Immunosuppressant (monoclonal
antibody).
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.
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.
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.
