NICE now recommends Benlysta (belimumab) as an option as add-on treatment for active autoantibody-positive systemic lupus erythematosus in adults.-GSK

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has now recommended Benlysta (belimumab) from GSK as an option as add-on treatment for active autoantibody-positive systemic lupus erythematosus in adults only if all of the following apply: 1.There is evidence for serological disease activity (defined as positive anti-double-stranded DNA and low complement) and a Safety of Estrogen in Lupus National Assessment – Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SELENA-SLEDAI) score of greater than or equal to 10 despite standard treatment; 2.Treatment with belimumab is continued beyond 24 weeks only if the SELENA-SLEDAI score has improved by 4 points or more. 3 The company provides belimumab with the discount agreed in the patient access scheme; 4.Under the conditions for data collection, monitoring, patient consent, cost to the NHS, and review by NICE as laid out in the guidance.