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    <title>WebWire | News by Industry : Biometrics</title>
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    <description>Biometrics News by WebWire</description>
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     <title>In-solution Method for Streamlining Next-Generation Genome Sequencing Shown to be Uniform, Reproducible across Many Samples </title>
     <link>http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=107987</link>
     <pubDate>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:18:54 EST</pubDate>
     <description><![CDATA[SANTA CLARA, Calif., Researchers from the Moores University of California San Diego (UCSD) Cancer Center, The Scripps Institute, and Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) have shown that &#34;solution enric...]]></description>
     <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>SANTA CLARA, Calif., Researchers from the Moores University of California San Diego (UCSD) Cancer Center, The Scripps Institute, and Agilent Technologies Inc. (<a href="http://finance.google.com/finance?q=A" target="_blank">NYSE: A</a>) have shown that &#34;solution enrichment,&#34; followed by next generation sequencing is highly accurate and reproducible, and it can make large scale population studies economically feasible without upfront expenditure for capital equipment.</p><p>The researchers sequenced the exons and potential regulatory elements of 622 genes distributed across the genome that are candidate intervals for playing a role in healthy aging. They also included three contiguous genomic intervals containing variants associated with age-related diseases for a total of 3.6Mb using only standard molecular biology equipment and the Agilent SureSelect Target Enrichment System. They were able to call known SNPs with 99.7% accuracy, as well as tens of novel variants, the vast majority of them heterozygotes.</p><p>The researchers performed the sequencing on an Illumina Genome Analyzer and used SureSelect capture probes in-solution manufactured by Agilent Technologies for target enrichment. The findings are published in the on-line journal GenomeBiology, and can be accessed at <a href="http://genomebiology.com/content/pdf/gb-2009-10-10-r116.pdf" target="_blank">http://genomebiology.com/content/pdf/gb-2009-10-10-r116.pdf</a></p><p>The article states that, in recent years, genome-wide association studies have identified &#34;compelling&#34; associations between more than 350 locations along the human genome and common complex traits. But a much larger number of samples must be analyzed to move beyond statistical associations to pinpoint the exact causes of these traits. The article explains that current methods of DNA sequencing cost too much for such large-scale population studies.</p><p>The authors write, &#34;Next-generation sequencing technologies and their increased capacity have made it feasible to efficiently sequence hundreds of megabases of DNA. However, the current costs for sequencing entire human genomes make this approach prohibitively expensive for population studies.&#34;</p><p>&#34;SureSelect is a very scalable capture method,&#34; said Olivier Harismendy, Ph.D., project scientist at the Moores UCSD Cancer Center. &#34;It allows you to process multiple samples simultaneously. All you need is already in your lab: a 96-well plate, a magnet and a multichannel pipetter, and here is your high-throughput.&#34;</p><p>&#34;The product we tested is very mature and the uniformity of the capture went up when compared to the proof-of concept experiment published earlier this year,&#34; said Kelly Frazer, Ph.D, Professor and Chief, Division of Genome Information Science, Pediatrics. &#34;In the end, this comes out to less sequencing for an increased sensitivity to detect variants. With these experiments, we now understand better the impact of probe design and tiling frequency which are key parameters to improve capture uniformity and SNP calling.&#34;</p><p>&#34;We were thinking about improving the economics of very large scale, automated studies from the very first days of SureSelect Target Enrichment, and it&#39;s gratifying to see investigators accomplish this without compromising accuracy or reproducibility,&#34; said co-author Emily LeProust, Ph.D., Agilent R&#38;D Chemistry and Genome Partitioning program manager.</p><p>The conclusion is that the solution-hybridization-based method can generate highly uniform coverage of sequence targets that is reproducible across a large number of samples. This means that large-scale population studies using next-generation sequencing could become economically feasible, fueling breakthroughs in health research.