title: Basiliximab.
abstract: The chimaeric monoclonal antibody basiliximab specifically binds the alpha subunit of the interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor on activated T lymphocytes. Through competitive antagonism of IL-2, basiliximab supplements standard immunosuppressive therapy after renal transplantation. < or =24 Hours after a single intravenous dose of basiliximab 2.5 to 25 mg, approximately 90% of available IL-2 receptors on T lymphocytes were complexed with the drug. This level of basiliximab binding was maintained for 4 to 6 weeks when renal transplant patients received basiliximab 20 mg 2 hours before and then 4 days after transplantation surgery. In 2 large, well-designed trials, the percentage of patients with biopsy-confirmed acute rejection episodes after renal transplantation was significantly lower with basiliximab 20 mg (administered 2 hours before and then 4 days after transplantation surgery; 30 or 33%, respectively) than placebo (44 or 46%) at 6 months after surgery. Basiliximab was well tolerated during clinical trials. The incidence of infections (including active cytomegalovirus infection) and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders was similar with basiliximab and placebo. Cytokine release syndrome was not observed in patients who received basiliximab.
authors: Adis International Limited, Auckland, Mairangi Bay, New Zealand. demail@adis.co.nz
authors: S V
authors: SV
authors: Onrust
authors: L R
authors: LR
authors: Wiseman
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077552:Basiliximab; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000378:metabolism; D016030:Kidney Transplantation; D051379:Mice; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D007376:Interleukin-2; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins; D000077552:Basiliximab