BASILIXIMAB

Simulect (Basiliximab) is a monoclonal antibody produce by Novartis. As described in the book, a monoclonal antibody is antibody derived from a laboratory animal that is injected with a specific antigen. After that, the B cells are isolated and combined with myelomas cells. Only hybridomas cells are able to proliferate since they have the ability to produce antibodies and multiply infinitely. These antibodies are then kept.

This antibody is used to aid the prevention of a organ rejection. Simulect serve as an immunosuppressive that binds and block the IL-2 receptor on T-cells. Medicine Net states that some side effects include nausea, stomach pain, redness in the side of injection, constipation, diarrhea. Some more serious effects include weakness, swollen glands, night sweats, unusual lumps, cough/sore throat, sores around genitals and mouth, weight loss, dizziness, vision changes. The antibody can produce a series of allergic reaction and increase the risk of getting cancer.

Simulect can also cause acute hypersensitivity immune responses. Hypotension, tachycardia, cardiac failure, dyspnea, wheezing, bronchospasm, pulmonary edema, respiratory failure, urticaria, rash, pruritus, and/ or sneezing are some of responses. These are innate immune response that could happen as soon as the antibody is administrated. If these reactions are very severe, the treatment is stopped. I think having such medical technology can be very helpful for those that have just received a renal transplant. Monoclonal antibodies have change the medical field immensely.