Eculizumab

Eculizumab, sold under the brand name Soliris among others, is a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody used to treat paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, generalized myasthenia gravis, and neuromyelitis optica. In people with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, it reduces both the destruction of red blood cells and need for blood transfusion, but does not appear to affect the risk of death. Eculizumab was the first medication approved for each of its uses, and its approval was granted based on small trials. It is given by intravenous infusion. It is a humanized monoclonal antibody functioning as a terminal complement inhibitor. It binds to the complement C5 protein and inhibits activation of the complement system, a part of the body's immune system. This binding prevents the breakdown of red blood cells in the bloodstream (intravascular hemolysis) in people with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. The most frequently reported adverse reactions for people with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria include headache, nasopharyngitis (common cold), back pain and nausea The most frequently reported adverse reactions for people with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome include headache, diarrhea, hypertension, upper respiratory infection, abdominal pain, vomiting, nasopharyngitis, anemia, cough, swelling of lower legs or hands, nausea, urinary tract infections and fever Eculizumab (Soliris) is developed, manufactured, and marketed by Alexion Pharmaceuticals.