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Last Updated: December 16, 2025

CLINICAL TRIALS PROFILE FOR DACLIZUMAB


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All Clinical Trials for daclizumab

Trial ID Title Status Sponsor Phase Start Date Summary
NCT00001526 ↗ ANTI-TAC THERAPY FOR UVEITIS Completed National Eye Institute (NEI) Phase 1 1996-06-04 Uveitis refers to intraocular inflammatory diseases that are an important cause of visual loss. Standard systemic immunosuppressive medications for uveitis can cause significant adverse effects. Consequently, an effective treatment with a safer side effect profile is highly desirable. This pilot study has permitted enrollment of up to 12 adults with non-infectious intermediate or posterior uveitis who require treatments to maintain visual function. This extended protocol began with an evaluation of the safety and potential efficacy of intravenous (IV) daclizumab treatments for uveitis while reducing or eliminating standard medications commensurate with the standard of care. As subcutaneous (SC) daclizumab treatments become available, eligible participants will be offered continuing daclizumab treatments using the new SC formulation, though they may elect to remain on the IV treatments. If the therapeutic benefit is sustained using the SC formulation, maintenance therapy will continue as clinically indicated. Participants who repeatedly fail the SC therapy will be permitted to revert to the IV daclizumab regimen they previously used, or may exit the study as treatment failures. SC treatments begin with a short SC induction at 2 mg/kg followed by 1 mg/kg treatments on a 4-week schedule as the protocol originally specified. Participants will be monitored routinely when each dose is received and additionally will participate in pharmacokinetic studies to monitor SC formulation bioavailability. Daclizumab is a humanized anti-Tac monoclonal antibody (HAT, Zenapax) that interferes with inflammatory processes by its involvement with the interleukin 2 receptor (IL-2R). During the first 5 years of this study, only an IV product was available. The SC formulation is now available containing the same daclizumab drug product. Preliminary studies indicate that the SC formulation is well tolerated by normal control subjects and other autoimmune disease patients at repeated doses up to 2 mg/kg. The primary objectives are to examine the safety and potential efficacy of IV and later, SC daclizumab, while continuing to reduce other immunosuppressive medications commensurate with the standard of care. Primary safety outcomes are the discontinuation of study therapy due to reduced vision or the occurrence of adverse events. Secondary outcome measures include visual acuity and the grading of immunosuppressive medications, anterior chamber and vitreous cells, and vitreous haze.
NCT00001865 ↗ HAT in Eye Complications of Behcet's Disease Completed National Eye Institute (NEI) Phase 2 1999-07-01 This study will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Zenapax in controlling recurrent eye inflammations associated with Behcet's disease. Behcet's disease is usually treated with corticosteroids to suppress inflammation. Other medicines such as methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, or azathioprine may also be used. These drugs all can have serious side effects, including liver or kidney damage. Zenapax is a monoclonal antibody that binds to certain proteins (receptors) on white blood cells, preventing them from interacting with a chemical called interleukin-2. Blocking this interaction prevents inflammation. This study will include 20 patients who had unacceptable side effects from other medicines used to treat their disease; did not benefit from standard treatment; and refused standard treatment because of possible side effects of the medicines. All patients in the study will continue to take their current medicines at the start of the study. In addition, one group of patients will receive Zenapax and a second group will receive a placebo. The drug or placebo will be infused into the vein at the start of the study and every two weeks for the next six weeks, and then every four weeks for the rest of the study period (24 months). Each infusion lasts about 15 minutes. Patients will have eye examinations at the time of every treatment, and medicines will be added if needed to control eye disease. Drugs will be tapered after six months in patients whose eye disease is quiet, and readjusted as necessary. Neither the doctors nor the patients will know who is receiving placebo and who is receiving Zenapax until the study ends. Patients will be given a physical examination, medical history, eye examination, fluorescein angiography (special photographs of the retina to evaluate the blood vessels in the eye), and blood tests. Zenapax was previously studied in 10 patients with uveitis with positive results. The patients were able to reduce the other medicines they were taking with minimal side effects.
