FDA NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release: March 9, 2011 Media Inquiries: Erica Jefferson, 301-796-4988, erica.jefferson@fda.hhs.gov; Morgan Liscinsky, 301-796-0397, morgan.liscinsky@fda.hhs.gov Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA FDA approves Benlysta to treat lupus First new lupus drug approved in 56 years The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Benlysta (belimumab) to treat patients with active, autoantibody-positive lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus) who are receiving standard therapy, including corticosteroids, antimalarials, immunosuppressives, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Benlysta is delivered directly into a vein (intravenous infusion) and is the first inhibitor designed to target B-lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) protein, which may reduce the number of abnormal B cells thought...