficacy of BENLYSTA has not been evaluated in patients with severe active central nervous system (CNS) lupus. Use of BENLYSTA is not recommended in this situation. BENLYSTA is a B-lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS)-specific inhibitor indicated for the treatment of patients 5 years of age and older with: • Active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who a...

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Data Sources

Data sourced from official FDA and NIH databases. Click links to verify on original sources.