Daclizumab

Daclizumab is a humanised monoclonal antibody which binds to the IL-2 receptor on activated lymphocytes and blocks the production of IL-2. Its use is well established in solid organ transplantation as induction therapy, especially in high-risk patients where reduction or delayed dose of standard immunosuppression would be beneficial. It has been used effectively in both 2-dose and 5-dose regimens in conjunction with other standard immunosuppressive agents. The incidence of acute rejection appears reduced without increasing the rates of infection or post-transplant lympho-proliferative disorders. The agent is generally well tolerated in adults and children and there is no need for additional monitoring. Daclizumab has also been used outside the transplant arena in a variety of immune-mediated diseases with limited success.