</p><p>More information about Agilent SureSelect Target Enrichment System is available at <a href="http://www.opengenomics.com/SureSelect" target="_blank">www.opengenomics.com/SureSelect</a>.<br />About Agilent Technologies</p><p>Agilent Technologies Inc. (<a href="http://finance.google.com/finance?q=A" target="_blank">NYSE: A</a>) is the world&#39;s premier measurement company and a technology leader in communications, electronics, life sciences and chemical analysis. The company&#39;s 17,000 employees serve customers in more than 110 countries. Agilent had net revenues of $4.5 billion in fiscal 2009. Information about Agilent is available on the Web at <a href="http://www.agilent.com" target="_blank">www.agilent.com</a>.</p><p>About Moores UCSD Cancer Center</p><p>The Moores UCSD Cancer Center is one of the nation&#39;s 40 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, combining research, clinical care and community outreach to advance the prevention, treatment and cure of cancer. For more information, visit <a href="http://health.ucsd.edu/cancer" target="_blank">http://health.ucsd.edu/cancer</a></p><p>&mdash; WebWireID107987 &mdash;</p><div class="related" style="float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px;"><ul><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=BIM">Biometrics</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=BIO">Biotechnology</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=EDA">Electronic Design Automation</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=MTC">Medical / Pharmaceuticals</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=NAN">Nanotechnology</a></li></ul></div><div class="terms" style="clear:both; float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px;"><a href="http://www.webwire.com">WebWire&reg;</a> Copyright &#169; 2009 Warmtone Corp. | Use of this content is subject to our <a href="http://www.webwire.com/ServTerms.asp">Terms of Service</a> | <a href="http://www.webwire.com/webwire-industries-rss-feeds.asp">More Feeds</a></div><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WebWire-News-Biometrics/~4/nGXbqRkNTjU" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded>
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     <title>Unisys Research Shows Growing Global Acceptance of Biometrics among Consumers for Protecting Identities and Personal Information</title>
     <link>http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=107400</link>
     <pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:19:53 EST</pubDate>
     <description><![CDATA[Bank card fraud and ID theft remain top fears worldwide despite overall decline in security concerns -   -  BLUE BELL, Pa. - With concerns growing over the incidence of bank card fraud and identity theft,...]]></description>
     <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Bank card fraud and ID theft remain top fears worldwide despite overall decline in security concerns</p><p>BLUE BELL, Pa. - With concerns growing over the incidence of bank card fraud and identity theft, a majority of people globally would accept biometric authentication to verify their identities, according to recent research from Unisys Corporation (<a href="http://finance.google.com/finance?q=UIS" target="_blank">NYSE: UIS</a>).</p><p>Analyzing recent findings from the nine countries covered in the bi-annual Unisys Security Index, Unisys found that consumers remain most concerned about bank card fraud and identity theft &#8211; despite a general decrease in overall concerns about security threats. These two issues have ranked as the top overall consumer concerns globally since Unisys began compiling the Unisys Security Index worldwide in 2007.</p><p>These global concerns may have led to an increasing consumer acceptance of biometric technologies, such as fingerprint and eye (retinal) scans, versus more traditional methods of using passwords and PINs. Respondents in every country surveyed in the Unisys Security Index indicated a majority favored the use of advanced biometric methods.</p><p>In the UK, for example, 95% of those who said they would be willing to provide biometric data said they would be willing to provide fingerprint data; 90% said they would provide an eye scan; and 82% said they would agree to a facial scan. High acceptance rates for these types of biometrics were also reported in other countries.