How does Zinbryta work?

In May 2016 the FDA approved AbbVie’s biologic agent Zinbryta (daclizumab) for the treatment of adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Zinbryta, a new form of a humanized monoclonal antibody, is a long-acting injection that is self-administered monthly by the patient.

Zinbryta is thought to work by decreasing T-cells and pro-inflammatory lymphoid tissue inducer cells, and increasing CD56bright natural killer (NK) cells, important cells that help regulate the immune system. In studies, patients using Zinbryta had fewer clinical relapses than patients taking placebo or another MS treatment Avonex (interferon beta-1a).

Usually, Zinbryta should only be used in patients who have had an inadequate response with two or more other MS drugs due to serious safety risks, including liver injury and immune conditions. A boxed warning alerts prescribers that Zinbryta can cause severe liver injury, and liver function tests should be performed prior to starting Zinbryta, monthly before each dose, and for up to six months after the last dose.

Access to Zinbryta is restricted, and providers and patients must enroll in the Zinbryta Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) Program to ensure required liver monitoring and other safeguards.