Imlifidase for the treatment of anti-HLA antibody-mediated processes in kidney transplantation

The IgG-degrading enzyme derived from Streptococcus pyogenes (Imlifidase, Hansa Biopharma) is a novel agent that cleaves all four human subclasses of IgG and has therapeutic potential for HLA desensitization in kidney transplantation and antibody-mediated rejection. Data from clinical trials in kidney transplantation demonstrated rapid degradation of anti-HLA donor-specific antibodies facilitating HLA-incompatible transplantation, which led to conditional approval of imlifidase by the European Medicines Agency for desensitization in kidney transplant recipients of a deceased donor with a positive cross match. Important considerations arising from the early experiences with imilfidase on kinetics of donor-specific antibodies after administration, timing of complementary therapeutic monoclonal or polyclonal IgG antibodies, and interference with cross match assays should be recognized as imlifidase emerges as a therapeutic agent for clinical transplantation.

Automated summary

Imlifidase, derived from Streptococcus pyogenes, is a novel agent with potential for HLA desensitization and antibody-mediated rejection in kidney transplantation. Clinical trials have shown rapid degradation of anti-HLA donor-specific antibodies, facilitating HLA-incompatible transplantation. Early experiences with imilfidase highlight considerations regarding kinetics of antibodies, timing of complementary therapies, and interference with cross match assays.