Lupus Drug Data Fuels HGS (NASDAQ:HGSI)

Human Genome Sciences Inc made an announcement that their experimental lupus drug has shown positive results and works faster that what they had expected from the drug. Their new new named as Benlysta, chemically known as blimumab, will be the first drug that would be used for the treatment of lupus, a disorder that causes the immune system to attack the body’s own tissues and organs. Some of the related symptoms are aches in joints, kidney damage, skin rash, chest pains and arthritis. Soon after the announcement was made, shares of Human Genome Sciences went up more than 5 percent in no time.

Currently, HGS has one of the hottest stocks in the biotechnology market as their shares have moved up 500 percent since July this year and with this successful news Human Genome Sciences saw their stock going up and above with investors really impressed with the efforts of HGS. Human Genome Sciences researchers said that in the late stage Phase 3 trial Benlysta reduced the risk of flare ups by 24 percent and severe flares were reduced by 43 percent when compared with the placebo. The data also showed that patients who were under trial and were given Benlysta had significant reduction in fatigue after 4-8 weeks in the treatment. HGS is planning to develop the drug together with GSK and will split revenues from the drug once it is approved for sale.