Daclizumab: humanized monoclonal antibody to the interleukin-2 receptor

Daclizumab is a humanized antibody that binds to the alpha-chain of the interleukin-2 receptor and blocks the action of interleukin-2. It is approved for the prevention of organ allograft rejection using five 1 mg/kg doses every second week, starting at the time of transplant. Since approval, activity has primarily focused on the efficacy of shorter courses, typically two doses, and its use in steroid or calcineurin inhibitor elimination immunosuppressive protocols. In small trials, it appears that two doses are safe, effective and allow sparing of other toxic drugs. Outside the field of transplantation, the drug has been tested in a variety of autoimmune diseases including uveitis, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, ulcerative colitis and various dermatologic diseases. A new subcutaneous formulation is being developed to facilitate chronic dosing in these autoimmune diseases.