Efgartigimod alfa/hyaluronidase

Efgartigimod alfa/hyaluronidase is a combination drug therapy used in the treatment of various autoimmune diseases. It consists of two main components: Efgartigimod alfa, a neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) antagonist, and hyaluronidase, an enzyme that increases the absorption and dispersion of other drugs.

Efgartigimod alfa

Efgartigimod alfa is a first-in-class antibody fragment designed to reduce disease-causing immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies and block the FcRn-IgG interaction. By doing so, it can decrease the levels of harmful IgG antibodies, which are often elevated in many autoimmune diseases.

Hyaluronidase

Hyaluronidase is an enzyme that temporarily degrades hyaluronic acid, a component of the extracellular matrix (ECM). This action allows for increased tissue permeability, thereby enhancing the absorption and dispersion of other drugs, such as efgartigimod alfa.

Clinical Use

Efgartigimod alfa/hyaluronidase is primarily used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases characterized by high levels of IgG antibodies. These include conditions such as Myasthenia Gravis, Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura, and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy.

Pharmacology

The combination of efgartigimod alfa and hyaluronidase works synergistically to enhance the efficacy of treatment. Efgartigimod alfa reduces the levels of disease-causing IgG antibodies, while hyaluronidase increases the absorption and dispersion of efgartigimod alfa, allowing for a more effective and efficient treatment.

Side Effects

As with any medication, efgartigimod alfa/hyaluronidase may cause side effects. These can include nausea, headache, fatigue, and injection site reactions. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider for a complete list of potential side effects and to discuss any concerns.

See Also

• Autoimmune diseases
• Immunoglobulin G
• FcRn
• Hyaluronic acid