BACKGROUND

Alemtuzumab is a CD52-specific monoclonal antibody that markedly depletes T and B lymphocytes and inhibits relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). However, polymorphonuclear neutrophils also express CD52 and can be depleted by alemtuzumab, thereby potentially contributing to the infections that develop post-alemtuzumab treatment. Surprisingly, however, the degree of neutrophil depletion in MS was not included in the pivotal trial reports.

METHODS

The regulatory submission of the Comparison of Alemtuzumab and Rebif® Efficacy in MS 1 and 2 trials was obtained from the European Medicines Agency through Freedom of Information. The data relating to neutrophils was extracted.

RESULTS

Data extraction from the submission was straightforward. In year one 72/811 (8.9%) and in year two 116/808 (14.4%) people with MS (pwMS) developed neutropenia. The degree of neutropenia was generally mild, and only 5/811 (0.6%) in year 1 and 12/808 (1.5%) in year 2 developed grade 3-4 toxicity (< 1.0 × 10/L). Two pwMS developed severe neutropenia-related adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with alemtuzumab induces neutropenia, which is mild in the large majority of pwMS treated. Leucocyte levels following alemtuzumab should be monitored as a marker of efficacy and safety; persistent neutropenia may require treatment.