Products
Alemtuzumab is commercially available as a concentrate for the preparation of an infusion solution (Lemtrada). It was approved in 2014. Alemtuzumab was originally approved for leukemia treatment and marketed as MabCampath (approved in 2001).
Structure and properties
Alemtuzumab is a humanized IgG1 kappa monoclonal antibody to CD52 produced by biotechnological methods. It has a molecular weight of approximately 150 kDa.
Effects
Alemtuzumab (ATC L04AA34) has cytolytic properties. It binds to the CD52 glycoprotein on the cell surface of B and T lymphocytes and other immune cells, causing the cells to dissolve.
Indications
- For the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis – Lemtrada.
- For the treatment of patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) – previous indication of MabCampath.
Dosage
According to the professional information. The drug is administered as an intravenous infusion.
Contraindications
For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Interactions
There are no known interactions with other drugs. Concurrent treatment with live vaccines is not indicated.
Adverse effects
The most common possible adverse effects include rash, headache, fever, and respiratory infections. Alemtuzumab can cause serious side effects. These include: Autoimmune reactions, severe infusion reactions, and malignancies.
