GSK lupus med Benlysta aims for growth injection with new subQ approval

Fierce Pharma ------- GlaxoSmithKline hopes to get its new Benlysta formula under lupus patients’ skin—literally. The company won FDA approval last week for a subcutaneous version of the immunology med, previously delivered only intravenously. That means patients can inject themselves with Benlysta, rather than travel to a doctor’s office every month for an hour-long infusion. The new formula is one reason why GSK is betting $139 million on stepped-up production. And it’s one reason why the drugmaker expects its double-digit sales growth to continue, with a forecast of 18% annually over the next several years. Many lupus patients are women of childbearing age with an active lifestyle, and it can be tough for them to carve out time to receive their monthly infusions, Glaxo’s U.S. VP of immunology and rare diseases, Sheri Mullen, said in an interview. The new subQ option will allow them to inject themselves. To learn more click on the picture below to read the article.