</p><p>&#39;Consumers worldwide seem to be growing more comfortable with the idea of using advanced and sometimes unfamiliar technologies to secure their identities as a way to prevent fraud,&#39; said Mark Cohn, vice president, enterprise security, Unisys. &#39;Given the concern about bank fraud and identity theft, it is not surprising that people would embrace new ways to protect themselves. But we were somewhat surprised by the wide acceptance of biometrics such as iris recognition and facial scans, technologies which consumers were more familiar with than we might have predicted.&#39;</p><p>The current global findings of the Unisys Security Index, which complement recently released country-specific results, show an average global score of 119, indicating moderate security fears overall. All four categories of security measured by the survey &#8211; financial, national, Internet and personal safety &#8211; registered the lowest recorded levels so far. The largest decline was in financial concerns, reflecting a general easing of economic concerns from the previous survey, taken at the height of the global credit crisis.</p><p>&#39;This drop in concern may indicate a disconnect between consumers&#39; perceptions of threats and the more dire reality of the threats that exist in business and governments globally today,&#39; said Cohn. &#39;In some regions the general decrease may reflect a less panicked and more rational response to ongoing threats. But global trends indicate that these threats are growing and becoming more sophisticated.&#39;</p><p>Bank card fraud and identity theft are growing issues worldwide. The National Identity Fraud Prevention 2008 survey found that ID fraud is one of the fastest growing crimes in Europe. In addition, this year&#39;s British Crime Survey found that credit card fraud cost the UK &#163;610million last year - up by 43 per cent in just two years. In the U.S., the number of identity fraud victims increased 22 percent in 2008 to 9.9 million adults, according to Javelin Research and Strategy.</p><p>In most countries surveyed in the latest Unisys Security Index research, between one quarter and one half of adults around the world are seriously concerned about the ability of financial services providers and national or local governments to keep their personal information secure.</p><p>Global Results from the latest Unisys Security Index</p><p>The Unisys Security Index is a biannual global study of consumer opinion on four areas of security: financial, national, Internet and personal safety. The results are tallied on a scale of 0-300, with 300 representing the highest level of perceived concern. Nearly 8,300 consumers in the Asia-Pacific region, Brazil, Europe and the U.S. responded to the latest survey conducted in September, 2009. Each survey also includes supplemental research on a security niche topic such as current attitudes towards biometric devices and the security of personal information.</p><p>While consumers overall are more worried about identity theft, and more willing to use biometric technologies, there are key variations from region to region:</p><p>    * Consumers in Spain, Brazil, Australia and New Zealand place greater faith in financial institutions to keep personal information safe and secure while adults in the U.S., Germany and the Netherlands place greater faith in governments to do this.</p><p>    * Brazil, Spain, Germany and the U.S. top the list of countries with significant concerns about bank card fraud. Belgium and the Netherlands are the two countries with the least concern about financial issues such as bank fraud.</p><p>    * For all biometric authentication schemes (hand scan, voice print, photo ID, facial scan, eye scan, PIN, password, and fingerprinting), Belgium and the UK consistently showed the greatest levels of acceptance. New Zealand and Brazil are consistently the bottom two countries for general acceptance, indicating a need for greater effort for organizations deploying biometric authentication solutions in these countries.</p><p>    * Of consumers who said they would provide biometric data, those in Belgium showed the strongest acceptance for fingerprint scans as a trusted identification method, at 96%. Brazil was the country with the lowest acceptance rate of fingerprints at 79%. In every country surveyed, these consumers were substantially more receptive to using a fingerprint instead of a personal password as a means of identification.</p><p>&#39;In many countries, levels of consumers&#39; acceptance of new forms of identity management appear to be higher than what might be expected,&#39; Cohn said. &#39;These results indicate that some governments and financial institutions should &#39;catch up&#39; with consumers and implement these solutions at a faster rate.