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Epratuzumab (humanised anti-CD22 antibody) in autoimmune diseases.

Steinfeld SD, Youinou P

Erasme University Hospital, Department of Rheumatology, Route de Lennik 808, Brussels 1070, Belgium. ssteinfe@ulb.ac.be

B cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of many autoimmune diseases. Different approaches targeting the B cell compartment are under investigation. Selective modulation of B cells has been recently achieved using a humanised monoclonal antibody against the B cell surface marker CD22. This antibody (epratuzumab) was originally developed for the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and was found to be effective, with a very good safety profile. Recent studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of epratuzumab in several autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus and primary Sjögren's syndrome.

Published 21 August 2006 in Expert Opin Biol Ther, 6(9): 943-9.
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