Rituximab: a B-cell depletion therapy for dermatologic disease

Abstract

Rituximab (Rituxan, Genentech/ Biogen Idec) is a genetically engineered chimeric murine/human monoclonal antibody directed against CD20, a B lymphocyte-specific antigen. Initially approved for the treatment of relapsed or refractory low-grade or follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), rituximab has been increasingly used to treat a variety of immune-mediated and autoimmune diseases. While anecdotal case reports recommend its "off-label" use in dermatology, randomized clinical trials are required to firmly establish the safety and efficacy of this emerging biologic therapy.