Human Genome Sciences Inc along with GlaxoSmithKline announced Monday that its experimental lupus drug, Benlysta has produced favorable results in the clinical trials.

Lupus is a disease that causes the immune system to attack the body's own tissue and organs such as heart, lungs, joints, kidneys, brain etc.

Lupus drug, Benlysta works as a biological volume control, bringing down the intensity of the immune response that attacks lupus patients' tissues which in turn heavily down grade the vital organs.

Researchers claimed that out of 867 patients, who were getting standard therapy for lupus, 58 percent of the patients on the high dose of the drug and 52 percent of the patients on the low dose of the drug, along with the standard therapy, showed considerable signs of improvement in the disease.

On the other hand, only 43% of the patients undergoing standard therapy and a placebo for treating lupus showed signs of improvement.

According to an estimate, around five million people are suffering from lupus around the globe. America accounts for 1.5 million lupus-patients.

The drug, Benlysta also enabled many patients to reduce the use of steroid and therefore its side effects.

A second trial which is scheduled for November will have to produce positive results before getting approval for the drug from FDA.