Basiliximab

Medical uses

Basiliximab is indicated for the prophylaxis of acute organ rejection in de-novo allogeneic renal transplantation. It is to be used concomitantly with ciclosporin for microemulsion- and corticosteroid-based immunosuppression, in people with panel reactive antibodies less than 80%, or in a triple maintenance immunosuppressive regimen containing ciclosporin for microemulsion, corticosteroids and either azathioprine or mycophenolate mofetil.

Basiliximab is an immunosuppressant agent used to prevent immediate transplant rejection in people who are receiving kidney transplants, in combination with other agents. It has been reported that some cases of lichen planus have been successfully treated with basiliximab as an alternative therapy to cyclosporin. No short-term side effects have been reported.

Mechanism of action

Basiliximab competes with IL-2 to bind to the alpha chain subunit of the IL2 receptor on the surface of the activated T lymphocytes and thus prevents the receptor from signaling. This prevents T cells from replicating and also from activating B cells, which are responsible for the production of antibodies, which would bind to the transplanted organ and stimulate an immune response against the transplant.

Chemistry

It is a chimeric CD25 monoclonal antibody of the IgG1 isotype.

History

It is a Novartis product and was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1998.

References

References

1. (6 October 2022). "Simulect- basiliximab injection, powder, for solution".
2. (31 October 2009). "Simulect EPAR".
3. (20 February 2009). "Basiliximab Product Approval Information - Licensing Action". U.S. [[Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA).
4. MedlinePlus. Last Revised - 15 June 2012 [https://www.medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a612013.html Basiliximab Injection]
5. (2003). "European handbook of dermatological treatments". Springer.
6. (July 2013). "Selection of induction therapy in kidney transplantation". Transplant International.
7. "Basiliximab label".
8. (March 2003). "Immunotherapy: past, present and future". Nature Medicine.