Dynavax Technologies Corp., of Berkeley, Calif., began a proof-of-mechanism trial of its lupus candidate, DV1179, triggering a $6 million milestone payment from London-based GlaxoSmithKline plc. GSK has the option to exclusively license the drug following completion of the trial. Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus will receive ascending doses of DV1179 by injection once a week for eight weeks, to evaluate safety and efficacy.