LJP 394 (ABETIMUS SODIUM, RIQUENT®) IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

DJ Wallace; JA Tumlin

LJP 394 (abetimus, Riquent®, La Jolla Pharmaceuticals) is four oligonucleotide B cell toleragen which acts as an 'anti-anti DNA'. Given as a weekly infusion, Phase 1, 2, and 3 studies with this biologic on close to 1,000 patients have demonstrated no toxicity of any note. In patients with lupus nephritis and an elevated anti-DNA (Farr assay) who have a high affinity to LJP 394, the drug significantly decreases anti-DNA, improves quality of life, and trends towards reducing renal flares. LJP 394 is a promising induction and/or maintenance therapy for lupus patients with elevated anti-DNA and active disease.

Published in
Lupus 2004
Volume 13, Issue 5: pp 323-327