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 lymphoproliferative 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.