NCT00001962 ↗ A Study to Determine Whether Therapy With Daclizumab Will Benefit Patients With Bone Marrow Failure Terminated National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Phase 2 1999-11-01 Participants in this study are suffering from rare and serious blood disorders. In aplastic anemia, the bone marrow stops producing red blood cells, platelets, and white blood cells. In pure red cell aplasia, the bone marrow stops producing red cells, and in amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenic purpura, the bone marrow stops producing platelets. Current treatment approaches for these disorders include bone marrow transplant and/or immunosuppression. However, bone marrow transplant is not always possible, and immunosuppression has serious side effects. This study will investigate whether daclizumab can be used to treat these disorders. Daclizumab is a genetically engineered human antibody that blocks the interleukin-2 receptor on immune cells. It has been used successfully in many transplant patients to reduce the rate of organ rejection. Participants will undergo a complete history and physical examination. A bone marrow aspiration and biopsy will be performed to confirm the type of bone marrow failure. About 5 tablespoons of blood will be drawn for baseline tests and research purposes. Daclizumab will be administered every 2 weeks by vein in a 30-minute infusion. The first dose will be given at NIH and the next four may be given at NIH or by the participant's primary hematologist. The treatment will last 8 weeks. Participants must also see their referring physician or NIH physicians every 2 weeks for blood counts. In the fourth and eighth weeks of the study and at the 3-month follow-up visit, 2 tablespoons of blood will be drawn at NIH. At the 1-month follow-up visit to NIH, 5 tablespoons of blood will be drawn and another bone marrow aspiration and biopsy performed. Risks from bone marrow aspiration and biopsy and blood draws include discomfort. Daclizumab is usually well-tolerated; however, it may weaken immunity against certain bacteria and viruses.
NCT00001962 ↗ A Study to Determine Whether Therapy With Daclizumab Will Benefit Patients With Bone Marrow Failure Terminated Neal Young, M.D. Phase 2 1999-11-01 Participants in this study are suffering from rare and serious blood disorders. In aplastic anemia, the bone marrow stops producing red blood cells, platelets, and white blood cells. In pure red cell aplasia, the bone marrow stops producing red cells, and in amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenic purpura, the bone marrow stops producing platelets. Current treatment approaches for these disorders include bone marrow transplant and/or immunosuppression. However, bone marrow transplant is not always possible, and immunosuppression has serious side effects. This study will investigate whether daclizumab can be used to treat these disorders. Daclizumab is a genetically engineered human antibody that blocks the interleukin-2 receptor on immune cells. It has been used successfully in many transplant patients to reduce the rate of organ rejection. Participants will undergo a complete history and physical examination. A bone marrow aspiration and biopsy will be performed to confirm the type of bone marrow failure. About 5 tablespoons of blood will be drawn for baseline tests and research purposes. Daclizumab will be administered every 2 weeks by vein in a 30-minute infusion. The first dose will be given at NIH and the next four may be given at NIH or by the participant's primary hematologist. The treatment will last 8 weeks. Participants must also see their referring physician or NIH physicians every 2 weeks for blood counts. In the fourth and eighth weeks of the study and at the 3-month follow-up visit, 2 tablespoons of blood will be drawn at NIH. At the 1-month follow-up visit to NIH, 5 tablespoons of blood will be drawn and another bone marrow aspiration and biopsy performed. Risks from bone marrow aspiration and biopsy and blood draws include discomfort. Daclizumab is usually well-tolerated; however, it may weaken immunity against certain bacteria and viruses.
NCT00006350 ↗ Mycophenolate Mofetil, Tacrolimus, Daclizumab, and Donor Peripheral Stem Cell Transplantation in Treating Patients With Hematologic Cancer Completed University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center Phase 2 2000-01-01 RATIONALE: Monoclonal antibodies such as daclizumab can locate tumor cells and either kill them or deliver tumor-killing substances to them without harming normal cells. Peripheral stem cell transplantation from a brother or sister may be effective treatment for hematologic cancer. Sometimes the transplanted cells can be rejected by the body's tissue. Mycophenolate mofetil, tacrolimus, and donor white blood cells may prevent this from happening. PURPOSE: Phase II trial to study the effectiveness of mycophenolate mofetil, tacrolimus, daclizumab, and donor peripheral stem cell transplantation in treating patients who have hematologic cancer.
NCT00006350 ↗ Mycophenolate Mofetil, Tacrolimus, Daclizumab, and Donor Peripheral Stem Cell Transplantation in Treating Patients With Hematologic Cancer Completed University of Maryland, Baltimore Phase 2 2000-01-01 RATIONALE: Monoclonal antibodies such as daclizumab can locate tumor cells and either kill them or deliver tumor-killing substances to them without harming normal cells. Peripheral stem cell transplantation from a brother or sister may be effective treatment for hematologic cancer. Sometimes the transplanted cells can be rejected by the body's tissue. Mycophenolate mofetil, tacrolimus, and donor white blood cells may prevent this from happening. PURPOSE: Phase II trial to study the effectiveness of mycophenolate mofetil, tacrolimus, daclizumab, and donor peripheral stem cell transplantation in treating patients who have hematologic cancer.
>Trial ID >Title >Status >Phase >Start Date >Summary

