Basiliximab: efficacy and safety evaluation in kidney transplantation

Introduction: Basiliximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody directed against the alpha chain of interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R). When administered intravenously at a dosage of 20 mg at the time of transplantation and 4 days later, basiliximab saturates the alpha chain of IL-2R for 4 weeks. Areas covered: This review evaluates the efficacy and safety of basiliximab in kidney transplantation. Randomized controlled trials showed that basiliximab can significantly reduce the incidence of acute rejection without increasing the risk of adverse events. When compared with other antibodies used for induction, basiliximab showed efficacy and safety profiles similar to daclizumab, another monoclonal antibody directed against the alpha chain of IL-2R. In comparison with rabbit anti-thymocyte globulins (rATG), basiliximab showed a similar efficacy. However, in patients at higher risk of rejection, rATG proved to be more effective. No serious safety problems related to basiliximab have been reported. Expert opinion: The...