HGS shares triple on startling lupus success

Shares of Human Genome Sciences tripled today after the company reported positive data for its experimental lupus therapy, which has faced a long lineup of skeptics.

Researchers say that the data on Benlysta was positive for reducing symptoms of lupus, a bottom-line conclusion that was completely unexpected by many of the industry's top analysts. Earlier trials had proven a disappointment, and other lupus programs had foundered over the years.

The data was a tonic for HGS stock, which jumped to $10.40 on the news.

"We have met the criteria in this study for success," Thomas Watkins, Human Genome's president and chief executive, told reporters. "Now we need to do it a second time in the other study."

- read the story from Bloomberg

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