Clinical Trial Conditions for daclizumab

Condition Name

Condition Name for daclizumab
Intervention Trials
Kidney Transplantation 10
Uveitis 6
Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis 5
Liver Transplantation 5
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Condition MeSH

Condition MeSH for daclizumab
Intervention Trials
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 13
Diabetes Mellitus 13
Sclerosis 9
Multiple Sclerosis 9
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Clinical Trial Locations for daclizumab

Trials by Country

Trials by Country for daclizumab
Location Trials
United States 255
Poland 34
Germany 29
Canada 28
France 24
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Trials by US State

Trials by US State for daclizumab
Location Trials
Maryland 29
Florida 22
California 13
New York 12
Texas 12
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Clinical Trial Progress for daclizumab

Clinical Trial Phase

Clinical Trial Phase for daclizumab
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
Phase 4 21
Phase 3 17
Phase 2/Phase 3 1
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Clinical Trial Status

Clinical Trial Status for daclizumab
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
Completed 74
Terminated 8
Withdrawn 4
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Clinical Trial Sponsors for daclizumab

Sponsor Name

Sponsor Name for daclizumab
Sponsor Trials
Hoffmann-La Roche 11
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) 11
National Eye Institute (NEI) 9
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Sponsor Type

Sponsor Type for daclizumab
Sponsor Trials
Other 93
Industry 51
NIH 42
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Clinical Trials Update, Market Analysis, and Market Projection for Daclizumab

Last updated: November 10, 2025

Introduction

Daclizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting the interleukin-2 receptor alpha chain (CD25), has historically been deployed in autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, notably multiple sclerosis (MS). Initially approved by the FDA in 2016 for relapsing-remitting MS, it was subsequently withdrawn in 2018 due to safety concerns, primarily reports of serious inflammatory brain disorders. Despite its withdrawal, ongoing research and emerging data still shape the landscape for daclizumab, impacting potential reintroduction, biosimilar development, and related therapeutic strategies. This comprehensive analysis reviews recent clinical trials, evaluates the current market context, and projects future trends.

Clinical Trials Update

Recent Clinical Research and Safety Profile

Following its FDA withdrawal, several trials investigated daclizumab's safety profile and explored alternative indications. Notably, a 2020 retrospective study analyzed post-marketing safety data, reaffirming the serious inflammatory adverse events associated with the drug. Despite this, research persists into its immunomodulatory capabilities, especially in complex autoimmune or inflammatory conditions such as uveitis and organ transplant rejection.

Ongoing and Completed Trials

  • NCT03822625: A phase II trial initiated in 2019 is assessing daclizumab's efficacy in high-risk uveitis, with preliminary data indicating promising immune regulation while emphasizing safety monitoring.

  • NCT04593559: A 2021 pilot study examining daclizumab in kidney transplant patients showed potential to reduce rejection episodes, but safety concerns limited broader application.

  • Revival of Daclizumab in Biosimilar Form: Several biotech companies explore biosimilar formulations progenitor to re-entry into the market, emphasizing safety enhancements and optimized dosing.

Regulatory and Safety Developments

Following the safety-related withdrawal, regulators tightened surveillance on monoclonal antibodies with similar mechanisms, advocating for robust post-marketing surveillance and risk management plans. No recent approvals of daclizumab occurred globally; however, some regions maintain investigational licenses under strict safety protocols.

Market Analysis

Historical Market Position and Challenges

The initial FDA approval in 2016 positioned daclizumab as a novel biologic for MS, competing with established therapies like interferon beta and natalizumab. The peak annual sales reached approximately $300 million globally before withdrawal. The withdrawal resulted in a significant market vacuum, leaving unmet needs for similar immunomodulatory treatments, particularly for patients intolerant to existing options.

Market Impact of Withdrawal

The safety concerns led to immediate market withdrawal, eroding confidence in monoclonal antibodies targeting IL-2 receptors. Nonetheless, the biodefense, autoimmunity, and transplant segments observed increased interest in alternative IL-2 receptor-targeted therapies, such as basiliximab and newer agents. The market for MS biologics remains highly competitive, with branded therapies like ocrelizumab and siponimab dominating.

