BelimumabEvaluation of Belimumab Impact on a BLyS Activity Signature Test in the Absence of Confounding Polypharmacy

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients who meet 1987 ACR criteria for SLE with 1996 modifications
2. SLEDAI >/= 6 at screening visit
3. Positive ANA OR anti-dsDNA within one year of screening
4. In the opinion of the investigator there is intent to treat with a biologic (e.g. patient failed standard of care treatment) however there is no organ threatening disease

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Hg less than 8.0 or hemolytic anemia
2. Lymphocyte count less than 0.4
3. AST/ALT greater than 2.5 times ULN
4. Infection requiring IV antibiotics within a month of screening or oral antibiotics within two weeks of first dose
5. Active chronic infections (such as tuberculosis) which have not been treated or tb exposure in a person under 40 who has not received suppressive therapy for at least 3 months. Herpes zoster outbreak within three months of dosing. (Suppressive therapy for herpes simplex is not an exclusion criterion).
6. Cancer within 5 years (except for completely excised cervical carcinoma in situ or excised non-melanoma skin cancer)
7. Inability or unwillingness to follow the protocol
8. If WOCBP, inability or unwillingness to practice an acceptable method of contraception (including abstinence, barrier method with spermicide, or hormonal treatment
9. Inability or unwillingness to withdraw from hydroxychloroquine and/or any immune suppressive therapy being taken despite option for immediate steroid treatment and later treatment rescues as needed.
10. Any illness or condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, would cause undue hardship or risk to the subject by participating in the protocol

-