Lemtrada

Alemtuzumab, the active ingredient in Lemtrada, is a monoclonal antibody presented as a 12 mg/mL intravenous solution for intravenous use. It is indicated for the treatment of relapsing‑remitting multiple sclerosis in adult patients, helping to reduce relapse frequency and slow disability progression.

GNH USA supplies Lemtrada as a licensed, GDP‑compliant international pharmaceutical supplier serving hospitals, transplant centres, oncology centres, pharmacies and clinics worldwide, ensuring consistent quality, regulatory compliance and reliable cold‑chain logistics for biologic medicines through its global network of certified partners.

Lemtrada (alemtuzumab) is a disease‑modifying therapy that targets immune activity in multiple sclerosis. - Relapsing‑remitting multiple sclerosis: reduces the annualized relapse rate, delays accumulation of disability, and lowers the risk of sustained disease progression. - Active disease in adult RRMS patients: decreases the number of new or enlarging MRI lesions, improves radiological disease activity, and contributes to longer periods of relapse‑free status. - High‑activity RRMS: provides sustained disease control and may be considered when previous disease‑modifying therapies have not achieved adequate response.

Alemtuzumab is associated with a range of adverse reactions that vary in frequency and severity.

Common Side Effects: - Infusion‑related reactions (fever, chills, rash, hypotension) - Headache - Nausea - Fatigue - Lymphopenia - Upper respiratory tract infections

Serious or Rare Side Effects: - Autoimmune thyroid disease (hyper‑ or hypothyroidism) - Immune thrombocytopenic purpura - Nephropathies (e.g., membranous nephropathy) - Serious infections (herpesvirus, opportunistic) - Malignancies (e.g., thyroid cancer) - Severe infusion reactions (anaphylaxis)

Prior to initiating alemtuzumab therapy, clinicians should observe several precautionary measures to minimise risks. - Baseline blood counts: obtain complete blood count and lymphocyte subsets before first infusion. - Thyroid function testing: screen TSH and free T4 prior to treatment and monitor periodically. - Infection risk assessment: evaluate for active infections and vaccinate according to guidelines, avoiding live vaccines. - Contraception: advise both male and female patients to use effective contraception during treatment and for several months after. - Monitoring for autoimmunity: conduct regular clinical and laboratory surveillance for autoimmune disorders throughout the first 48 months. - Store at 2-8°C: keep refrigerated, protect from light, do not freeze or shake.

Alemtuzumab may interact with other medicines, affecting efficacy or safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid): - Live attenuated vaccines: may cause severe infection; avoid administration during and after treatment. - Concurrent use of other potent immunosuppressants (e.g., high‑dose steroids, cyclophosphamide): increases risk of serious infections. - Antithymocyte globulin: additive lymphocyte depletion leading to profound immunosuppression.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely): - Vaccines containing inactivated antigens: efficacy may be reduced; assess antibody response. - Antiviral prophylaxis (e.g., acyclovir): may be required to prevent herpes reactivation. - Hormonal contraceptives: monitor for reduced effectiveness due to immune changes.