basiliximab

Uses

Immunosuppressant (monoclonal antibody).

brand name

Simulect (Novartis).

Clinical Use

Basiliximab (Simulect, Chimeric) is an MAb produced by amouse monoclonal cell line that has been engineered to producethe basiliximab IgG1 κ antibody glycoprotein. Theproduct is chimeric (murine/human). Basiliximab is indicatedfor prophylaxis of acute organ rejection in patients receivingrenal transplantation when used as part of a regimenof immunosuppressants and corticosteroids. Basiliximab isalso indicated in pediatric renal transplantation.Basiliximab specifically binds to the IL-2 receptor α-chain(the CD25 antigen, part of the three-component IL-2α receptorsite). These sites are expressed on the surfaces of activatedT lymphocytes. Once bound, it blocks the IL-2α receptor withextremely high affinity. This specific, high-affinity binding toIL-2 competitively inhibits IL-2-mediated activation of lymphocytes,a critical event in the cellular immune response inallograft rejection.

Drug interactions

Potentially hazardous interactions with other drugs
Ciclosporin: may alter ciclosporin requirements.
Tacrolimus: may alter tacrolimus requirements.
Vaccines: risk of generalised infections with live vaccines - avoid.

Metabolism

In vitro studies using human tissues indicate that basiliximab binds only to activated lymphocytes and macrophages/monocytes. It is most likely removed by opsonisation via the reticuloendothelial system when bound to lymphocytes, or by human antimurine antibody production.