BACKGROUND: Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system cannot distinguish threats from healthy, normal tissue such as organs. The body's immune system sends autoantibodies that attack the healthy tissue, causing inflammation and pain in many parts of the body. Lupus is a chronic disease, which means it lasts for more than six weeks (lupus often lasts for several years). It generally follows a pattern of flares and remissions: symptoms will be pronounced for a while, then get better, and then worsen again. While people of both genders and all ages, races and ethnic groups can develop lupus, it mainly strikes women ages 15-44, and women of color are two- to three-times more likely to develop the disease. An estimated 1.5 million people in the U.S. suffer from lupus, with 16,000 new cases being diagnosed every year.

While lupus is not contagious (you cannot catch lupus from someone who already has it), the exact cause of the disease is unknown. Doctors believe the cause of lupus is linked to genetics. Though genes may be the underlying cause of lupus, an environmental trigger is necessary for the symptoms to surface. Common environmental triggers are exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet rays from fluorescent light bulbs, taking certain prescription drugs, an injury, an illness, or even extra stress. (SOURCE: http://www.lupus.org)

THE NEW TREATMENT: The FDA recently approved Benlysta (generic name belimumab) for the treatment of lupus, making Benlysta the first new lupus drug in 50 years. While it is by no means a miracle drug (only 30 percent of people in clinical trials found it helped their lupus symptoms), doctors hope it will allow patients with lupus to take lower steroid doses and still see less lupus activity. In clinical studies, one of the main benefits of Benlysta was the relief it provided for the skin rashes and mouth and nose ulcers that are symptoms of lupus.

Benlysta is a man-made antibody. Due to the high cost of producing biological treatments, Benlysta is quite expensive. However, healthcare organizations might cover the treatment.

(SOURCE: http://lupus.webmd.com)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Dr. Robert S. Katz

Rush University Medical Center

research@rheumassociates.com