To create LymphoStat-B, HGS devised an antibody that binds to BLYS and inactivates it.

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They created strains of genetically engineered mice that produced excessive levels of BLYS and, sure enough, developed lupuslike symptoms.

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Stohl realized BLYS might provide a way to create a targeted new drug that reduced autoantibodies without causing this collateral damage.

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Meanwhile, researchers at Biogen in Cambridge, Massachusetts and rivals at Seattle-based ZymoGenetics had discovered BLYS and its receptors by using other gene databases.

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HGS, meanwhile, is testing whether BLYS helps patients with immune deficiencies.

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It also hopes to use BLYS as a homing device to deliver tiny doses of radiation directly to cancerous tumors that hit the B-cells, such as lymphoma.

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He dubbed the protein B-lymphocyte stimulator, or BLYS ("bliss").

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Benlysta is delivered directly into a vein (intravenous infusion) and is the first inhibitor designed to target B-lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) protein, which may reduce the number of abnormal B cells thought to be a problem in lupus.

FORBES: Human Genome Sciences' Benlysta Approved To Treat Lupus

Biogen and ZymoGenetics took a slightly different tack, creating therapeutic proteins that soak up excess amounts of BLYS. ZymoGenetics, working with partner Serono, has just begun human trials of its drug, TACI-IG, while Biogen and partner Genentech hope to begin human testing of their compound in 2005.

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