&#39;</p><p>Additionally, the research shows that:</p><p>    * Overall levels of security concern dropped for all surveyed countries except for Australia, which increased eight points, and the U.S., which maintained its score of 147 points. The increase in Australia was driven by a 15 point increase in concerns about internet security.</p><p>    * The country with the highest index level of concern was Brazil, with an index rating of 153. The Netherlands had the lowest score with a score of 66.</p><p>    * The Netherlands and Belgium traditionally have had the lowest Unisys Security Index scores across every category.</p><p>About the Unisys Security Index</p><p>The Unisys Security Index is a biannual global study that provides insights into the attitudes of consumers on a wide range of security related issues. Lieberman Research Group conducted the survey in Brazil, Europe and the U.S.; Newspoll conducted the research in Asia-Pacific. The Unisys Security Index surveys nearly 8,300 people in nine countries: Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States. The study measures consumer perceptions on a scale of 0-300, with 300 representing the highest level of perceived concern. For more information, visit: <a href="http://www.unisyssecurityindex.com" target="_blank">www.unisyssecurityindex.com</a>.<br />About Unisys</p><p>Unisys is a worldwide information technology company. We provide a portfolio of IT services, software, and technology that solves critical problems for clients. We specialize in helping clients secure their operations, increase the efficiency and utilization of their data centers, enhance support to their end users and constituents, and modernize their enterprise applications. To provide these services and solutions, we bring together offerings and capabilities in outsourcing services, systems integration and consulting services, infrastructure services, maintenance services, and high-end server technology. With more than 26,000 employees, Unisys serves commercial organizations and government agencies throughout the world. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.unisys.com" target="_blank">www.unisys.com</a>.</p><p>&mdash; WebWireID107400 &mdash;</p><div class="related" style="float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px;"><ul><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=FIN">Banking / Financial Services</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=BIM">Biometrics</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=HTS">High Tech Security</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=LSS">Lifestyle / Society</a></li></ul></div><div class="terms" style="clear:both; float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px;"><a href="http://www.webwire.com">WebWire&reg;</a> Copyright &#169; 2009 Warmtone Corp. | Use of this content is subject to our <a href="http://www.webwire.com/ServTerms.asp">Terms of Service</a> | <a href="http://www.webwire.com/webwire-industries-rss-feeds.asp">More Feeds</a></div><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WebWire-News-Biometrics/~4/O2pyPwehHQg" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded>
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     <title>GlaxoSmithKline and Human Genome Sciences announce positive results in second of two phase 3 trials of Benlysta in systemic lupus erythematosus</title>
     <link>http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=106849</link>
     <pubDate>Mon, 2 Nov 2009 08:48:54 EST</pubDate>
     <description><![CDATA[* Benlysta (belimumab) 10 mg/kg plus standard of care met its primary efficacy endpoint by achieving a statistically significant improvement in patient response rate versus placebo plus standard of ca...]]></description>
     <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>* Benlysta (belimumab) 10 mg/kg plus standard of care met its primary efficacy endpoint by achieving a statistically significant improvement in patient response rate versus placebo plus standard of care at Week 52 in BLISS-76<br />    * Primary efficacy endpoint met in two pivotal Phase 3 trials, as specified by Special Protocol Assessment agreement with FDA</p><p>London UK &#38; Philadelphia US - GlaxoSmithKline PLC (GSK) and Human Genome Sciences, Inc. (<a href="http://finance.google.com/finance?q=HGSI" target="_blank">Nasdaq: HGSI</a>) today announced that Benlysta&#8482; (belimumab) met the primary endpoint in BLISS-76, the second of two pivotal Phase 3 trials in seropositive patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).  BLISS-76 study results through 52 weeks showed that belimumab 10 mg/kg plus standard of care achieved a statistically significant improvement in patient response rate as measured by the SLE Responder Index at Week 52, compared with placebo plus standard of care.  