According to findings by a new study, GlaxoSmithKline Plc. and Human Genome Sciences Inc.’s Benlysta, an experimental drug for lupus, can be effective if administered in higher doses. The study, called Bliss-76, took 819 lupus ridden patients into consideration and studied them for a considerable period of time to confirm its findings.

To test Benlysta, patients involved in the research were given either given a high dosage of the drug or placed on a placebo. After 52 weeks of following the routine, 43.2% of patients on the drug showed significant improvement, as opposed to the 33.8% patients who showed improvement in the placebo group.

Lupus, a condition for which no cure has yet been discovered, attacks nearly 5 million people globally every year. The condition causes the immune system to attack healthy cells and destroy them. Post the findings, the Rockville, Maryland, based drug makers are now planning to market Benlysta sometime during the first half of next year. The drug will then be available in the US, UK and markets across the world.

The findings of the study are being regarded as one of the most valuable discoveries made in the current times and being looked at as an important medical breakthrough. Further studies and research are currently on to confirm the findings and expand them.