Alemtuzumab is a monoclonal anti-CD52 antibody used in the treatment of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia and relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. Alemtuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody specific to lymphocyte antigens.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed · 4 references
The precise mechanism by which alemtuzumab exerts its therapeutic effects in multiple sclerosis is unknown but is presumed to involve binding to CD52, a cell surface antigen present on T and B lymphocytes, and on natural killer cells, monocytes, and macrophages. Following cell surface binding to T and B lymphocytes, alemtuzumab results in antibody-dependent cellular cytolysis and complement-mediated lysis. Research suggests that alemtuzumab can also exert immunomodulatory effects through the depletion and repopulation of lymphocytes, including alterations in the number, proportions, and properties of some lymphocyte subsets posttreatment, increasing representation of regulatory T cell subsets, and increasing representation of memory T- and B-lymphocytes. The reduction in the level of circulating B and T cells by alemtuzumab and subsequent repopulation may reduce the potential for relapse, which ultimately delays disease progression.
- Primary indication
- LEMTRADA is indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), including relapsing-remitting disease and active secondary progressive disease, in adults.Curator reviewed · 9 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C6468H10066N1732O2005S40 · 145453.8 Da
- First approval
- Canada, 2005 · United States, 2009 · European Union, 2020
- Also known as
- Campath 1-H · Campath-1H
- Code names
- GZ402673
- Brand names
Resolves to
What you can answer from here — as of July 17, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Alemtuzumab, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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