Tabalumab (LY2127399) - Anti-BAFF Monoclonal Antibody

Has LY2127399 (an anti-BAFF monoclonal antibody) been studied further?
Maybe…
Here is the study by Genovese et al., which had been presented at the 2011 EULAR meeting in London:


eular 2011 / OP0017] A PHASE 2 STUDY OF MONTHLY SUBCUTANEOUS LY2127399 (AN ANTI-BAFF MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY) IN PATIENTS WITH ACTIVE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITISM.
Genovese et al.
Conclusions: The LY safety profile in this study was similar to available RA therapies and no unexpected safety signals were seen. The 120mg dose group demonstrated significant reductions in the signs and symptoms of RA, and this was not contingent on complete B cell depletion. These results support further exploration of LY to treat RA


At least I’ve found out the real name behind LY2127399: it’s tabalumab (source: http://www.cancer.gov/drugdictionary?cdrid=600180). It is a human IgG4 monoclonal antibody against B-cell activating factor (BAFF). Lilly tests this drug in rheumatoid arthritis, multiple myeloma, multiple sclerosis, lupus, and maybe more. A study on relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis by N. Putzki, M. Yildiz & A. Mueller (Multiple Subcutaneous Doses of LY2127399, an Anti-BAFF Human Antibody, in Subjects With Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis) has been stopped. “A Study of LY2127399 in Rheumatoid Arthritis”, a phase 2 study will investigate tabalumab (LY2127399) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, who are not adequately responding to methotrexate. This study is currently recruiting participants. (Last Updated on May 24, 2012 / http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01576549)
Nothing new at the 2012 EULAR meeting in Berlin!
The drug is tested in a broad spectrum of diseases, one study has been stopped. Does it mean, Lilly is desperate to find a use for tabalumab? Let's find out at the next ACR meeting in Washington.