Generation and characterization of LymphoStat-B, a human monoclonal antibody that antagonizes the bioactivities of B lymphocyte stimulator.

Objective: To identify and characterize a fully human antibody directed against B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS), a tumor necrosis factor-related cytokine that plays a critical role in the regulation of B cell maturation and development. Elevated levels of BLyS have been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases.

Methods: A human phage display library was screened for antibodies against human BLyS.

Albutropin: a growth hormone-albumin fusion with improved pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in rats and monkeys.

Growth hormone (GH) replacement therapy is used to treat GH deficiency. Treatment requires daily administration because of the short plasma t(1/2) of GH. Albutropin, human GH fused at its N-terminus with human serum albumin, should be cleared from the circulation more slowly than GH.