Alemtuzumab: A Review of Its Use in Patients with Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis

Alemtuzumab (Lemtrada™) is a humanized therapeutic monoclonal antibody, which has been approved for use in patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia for several years, and has recently become approved in the EU and several other countries for use in adult patients with active relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. This article reviews the available pharmacological properties of intravenous infusions of alemtuzumab and its clinical efficacy and tolerability in adult patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Alemtuzumab is an effective treatment for patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, and has a generally acceptable tolerability profile. In phase III trials, it was shown to be more effective than a current first-line treatment, subcutaneous interferon beta-1a, in decreasing relapse rate in treatment-naïve and previously treated patients and in decreasing disability progression in previously treated patients. Of note, these results appear to have extended into the long-term follow-up, despite no further treatment. There was an increased risk of autoimmunity and infection associated with alemtuzumab in these trials; while these adverse events were generally mild to moderate, some were severe. Alemtuzumab is a highly convenient treatment, requiring hospital attendance for an intravenous infusion for a handful of days on two consecutive years, with no treatment required in between; however, this convenience is counterbalanced by the need for regular monitoring for the increased risk of autoimmunity. More investigation is required before final conclusions can be drawn on the correct placement of alemtuzumab in multiple sclerosis treatment; however, it is of a certainty a welcome addition to the treatment options for these patients.