Carlo Russo, M.D., Senior Vice President, Biopharm Development, GSK, said, The results from this second pivotal Phase 3 trial reinforce our belief that belimumab could deliver a significant therapeutic option for patients with lupus who have had no new treatment in fifty years. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with HGS in order to bring this important medicine to patients.

The data from the BLISS-76 study were analyzed after 52 weeks, in accord with the study protocol, in support of a potential Biologics License Application in the United States and Marketing Authorization Applications in Europe and other regions. However, the BLISS-76 study is ongoing and will continue for 24 more weeks. Additional data will be available following completion of the full 76-week study period. Belimumab is an investigational drug and the first in a new class of drugs called BLyS-specific inhibitors. Belimumab is being developed by HGS and GSK under a co-development and commercialization agreement entered into in August 2006.

SOURCE Human Genome Sciences