Study results also showed that belimumab was generally well tolerated, as demonstrated by a similar rate of discontinuations due to adverse events across treatment groups, with overall adverse event rates comparable between belimumab and placebo treatment groups.</p><p>&#39;The BLISS-76 results confirm our view that Benlysta has the potential to become the first new approved drug in decades for people living with systemic lupus,&#39; said H. Thomas Watkins, President and Chief Executive Officer, HGS.  &#39;We take great pride in the innovation and scientific rigour that has made it possible to bring Benlysta to this point.  We plan to submit marketing applications in the first half of 2010, following discussions with regulatory authorities in the United States, Europe and other regions.  We will continue to work with GSK to advance this drug to the market where it may benefit patients with significant need.&#39;</p><p>Carlo Russo, M.D., Senior Vice President, Biopharm Development, GSK, said, &#39;The results from this second pivotal Phase 3 trial reinforce our belief that belimumab could deliver a significant therapeutic option for patients with lupus who have had no new treatment in 50 years.  We look forward to continuing our collaboration with HGS in order to bring this important medicine to patients.&#39;</p><p>The data from the BLISS-76 study were analysed after 52 weeks, in accordance with the study protocol, in support of a potential Biologics License Application in the United States and Marketing Authorisation Applications in Europe and other regions.  However, the BLISS-76 study is ongoing and will continue for 24 more weeks.  Additional data will be available following completion of the full 76-week study period.  Belimumab is an investigational drug and the first in a new class of drugs called BLyS-specific inhibitors.  Belimumab is being developed by HGS and GSK under a co-development and commercialisation agreement entered into in August 2006.</p><p>Key Findings from BLISS-76<br />&#39;We are delighted that the efficacy of treatment with belimumab plus standard of care was superior to placebo plus standard of care in both BLISS-52 and BLISS-76, with overall adverse event rates comparable to placebo plus standard of care,&#39; said David C. Stump, M.D., Executive Vice President, Research and Development, HGS.  &#39;Belimumab met the primary endpoint in both pivotal Phase 3 trials, as specified by the Special Protocol Assessment Agreement with the FDA.  We look forward to the full presentation of the BLISS-76 52-week results at an appropriate scientific meeting, hopefully in the first half of 2010.&#39;</p><p>Topline BLISS-76 results include:</p><p>    * Based on an intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis, belimumab 10 mg/kg met its primary efficacy endpoint of superiority versus placebo at Week 52.  A statistically significant improvement was shown in patient response rate for belimumab 10 mg/kg plus standard of care, vs. placebo plus standard of care, as measured by the SLE Responder Index at Week 52:  43.2% for 10 mg/kg belimumab, 40.6% for 1 mg/kg belimumab, and 33.8% for placebo (p=0.021 and p=0.10 for 10 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg belimumab, respectively vs. placebo).  The 1 mg/kg dose plus standard of care did not achieve a statistically significant improvement in the current study.  The SLE Responder Index defines patient response as an improvement in SELENA SLEDAI score of 4 points or greater, with no clinically significant BILAG worsening and no clinically significant worsening in Physician&#39;s Global Assessment.<br />    * Results for pre-specified major secondary efficacy endpoints were:<br />          o The proportion of patients with a reduction in SELENA SLEDAI score of at least 4 points by Week 52, was 46.9% for belimumab 10 mg/kg, 42.8% for belimumab 1 mg/kg, and 35.6% for placebo (p=0.0062 and p=0.087 for belimumab 10 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg, respectively vs. placebo).<br />          o Improvement from baseline in Physician&#39;s Global Assessment (PGA) at Week 24 was not statistically different between the belimumab and placebo treatment groups.  Mean improvement in PGA at Week 52, a pre-specified although not a major secondary endpoint, was 0.49 for belimumab 10 mg/kg, 0.55 for belimumab 1 mg/kg, and 0.46 for placebo (p=0.12 for belimumab 10 mg/kg and p=0.022 for 1 mg/kg, respectively vs. placebo).<br />          o At entry into the BLISS-76 study, approximately 46% of patients were receiving steroids at a prednisone-equivalent dose of at least 7.5 mg per day.  