Daclizumab

Other names: Zenepax
In development for: Relapsing/remitting MS
Status: Phase II
Last updated: April 2008

How does it work?

Daclizumab is a monoclonal antibody licensed for prevention of kidney transplant rejection. It was designed to block the activity of interleukin 2, a chemical messenger in the immune system, and interfere with the growth of lymphocytes. Recent studies have show that it increases the activity of natural killer cells, another immune system cell.

How is it given?

Injection under the skin or intravenous infusions.

Clinical studies

A retrospective analysis of 55 people with relapsing/remitting and secondary progressive MS who had received daclizumab reported that disability scores improved or stabilised in 60% and worsened in 40%. In other studies, daclizumab showed promise in treating people who had failed to respond to beta interferon or glatiramer acetate.

Several phase II clinical trials of daclizumab in relapsing/remitting MS are underway or planned.