Itolizumab

Itolizumab is a monoclonal antibody designed for the treatment of various autoimmune diseases. It is a first-in-class drug that selectively targets the CD6 molecule, a pan-T cell marker involved in co-stimulation, adhesion, and maturation of T cells. Itolizumab was developed by Biocon, a biopharmaceutical company based in India.

Mechanism of Action

Itolizumab binds to the CD6 molecule, which is present on the surface of T cells. By binding to CD6, itolizumab inhibits the proliferation and activation of T cells, which are involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases.

Clinical Uses

Itolizumab has been approved for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in India. It is also being studied for its potential use in other autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of itolizumab include nausea, fatigue, headache, and infusion reactions. Serious side effects may include infections and allergic reactions.

Development and Approval

Itolizumab was developed by Biocon and received approval from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) in 2013 for the treatment of plaque psoriasis. In 2020, it received emergency use approval from the DCGI for the treatment of cytokine release syndrome in moderate to severe COVID-19 patients.

See Also

• Monoclonal antibodies
• Autoimmune diseases
• Psoriasis
• COVID-19