View source for Daclizumab

{{drugbox-mab |
| image             = 
| source            = Humanized
| target            = CD25
| CAS_number = 152923-56-3
| ATC_prefix = L04
| ATC_suffix = AA08
| ATC_supplemental = 
| PubChem = 
| DrugBank = BTD00007
| C=6332 | H=9808 | N=1678 | O=1989 | S=42
| molecular_weight = 142612.1 g/mol
| bioavailability = 
| protein_bound = 
| metabolism = 
| elimination_half-life = 20 days
| pregnancy_category = C
| legal_status = 
| routes_of_administration = IV
}}
{{SI}}
{{EH}}

'''Daclizumab''' (''Zenapax'') is a humanized monoclonal [[antibody]] to the IL-2Rα receptor of [[T cells]]. It is used to prevent [[Transplant rejection|rejection]] in [[organ transplant]]ation, especially in [[kidney]] transplants.

It is given in multiple doses, the first 1 hour before the transplant operation and 5 further doses given at two week intervals after the transplant. These saturate the receptors and prevent T cell activation and thus prevent formation of [[antibodies]] against the transplant.

Like the similar drug [[basiliximab]], daclizumab reduces the incidence and severity of acute rejection in kidney transplantation without increasing the incidence of [[opportunistic infections]].

Daclizumab can also be used in place of a calcineurin-inhibitor ([[ciclosporin]] or [[tacrolimus]]) in the early phase after kidney transplantation when the kidney is recovering and vulnerable to calcineurin-inhibitor toxicity. This has been shown to be beneficial in [[Non-heart beating donation|non-heart beating donor]] kidney transplantation.

In the [[United Kingdom]], the [[National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence]] has recommended its use be considered for all kidney transplant recipients.

Daclizumab is now being tested as a possible [[Multiple Sclerosis]] treatment in a phase 2 clinical trial across the United States and Europe, which started 2006 and will end in 2007. It has also been used to arrest the progression of [[autoimmune diseases]], especially [[birdshot retinochoroidopathy]].

==External links==
* [http://www.daclizumab.com Official website]

{{Immunosuppressants}}
{{Humanizedmonoclonals}}

[[Category:Immunosuppressive agents]]
[[Category:Monoclonal antibodies]]

[[de:Daclizumab]]
[[pl:Daklizumab]]

{{jb1}}
{{WH}}
{{WikiDoc Sources}}