The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetics (PK, the action of a drug in the body over a period of time) of multiple intravenous (IV) administrations of CNTO 136 in patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The secondary goal of this study was to assess the pharmacodynamics (biochemical and physiological effects of a drug and the mechanisms of action), immune response, and clinical response.

In Part A of this study, patients with CLE were randomly assigned (like flipping a coin) to receive multiple IV doses of CNTO 136, a human anti-IL 6 monoclonal antibody (an immune protein that binds to interleukin 6) or placebo (a substance that appears identical to the treatment and has no active ingredients). Patients and study personnel did not know the identity of the administered treatments (double-blind study). Increasing doses were given, based on safety data collected during the initial weeks of treatment. In Part B, which was also double-blind, patients with SLE were randomly assigned to receive multiple IV doses of the highest well-tolerated dose, as determined in Part A, of CNTO 136, or placebo.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE, including subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, discoid lupus erythematosus, or lupus erythematosus tumidus) or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

  • Had a body weight less than or equal to 100 kg
  • Patients in Part A who were taking systemic medications for CLE had to be on a stable dose for 4 weeks before the first study agent infusion
  • Patients in Part B taking systemic medications for SLE had to be on a stable dose for at least 3 months before the first study agent infusion
  • Given informed consent and willing and able to adhere to the study visit schedule and other protocol requirements; agreed to avoid alcohol intake; and took adequate measures to prevent pregnancy

Exclusion Criteria:

• Significant history of or concurrent medical condition (other than lupus)
• Use of specific previous or concurrent medications or investigational therapies
• Known or suspected allergy to the study agent or it constituents, having recently donated blood, or having any significant laboratory test values requiring intervention
• Patients with SLE in Part B could not have active central nervous system lupus