Among these patients, the percentage of patients who had their average steroid dose reduced by at least 25% from baseline to 7.5 mg per day or less during the last 12 weeks of study was 16.7% for belimumab 10 mg/kg, 19.2% for belimumab 1 mg/kg, and 12.7% for placebo (not statistically significant vs. placebo).<br />          o Improvement in health-related quality of life at Week 24 as measured by the SF-36 Physical Component Summary (PCS) score was not significantly different among treatment groups.  Mean improvement in the SF-36 PCS score at Week 52, a pre-specified although not major secondary endpoint, was 3.41 for belimumab 10 mg/kg, 4.37 for belimumab 1 mg/kg, and 2.85 for placebo (p=0.51 for belimumab 10 mg/kg and p=0.012 for 1 mg/kg, respectively vs. placebo).<br />    * In BLISS-76, belimumab was generally well tolerated, with rates of overall adverse events, serious and/or severe adverse events, all infections, serious and/or severe infections, and discontinuations due to adverse events comparable between treatment groups receiving belimumab plus standard of care and the treatment group receiving placebo plus standard of care.  Serious and/or severe adverse events were reported in 26.8% of patients on belimumab and 24.0% of patients on placebo.  Infections were reported in 72.1% of patients on belimumab and 67.3% of patients on placebo.  Serious and/or severe infections were reported in 7.2% of patients on belimumab and 8.0% of patients on placebo.  Serious and/or severe infusion reactions were reported in 1.1% of patients on belimumab and 0.7% of patients on placebo.  Discontinuations due to adverse events were 7.2% in the belimumab treatment groups and 7.6% in the placebo treatment group.  Malignancies were reported by 2, 3, and 1 subjects in the belimumab 10 mg/kg, belimumab 1 mg/kg and placebo groups, respectively.  There were three deaths in the study, with 1, 2, and 0 reported in the belimumab 10 mg/kg, belimumab 1 mg/kg and placebo groups, respectively. </p><p>&#39;The lupus community has waited for decades for one positive Phase 3 trial of an investigative drug developed for lupus.  Now we have two.  Based on the data we now have in hand, we have cause for hope that belimumab may emerge as a significant new treatment for lupus,&#39; said Joan T. Merrill, M.D., a study investigator, Programme Chair, Clinical Pharmacology Research Programme, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, and Professor, Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Centre.</p><p>About the Benlysta (belimumab) Phase 3 Development Programme<br />The Phase 3 development programme for belimumab includes two double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-centre Phase 3 superiority trials &#8211; BLISS-52 and BLISS-76 &#8211; to evaluate the efficacy and safety of belimumab plus standard of care, versus placebo plus standard of care, in seropositive (HEp-2 ANA more than 1:80 and/or anti-dsDNA more than 30 IU/mL) patients with SLE. This is the largest clinical trial programme ever conducted in lupus patients.  BLISS-52 randomised and treated 865 patients at 90 clinical sites in 13 countries, primarily in Asia, South America and Eastern Europe.  BLISS-76 randomised and treated 819 patients at 136 clinical sites in 19 countries, primarily in North America and Europe.  The design of the two trials is similar, but the duration of therapy in the two studies is different &#8211; 52 weeks for BLISS-52 and 76 weeks for BLISS-76. Data from BLISS-76 were analysed after 52 weeks in support of a potential Biologics License Application in the United States and Marketing Authorisation Applications in Europe and other regions. HGS designed the Phase 3 program for belimumab in collaboration with GSK and leading international SLE experts, and the program is being conducted under a Special Protocol Assessment agreement with FDA.</p><p>The primary efficacy endpoint of BLISS-52 and BLISS-76 is the patient response rate at Week 52 as measured by the SLE Responder Index, which is defined by: (1) a reduction from baseline of at least 4 points on the SELENA SLEDAI disease activity scale (which indicates a clinically important reduction in SLE disease activity); (2) no worsening of disease as measured by the Physician&#39;s Global Assessment (worsening defined as an increase of 0.30 points or more from baseline); (3) no new BILAG A organ domain score (which indicates a severe flare of lupus disease activity) and no more than one new BILAG B organ domain score (which indicates a moderate flare of disease activity).  Analysis for the primary endpoint is based on intention-to-treat and adjusted for baseline stratification factors, including SELENA SLEDAI score, proteinuria and race.