Eculizumab
Eculizumab, sold under the brand name Soliris among others, is a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody used to treat paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), generalized myasthenia gravis, and neuromyelitis optica. In people with PNH, it reduces both the destruction of red blood cells and need for blood transfusion, but does not appear to affect the risk of death. Eculizumab was the first drug approved for each of its uses, and its approval was granted based on small trials. It is given by intravenous infusion.
| Monoclonal antibody | |
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| Type | Whole antibody |
| Source | Humanized (from mouse) |
| Target | Complement protein C5 |
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| Trade names | Soliris |
| Biosimilars | Bekemv, Elizaria, Epysqli |
| AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
| MedlinePlus | a612024 |
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| Routes of administration | Intravenous |
| Drug class | Complement inhibitor |
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| Pharmacokinetic data | |
| Elimination half-life | 8 to 15 days (mean 11 days) |
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| Molar mass | 148 kg/mol |
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Side effects include a risk for meningococcal infections and it is only prescribed to those who have enrolled in and follow a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy, which involves counseling people and ensuring that they are vaccinated. It is a humanized monoclonal antibody functioning as a terminal complement inhibitor.
It is developed, manufactured, and marketed by Alexion Pharmaceuticals.: 6