Alemtuzumab in Autoimmune Inflammatory Neurodegeneration: Mechanisms of Action and Neuroprotective Potential

Summary

Alemtuzumab is the active agent of a drug called Lemtrada®. In the European Union, Lemtrada® is approved for the treatment of a particular form of multiple sclerosis (the so called relapsing remitting form). The excellent efficacy of the drug justifies its administration albeit a high risk of considerable side effects. In this context, so called secondary (occurring after the administration of Lemtrada®) autoimmune diseases are of particular importance. In these diseases the immune system acts against structures of the body itself; the reasons are still unknown. Autoimmune diseases may even occur several years after treatment with Lemtrada®. Therefore, patients who once received the drug need to undergo intensive long term health monitoring. This study aims to elucidate which mechanisms cause to the positive and negative effects of Lemtrada®. The study includes patients only, who suffer from multiple sclerosis and are indicated to be treated with Lemtrada®. All patients receive the drug according to the official recommendations.

Timeline

Start

2015-06

Primary completion

2020-07

Completion

2020-11

Publications

• Ruck T, Afzali AM, Lukat KF, Eveslage M, Gross CC, Pfeuffer S, Bittner S, Klotz L, Melzer N, Wiendl H, Meuth SG. ALAIN01--Alemtuzumab in autoimmune inflammatory neurodegeneration: mechanisms of action and neuroprotective potential. BMC Neurol. 2016 Mar 10;16:34. doi: 10.1186/s12883-016-0556-9.

Drugs

Indications