Maftivimab

Engineered Monoclonal Antibodies

Diagram of engineered monoclonal antibodies

Engineered monoclonal antibodies are a class of biological therapies that are designed to target specific antigens on the surface of cells. These antibodies are produced using recombinant DNA technologies and are used in the treatment of various diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases.

Structure and Function

Monoclonal antibodies are composed of two identical heavy chains and two identical light chains, forming a Y-shaped molecule. The tips of the "Y" contain the antigen-binding sites, which are highly specific to the target antigen. This specificity allows monoclonal antibodies to bind to their target with high affinity, blocking or modulating the function of the antigen.

Types of Engineered Monoclonal Antibodies

There are several types of engineered monoclonal antibodies, each designed for specific therapeutic purposes:

• Chimeric antibodies: These antibodies are composed of murine (mouse) variable regions and human constant regions. They are less immunogenic than fully murine antibodies.

• Humanized antibodies: These antibodies are mostly human, with only the antigen-binding sites derived from murine sources. This reduces the risk of immune reactions.

• Fully human antibodies: These are entirely human in origin, produced using transgenic mice or phage display technologies.

• Bispecific antibodies: These antibodies are engineered to bind two different antigens simultaneously, offering unique therapeutic mechanisms.

Applications in Medicine

Engineered monoclonal antibodies have revolutionized the treatment of many diseases:

• Cancer therapy: Monoclonal antibodies can target specific tumor antigens, leading to direct tumor cell killing or recruitment of immune cells to attack the tumor.

• Autoimmune diseases: By targeting specific components of the immune system, monoclonal antibodies can reduce inflammation and tissue damage in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

• Infectious diseases: Monoclonal antibodies can neutralize pathogens or their toxins, providing passive immunity or enhancing the host's immune response.

Production

The production of engineered monoclonal antibodies involves several steps:

1. Antigen identification: The target antigen is identified and characterized. 2. Hybridoma technology: B cells from immunized animals are fused with myeloma cells to create hybridomas that produce the desired antibody. 3. Recombinant DNA technology: Genes encoding the antibody are cloned and expressed in suitable host cells, such as Chinese hamster ovary cells. 4. Purification and formulation: The antibodies are purified and formulated for clinical use.

Challenges and Future Directions

While engineered monoclonal antibodies have shown great promise, there are challenges such as high production costs, potential for immune reactions, and the development of resistance. Ongoing research aims to improve antibody design, reduce immunogenicity, and enhance therapeutic efficacy.

Related Pages

• Monoclonal antibody therapy
• Biopharmaceutical
• Immunotherapy
• Hybridoma technology

Maftivimab is a monoclonal antibody used in the treatment of Ebola virus disease. It is part of a combination therapy known as REGN-EB3, which also includes the monoclonal antibodies Atoltivimab and Odesivimab. This combination therapy was developed by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and has shown efficacy in reducing mortality in patients infected with the Ebola virus.

Mechanism of Action

Maftivimab targets the glycoprotein of the Ebola virus, which is essential for the virus's ability to infect host cells. By binding to this glycoprotein, Maftivimab neutralizes the virus, preventing it from entering and replicating within human cells. This action helps to control the spread of the virus within the body and allows the immune system to clear the infection more effectively.

Clinical Trials

Maftivimab, as part of the REGN-EB3 cocktail, was evaluated in the PALM (Pamoja Tulinde Maisha) trial, a randomized controlled trial conducted during the 2018-2020 Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The trial demonstrated that REGN-EB3 significantly reduced mortality compared to the standard of care, leading to its approval for use in treating Ebola virus disease.

Administration and Dosage

Maftivimab is administered intravenously as part of the REGN-EB3 combination. The specific dosage and administration schedule are determined based on the patient's condition and the severity of the infection.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Maftivimab, when used in combination with Atoltivimab and Odesivimab, include infusion-related reactions, such as fever, chills, and rash. Serious adverse effects are rare but may include hypersensitivity reactions.

Regulatory Status

In October 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved REGN-EB3 for the treatment of Ebola virus disease, marking a significant advancement in the therapeutic options available for this deadly disease.

Also see

• Ebola virus disease
• Monoclonal antibody
• Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
• Atoltivimab
• Odesivimab