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Zilucoplan

Published: July 26, 2026Updated: July 26, 2026

Zilucoplan is a complement C5 inhibitor used for the treatment of generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) in adults who are anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody positive. It works by binding to complement protein C5 and preventing its cleavage to C5a and C5b, which inhibits the formation of the terminal complement complex (C5b-9/membrane attack complex) that contributes to neuromuscular junction damage.

Quick summary

A complement inhibitor injection for generalized myasthenia gravis that blocks C5 protein to prevent complement-mediated neuromuscular damage.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed July 26, 2026Editorial policy
BOXED WARNING

This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.

Key facts at a glance

ATC
L04AJ06
RxNorm
2672489
Generic
Zilucoplan
Class
atc-l04
Brands
Zilbrysq
Availability
rx
Lactation
unknown
Routes
—
Forms
prefilled syringe
Regions
US, EU, CN, JP
Monitoring
—

This page is for informational purposes only.

Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.

Dosage and administration

adult (standard)subcutaneous injection
Usual dose
0.3 mg/kg once daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
once daily
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
pediatric (standard)subcutaneous injection
Usual dose
0.3 mg/kg once daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
once daily
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
geriatric (standard)subcutaneous injection
Usual dose
0.3 mg/kg once daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
once daily
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard

Overdose information

Important overdose information
Toxic dose: Dose significantly higher than recommended therapeutic dose that may cause serious toxicity
Chronic overdose: Prolonged use above recommended dosing leading to increased immunosuppressive effects and infection risk
Immediate actions
Monitor vital signs, supportive care, monitor for infections, maintain hydration
Antidote
No specific antidote available(Treatment is supportive and symptomatic)
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

Special Populations

14 groups
⚠

pregnancy

first trimester
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus

Monitor

regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound assessments

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

pregnancy

second trimester
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus

Monitor

regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound assessments

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

pregnancy

third trimester
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

use only if benefits outweigh potential risks; consider timing of delivery

Monitor

regular fetal monitoring and assessment of neonatal complement levels

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

?

lactation

breastfeeding
unknown
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no specific adjustment

Key Recommendations

decide whether to discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue drug considering benefit to mother

Monitor

monitor infant for signs of infection or immune system effects

✓

geriatric

elderly 65 74
safe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no adjustment required

Key Recommendations

no dose adjustment needed based on age alone; monitor renal function

Monitor

routine monitoring of renal function

✓

geriatric

elderly 75 plus
safe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no adjustment required

Key Recommendations

no dose adjustment needed based on age alone; use with caution in frail patients

Monitor

routine monitoring of renal function and overall clinical status

?

pediatric_age

children 2 17
unknown
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

not established

Key Recommendations

not recommended; safety and efficacy not established in pediatric patients

Monitor

not applicable

✗

pediatric_age

infants
unsafe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

not applicable

Key Recommendations

not recommended for use in infants

Monitor

not applicable

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

✓

renal_impairment

mild
safe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no adjustment required

Key Recommendations

no dose adjustment needed for mild renal impairment

Monitor

routine monitoring

⚠

renal_impairment

moderate
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

use with caution

Key Recommendations

use with caution; no specific dose adjustment in clinical trials

Monitor

monitor renal function more closely

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

renal_impairment

severe
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

use with caution

Key Recommendations

use with caution; limited clinical data available

Monitor

monitor renal function closely

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✓

hepatic_impairment

mild
safe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no adjustment required

Key Recommendations

no dose adjustment needed for mild hepatic impairment

Monitor

routine monitoring

⚠

hepatic_impairment

moderate
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

use with caution

Key Recommendations

use with caution; limited clinical data available

Monitor

monitor liver function tests

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

alcohol_users

regular use
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no specific adjustment

Key Recommendations

avoid or limit alcohol consumption; alcohol may exacerbate myasthenia gravis symptoms

Monitor

monitor for increased muscle weakness or disease exacerbation

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

Statistics and clinical data

prescribingFDA
2023

FDA approval year

Value:2023

FDA approval for generalized myasthenia gravis

drug_classWHO
2023

Drug class

Value:Complement C5 inhibitor

Complement inhibitor classification

usageFDA
2023

Indication

Value:Generalized myasthenia gravis (anti-AChR antibody positive)

Therapeutic indication

mechanismFDA
2023

Mechanism of action

Value:Inhibits complement protein C5

Pharmacological mechanism

Treatment of generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) in adult patients who are anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody positive.

Zilucoplan is a macrocyclic peptide that binds to complement protein C5 with high affinity, inhibiting its cleavage into C5a and C5b. This prevents assembly of the terminal complement complex (C5b-9), thereby reducing complement-mediated damage at the neuromuscular junction.

Administered as a once-daily subcutaneous injection. Patients should be monitored for signs of infection, particularly with encapsulated bacteria. May increase susceptibility to serious infections. Hypersensitivity reactions are possible. Not recommended for use in patients with unresolved serious infections.

Contraindications

Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.

Do not use (1)

ABSOLUTEhypersensitivity

Known allergy to this medication or its components

Use caution (1)

RELATIVEpregnancy

Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment

Official drug label

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy