Researchers of the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines indicated that the monoclonal antibody belimumab (Benlysta), which is under investigation, was safe and effective for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus in a Phase III trial. After one year of treatment, belimumab reduced disease activity, flare rates and the use of prednisone, while increasing the time to a first flare.

New data from an extended follow-up study show that GlaxoSmithKline PLC.’s cervical cancer candidate vaccine, Cervarix, generates sustained high levels of neutralizing antibodies against the two most common cervical cancer-causing virus types for up to 6.4 years. This is the longest duration of sustained neutralising antibody levels reported against both virus types HPV 16 and 18 with a cervical cancer vaccine to date. Experts believe that neutralizing antibodies are essential for protection against cervical cancer.