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Eculizumab: A Guide to its Use in Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria

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Abstract

The targeted terminal complement inhibitor eculizumab (Soliris®) reduces intravascular hemolysis in patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), as well as stabilizing hemoglobin levels, improving fatigue and health-related quality of life, and reducing the requirement for packed red cell transfusions. Eculizumab is generally well tolerated in patients with PNH, although the risk of Neisseria meningitidis infection is increased with eculizumab, meaning that patients must be vaccinated.

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Acknowledgments and Disclosure

This article was updated from Drugs 2011; 71 (17): 2327–45,[1] and reviewed by G. Simonetti, Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Children’s Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.

The preparation of these articles 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 articles. Changes resulting from comments received were made by the authors on the basis of scientific and editorial merit.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Adis, 41 Centorian Drive, Private Bag 65901, Mairangi Bay, North Shore, Auckland, 0754, New Zealand

    Gillian M. Keating, Katherine A. Lyseng-Williamson & Kate McKeage

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  1. Gillian M. Keating
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  2. Katherine A. Lyseng-Williamson
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  3. Kate McKeage
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Correspondence to Gillian M. Keating.

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Keating, G.M., Lyseng-Williamson, K.A. & McKeage, K. Eculizumab: A Guide to its Use in Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria. BioDrugs 26, 125–130 (2012). https://doi.org/10.2165/11208420-000000000-00000

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/11208420-000000000-00000

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