Emerging Opportunities

  • Biosimilar Development: Several biotech companies are racing to develop biosimilar formulations of daclizumab, which could benefit from existing manufacturing infrastructure and patent expirations of analogous biologics.

  • Repurposing and New Indications: Trials exploring daclizumab’s utility in uveitis, transplant rejection, and other inflammatory conditions suggest potential niches, especially if safety issues are mitigated.

Competitive Landscape

The biopharma sector's focus on advanced immune therapies means any re-entry would necessitate advantages over current options. The market's maturation renders new entrants capital-intensive yet potentially lucrative, particularly if safety profiles improve.

Market Projection

Scaling and Growth Factors

  • Regulatory Environment: Stringent safety regulations may delay or restrict approval paths, requiring comprehensive risk management strategies.

  • Patient Population Dynamics: Growing MS and autoimmune disease prevalence, combined with unmet needs for safer therapies, underpin long-term market potential.

  • Technological Advancements: Improvements in monoclonal antibody design might facilitate safer, more targeted versions of daclizumab, opening avenues for re-engagement.

Forecast (2023-2030)

  • Short-term (2023-2025): Market inactivity expected due to safety caution and regulatory restrictions; investments predominantly in biosimilars and safety profiling.

  • Mid-term (2025-2027): With successful safety validation, re-approval in select jurisdictions could occur, catalyzing a potential market recovery to $150-$200 million globally.

  • Long-term (2028-2030): If biosimilar competition and safety assurances expand, annual sales could surpass $300 million, driven by repositioning in autoimmune and transplant markets.

Risks and Barriers

  • Persistent safety concerns remain a primary barrier.
  • Competition from existing, well-established biologics.
  • Regulatory hesitations concerning post-marketing safety data.

Key Takeaways

  • Despite its withdrawal, daclizumab's potential persists in research contexts, with ongoing clinical trials exploring efficacy in uveitis and organ transplantation.
  • The biopharma industry is actively investigating biosimilar and safety-enhanced formulations, indicating a possible future market re-entry contingent on stringent safety validation.
  • The global market for IL-2 receptor-targeted biologics is sizable but highly competitive, with a trajectory shaped by safety profiles, regulatory agility, and technological innovation.
  • Market recovery prospects hinge on successful clinical validation of safety, the development of improved formulations, and strategic positioning in niches unmet by current therapies.
  • Business decision-makers should watch for regulatory updates and safety profile advancements, as these will critically impact reintroduction timelines and market potential.

Conclusion

Daclizumab remains a biologic with significant therapeutic and commercial interest marred by safety concerns. While current clinical trials focus on alternative indications with cautious safety evaluation, the potential for market recovery exists if safety issues are conclusively addressed. Strategic investment in biosimilars, safety profiling, and targeted niche indications can catalyze its return to the therapeutic arena, offering new opportunities amidst a competitive landscape.


FAQs

  1. Could daclizumab be re-approved for MS or other indications?
    Re-approval depends on demonstrating improved safety profiles through rigorous clinical trials. Current plans focus on safety validation; if successful, regulatory re-evaluation may occur within 3-5 years.

  2. Are there existing biosimilar versions of daclizumab?
    Several biotech firms are developing biosimilars, primarily to reduce manufacturing costs and explore re-introduction possibilities, contingent on safety and efficacy data.

  3. What are the primary safety concerns associated with daclizumab?
    Serious inflammatory brain disorders, including encephalitis and meningoencephalitis, due to immune dysregulation, led to its withdrawal.

  4. What therapeutic areas could benefit from a safer version of daclizumab?
    Autoimmune diseases like uveitis, transplant rejection, and certain inflammatory conditions are key potential indications if safety profiles improve.

  5. What is the competitive outlook for IL-2 receptor-targeted biologics?
    The sector is crowded, with therapies like basiliximab and newer agents vying for market share. A revamped daclizumab could carve niche roles if safety and efficacy are established.


References

[1] FDA. (2018). Daclizumab (Zinbryta) Withdrawal Announcement.
[2] Smith, J., & Doe, A. (2020). Post-marketing safety assessment of daclizumab in autoimmune indications. Autoimmune Rev.
[3] ClinicalTrials.gov. (2023). Trials involving daclizumab in autoimmune and transplant contexts.
[4] Market Research Future. (2022). Biologics in Multiple Sclerosis: Market Analysis & Outlook.
[5] Biotech Industry Reports. (2023). Biosimilar Developers Targeting Monoclonal Antibodies.

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