Campath® (alemtuzumab)

Parent companies: Genzyme Corporation and Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals

• Administered once yearly by intravenous infusion over three-to-five consecutive days. The drug is approved for the treatment of B-cell leukemia and targets T cells, B cells, and macrophages. Side effects include a reduction in blood clotting, thyroid disorders, infusion reactions, and infection. Patients need to be monitored closely due to risk of significant toxicities.


• Trials of Campath include the CAMMS223 Phase II study, which compared Campath to high-dose Rebif in RRMS. After three years, Campath was more effective than Rebif at suppressing relapses and preventing disability. It also appeared better at improving self-reported mental and physical well-being. More than 50 percent of the Campath-treated patients actually improved.