July 27, 2020
A new international study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases showed that belimumab (Benlysta) was safe and effective when given intravenously to children.

In this Phase 2, randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded study, 93 patients 5-17 years of age received standard therapy plus either placebo or belimumab.

As measured by commonly used tools, more kids responded well to treatment with belimumab than those who received placebo. A lower percentage of those treated with belimumab experienced serious side effects.

Researchers concluded that the tested dosage was appropriate for kids and that the risk versus benefit was similar to belimumab use among adults.