Blisibimod
Chemical compound
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Blisibimod (also known as A-623, formerly AMG 623) is a selective antagonist of B-cell activating factor (BAFF, also known as B-lymphocyte stimulator or BLyS), being developed by Anthera Pharmaceuticals as a treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus.[1] It is currently under active investigation in clinical trials.[2]
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| Other names | A-623 |
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| Formula | C2836H4376N756O858S26 |
| Molar mass | 63624.20 g·mol−1 |
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Mechanism of action
Blisibimod is a fusion protein consisting of four BAFF binding domains fused to the N-terminus of the fragment crystallizable region (Fc) of a human antibody.[1]
BAFF is involved in B-cell survival, activation, and differentiation.[3] Elevated levels of BAFF have been associated with several B-cell mediated autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus,[4][5][6] lupus nephritis,[7] rheumatoid arthritis,[5][6] multiple sclerosis,[8] Sjögren syndrome,[9] Graves' disease,[10] and Hashimoto's thyroiditis.[10] Blisibimod binds to BAFF and inhibits interaction with BAFF receptors, thus decreasing B-cell survival and proliferation throughout the body.[1][3] Improvements in disease activity have been observed in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus[11] and rheumatoid arthritis[12] following treatment with BAFF inhibitors in clinical trials.
Development
Blisibimod was initially developed by Amgen, with Phase I trials demonstrating comparable safety between the blisibimod and placebo treatments.[1] It was subsequently acquired by Anthera Pharmaceuticals,[13] who in 2010 initiated a global Phase II study called PEARL-SC to investigate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of blisibimod in subjects with systemic lupus erythematosus.[2][14] The PEARL-SC study, completed in April 2012, yielded data that has been published.[15] Blisibimod is currently being tested in a Phase 3 study, CHABLIS-SC1, for systemic lupus erythematosus, and a Phase 2 study, BRIGHT-SC, for IgA nephropathy.