What are monoclonal antibody drugs?

Monoclonal antibodies or “mAbs” are synthetic antibodies produced in the lab using biotechnology. Antibodies are natural proteins that are produced by the immune system. They target foreign particles (antigens) that are recognized as a threat to the body. Examples of antigens include foreign tissue, bacteria, fungi, parasites, viruses, and chemicals. Antibodies are produced by B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes and they activate other immune responses, neutralize toxins/pathogens, and mark the antigen for elimination by phagocytic cells and T cells.

Monoclonal antibodies are produced by altering the genetic material of mice cells or another mammal so that they produce a specific type of human or human-like antibody in response to the antigen that scientists want to target. The antibodies are isolated from mice, purified, and formulated into a drug that is used to treat or prevent human conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, cancers, and even transplant rejections.

List of Monoclonal Antibodies and Their Uses

Transplant Rejection

• Simulect (basiliximab)

Lymphomas

• Adcetris (brentuximab)
• Bexxar (Iodine-131 tositumomab)
• Gazyva (obinutuzumab)
• Opdivo (nivolumab)
• Rituxan (rituximab)
• Zevalin (ibritumomab tiuxetan)

Leukemia

• Arzerra (ofatumumab)
• Blincyto (blinatumomab)
• Gazyva (obinutuzumab)
• Mylotarg (gemtuzumab ozogamicin),
• Rituxan (rituximab)

Stomach Cancer

• Cyramza (ramucirumab)
• Herceptin (trastuzumab)

Breast Cancer

• Herceptin (trastuzumab)
• Kadcyla (ado-trastuzumab emtansine)
• Perjeta (pertuzumab)
• Prolia (denosumab)
• Xgeva (denosumab)
• Avastin (bevacizumab)

Continue