</p><p>In each of the two Phase 3 trials, patients were randomised to one of three treatment groups: 10 mg/kg belimumab (BLISS-52, n=290; BLISS-76, n=273), 1 mg/kg belimumab (BLISS-52, n=288; BLISS-76, n=271), or placebo (BLISS-52, n=287; BLISS-76, n=275). Patients are dosed intravenously on Days 0, 14 and 28, then every 28 days thereafter for the duration of the study. All patients receive standard of care therapy in addition to the study medication. Safety is reviewed by an independent Data Monitoring Committee throughout both studies.</p><p>About Benlysta (belimumab)<br />Belimumab is an investigational human monoclonal antibody drug that specifically recognizes and inhibits the biological activity of B-lymphocyte stimulator, or BLyS&#174;. BLyS is a naturally occurring protein discovered by HGS that is required for the development of B-lymphocyte cells into mature plasma B cells. Plasma B cells produce antibodies, the body&#39;s first line of defence against infection.  In lupus and certain other autoimmune diseases, elevated levels of BLyS are believed to contribute to the production of autoantibodies &#8211; antibodies that attack and destroy the body&#39;s own healthy tissues. The presence of autoantibodies appears to correlate with disease severity. Preclinical and clinical studies suggest that belimumab can reduce autoantibody levels in SLE.  The results of two pivotal Phase 3 trials, BLISS-52 and BLISS-76, suggest that belimumab can reduce SLE disease activity.</p><p>About the Collaboration with GSK<br />In August 2006, HGS and GSK entered into a definitive co-development and co-commercialisation agreement under which HGS has responsibility for conducting the belimumab Phase 3 trials, with assistance from GSK. The companies will share equally in Phase 3/4 development costs, sales and marketing expenses, and profits of any product commercialized under the current agreement.</p><p>About Systemic Lupus Erythematosus<br />Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, life-threatening autoimmune disease. Approximately five million people worldwide, including approximately 1.5 million in the United States, suffer from various forms of lupus, including SLE. Lupus can occur at any age, but appears mostly in young people ages 15 to 45. About 90 percent of those diagnosed with lupus are women. African-American women are about three times more likely to develop lupus, and it is also more common in Hispanic, Asian and American Indian women. Symptoms may include extreme fatigue, painful and swollen joints, unexplained fever, skin rash and kidney problems. Lupus can lead to arthritis, kidney failure, heart and lung inflammation, central nervous system abnormalities, inflammation of the blood vessels and blood disorders. For more information on lupus, visit the Lupus Foundation of America at <a href="http://www.lupus.org" target="_blank">www.lupus.org</a>, the Lupus Research Institute at <a href="http://www.lupusresearchinstitute.org" target="_blank">www.lupusresearchinstitute.org</a>, the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases at <a href="http://www.niams.nih.gov" target="_blank">www.niams.nih.gov</a>, or Lupus Europe at <a href="http://www.elef.rheumanet.org" target="_blank">www.elef.rheumanet.org</a>.</p><p>Conference Call<br />HGS management will hold a conference call to discuss this announcement today at 8:15 AM Eastern.  Investors may listen to the call by dialling 800-753-9057 or 913-312-0718, passcode 9331404, five to 10 minutes before the start of the call.  A replay of the conference call will be available within a few hours after the call ends. Investors may listen to the replay by dialling 888-203-1112 or 719-457-0820, confirmation code 9331404.  Today&#39;s conference call also will be webcast and can be accessed at <a href="http://www.hgsi.com" target="_blank">www.hgsi.com</a>. Investors interested in listening to the live webcast should log on before the conference call begins to download any software required. Both the audio replay and the archive of the conference call webcast will remain available for several days.</p><p>About GlaxoSmithKline<br />GSK Biopharm R&#38;D is employing novel approaches to harness the therapeutic potential of biopharmaceuticals for the benefit of patients with serious autoimmune disease.  This innovative research is one way GSK &#8211; one of the world&#39;s leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies &#8211; can deliver on its commitment to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer.  For more information, visit GlaxoSmithKline on the World Wide Web at <a href="http://www.gsk.com" target="_blank">www.gsk.com</a>.  </p><p>About Human Genome Sciences<br />The mission of HGS is to apply great science and great medicine to bring innovative drugs to patients with unmet medical needs. The HGS clinical development pipeline includes novel drugs to treat lupus, hepatitis C, inhalation anthrax and cancer.</p><p>The Company&#39;s primary focus is rapid progress toward the commercialisation of its two lead drugs, Benlysta&#8482; (belimumab) for lupus and ZALBIN&#8482; (albinterferon alfa-2b) for hepatitis C.  Benlysta has successfully met its primary endpoint in two pivotal Phase 3 trials in systemic lupus erythematosus, and the submission of marketing applications in the U.S., Europe and other regions is planned in the first half of 2010.  ZALBIN has completed Phase 3 development, and the submission of global marketing applications is planned in fourth quarter 2009.  In May 2009, HGS submitted a Biologics License Application to the FDA for raxibacumab for the treatment of inhalation anthrax.  In addition, HGS has substantial financial rights to certain products in the GSK clinical pipeline including darapladib, currently in Phase 3 development in patients with coronary heart disease, and Syncria&#174; (albiglutide), currently in Phase 3 development in patients with type 2 diabetes.</p><p>For more information about HGS, please visit the Company&#39;s web site at <a href="http://www.hgsi.com" target="_blank">www.hgsi.com</a>.  Health professionals and patients interested in clinical trials of HGS products may inquire via e-mail to <a href="&#109;&#97;&#105;&#108;&#116;&#111;:medinfo&#64;hgsi.com">medinfo&#64;hgsi.com</a> or by calling HGS at (877) 822-8472.</p><p> Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements<br />Under the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, GSK cautions investors that any forward-looking statements or projections made by GSK, including those made in this announcement, are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Factors that may affect GSK&#39; s operations are described under &#39;Risk Factors&#39; in the &#39;Business Review&#39; in the company&#39; s Annual Report on Form 20-F for 2008.</p><p>HGS SafeHarbor Statement<br />This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The forward-looking statements are based on Human Genome Sciences&#39; current intent, belief and expectations. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Actual results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements because of Human Genome Sciences&#39; unproven business model, its dependence on new technologies, the uncertainty and timing of clinical trials, Human Genome Sciences&#39; ability to develop and commercialize products, its dependence on collaborators for services and revenue, its substantial indebtedness and lease obligations, its changing requirements and costs associated with facilities, intense competition, the uncertainty of patent and intellectual property protection, Human Genome Sciences&#39; dependence on key management and key suppliers, the uncertainty of regulation of products, the impact of future alliances or transactions and other risks described in the Company&#39;s filings with the SEC.  Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of today&#39;s date.  Human Genome Sciences undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this announcement whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise.</p><p>This press release is intended for business journalists and analysts/investors. Please note that this release may not have been issued in every market in which GSK operates.</p><p>&mdash; WebWireID106849 &mdash;</p><div class="related" style="float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px;"><ul><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=BIM">Biometrics</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=BIO">Biotechnology</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=HEA">Health Care / Hospitals</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webwire.com/industry-news.asp?indu=MTC">Medical / Pharmaceuticals</a></li></ul></div><div class="terms" style="clear:both; float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px;"><a href="http://www.webwire.com">WebWire&reg;</a> Copyright &#169; 2009 Warmtone Corp. | Use of this content is subject to our <a href="http://www.webwire.com/ServTerms.asp">Terms of Service</a> | <a href="http://www.webwire.com/webwire-industries-rss-feeds.asp">More Feeds</a></div><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WebWire-News-Biometrics/~4/oZaSoSw8YDY" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded>
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