According to the news source, the FDA decided to approve Benlysta, which was discovered by Human Genome Sciences Inc. as a means of battling the disease, which reportedly causes the immune system to inflict damage upon organs and joints.The company is reportedly expected to split profits with GlaxoSmithKline, a UK-based drug firm. The drug's global sales could exceed $3 billion in 2015, according to forecasts by the news provider. Sales could ultimately reach $5 billion in future years, some analysts believe.
"It is a big success. It opens the way for more FDA-approved lupus drugs," Dr. Anca Askanase of the New York University School of Medicine told the news source.
The approval represents a positive sign for sales representatives at GlaxoSmithKline, particularly after the US Supreme Court recently left in place a decision that said pharmaceutical sales reps can receive overtime pay, according to the Wall Street Journal.