[ALEMTUZUMAB: BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES OF A NEW THERAPY IN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS]

Abstract

The widening spectrum of MS treatment is partially due to increasing knowledge about the pathogenesis of MS. The humanized monoclonal antibody against CD52, alemtuzumab has been approved in Europe for the treatment of MS, which results in long-term depletion of B and T cells due to complement- and antibody-mediated cytotoxicity. Based on phase 2 and 3 clinical trials, alemtuzumob decreases the risk of sustained neurological deficit and progression compared to high-dose subcutaneous interferon-β1a in patients with active relapsing-remitting MS, either treatment-naïve or with breakthrough disease. We review advantages and benefits of the treatment, discuss safety concerns, and present a case to describe practical issues.