Basiliximab

Basiliximab is an immunosuppressant, a monoclonal antibody used in combination with other immunosuppressants to prevent acute graft rejection after organ transplantation -kidney transplantation/liver transplantation- (de Ataide EC et al.2017).

Basiliximab is a chimeric antibody directed against the alpha subunit of the IL-2 receptor (CD25 antigen) on the surface of T lymphocytes (Chapman TM et al.2003). This subunit is responsible for the high-affinity binding of IL-2 to the IL-2 receptor(IL-2-R).

Binding of the chimeric antibody to the CD25 antigen prevents its binding to its natural ligand, interleukin-2 (IL-2). This prevents the signal for T cell proliferation. Apoptosis of all T cells activated by IL-2 occurs. However, non-activated cells are not affected because the alpha subunit of the IL-2 receptor is expressed only after antigen-triggered activation of the T cells. The mean half-life is about 7 days.

For the prevention of acute graft rejection after kidney transplantation (liver transplantation) in combination with defined immunosuppressants.

The drug is administered intravenously. Dosage according to the specialist information.

Infections, anemia, hyperkalemia, headache, hypertension, gastrointestinal disorders, peripheral edema, and pain at the injection site.

Simulect®, Novartis. The drug has been approved in Switzerland, the EU and the USA since 1998.

1. Basiliximab Drug Information
2. Chapman TM et al.(2003) Basiliximab: a review of its use as induction therapy in renal transplantation. Drugs 63:2803-2835
3. de Ataide EC et al.(2017) Immunomodulation, Acute Renal Failure, and Complications of Basiliximab Use After Liver Transplantation: Analysis of 114 Patients and Literature Review. Transplant Proc 49:852-857.
4. Kapic E et al.(2004) Basiliximab, mechanism of action and pharmacological properties. Med Arh 58: 373-376
5. McKeage K et al.(2010) Basiliximab: a review of its use as induction therapy in renal transplantation. BioDrugs 24:55-76.
6. Wang K et al.(2018) Induction therapy of basiliximab versus antithymocyte globulin in renal allograft: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Exp Nephrol 22:684-693.