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Alemtuzumab: a guide to its use in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis

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Abstract

The humanized monoclonal antibody alemtuzumab (Lemtrada™) is a welcome addition to the available treatment options for adults with active relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) in the EU. It has a highly convenient administration regimen comprising two short courses of intravenous treatment ≈12 months apart. In phase 3 trials, alemtuzumab was more effective than subcutaneous interferon-β-1a in decreasing relapse rates in treatment-naïve patients with RRMS and in patients with RRMS who relapsed whilst receiving previous disease-modifying therapy, and had an acceptable tolerability profile. Despite no further treatment, the benefits of alemtuzumab appeared to persist in the longer term.

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Acknowledgments

The manuscript was reviewed by: P. Albrecht, Department of Neurology, EVK Wesel, Wesel, Germany; M.S. Freedman, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada. G. Judd, LonDIS, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada; S. Mirkov, Infection Prevention and Control, Laboratory Services, Medicine Division, Middlemore Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand; S. Saluja, Consultant in Internal Medicine, Saran Ashram, Agra, India.

Disclosure

This article was adapted from Drugs 2014;74(4):489–504 [14] by salaried employees of Adis/Springer. The preparation of these reviews was not supported by any external funding. During the peer review process, the manufacturer of the agent under review was offered an opportunity to comment on the article. Changes resulting from comments received were made by the authors on the basis of scientific and editorial merit.

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  1. Springer, Private Bag 65901, Mairangi Bay, North Shore, 0754, Auckland, New Zealand

    Gillian M. Keating & Karly P. Garnock-Jones

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  1. Gillian M. Keating
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  2. Karly P. Garnock-Jones
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Correspondence to Gillian M. Keating.

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Keating, G.M., Garnock-Jones, K.P. Alemtuzumab: a guide to its use in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis. Drugs Ther Perspect 30, 337–341 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40267-014-0154-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40267-014-0154-0

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