All articles tagged with #monoclonal antibodies
Researchers identify the brain protein GPNMB, largely produced by microglia, as a driver of alpha-synuclein spread in Parkinson's disease. Monoclonal antibodies that block GPNMB halted this spread in neuronal models, and analysis of 1,675 brains linked higher GPNMB levels to more extensive pathology, suggesting a potential disease-modifying therapy—though human trials have not yet begun.
Scientists isolated four potent monoclonal antibodies from a vaccinated donor’s blood that block measles by targeting the virus’s H and F proteins. In rodent tests, these antibodies reduced lung virus after exposure, suggesting potential post-exposure or preventive use, though they are not a substitute for vaccination and delivery challenges remain. Further testing is needed before any human therapy.
A new Cochrane analysis of 17 trials (over 20,000 participants) finds amyloid-beta–targeting monoclonal antibodies, including Leqembi and Kisunla, likely confer little to no meaningful cognitive or functional benefit in mild cognitive impairment or mild Alzheimer's, while modestly increasing the risk of ARIA-E (brain swelling); despite some trial-specific benefits for individual drugs, the overall class effect is in doubt, prompting calls to pursue other disease mechanisms.
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center developed human-like monoclonal antibodies in a mouse model that block EBV from attaching to and entering B cells, with one gp42-targeting antibody fully preventing infection in humanized mice; the approach could become a preventive therapy to reduce EBV-related disease, including PTLD, in transplant patients, given that EBV infects about 95% of people worldwide. Next steps include safety testing and clinical trials.
Fred Hutch researchers produced fully human monoclonal antibodies against EBV by targeting its gp350 and gp42 proteins. In humanized mice, one antibody completely prevented EBV infection and another offered partial protection, outlining a pathway to prevent EBV reactivation and PTLD in transplant patients. The team aims to advance safety testing in healthy volunteers followed by trials in immunocompromised individuals, with IP protection filed for the antibodies.
In her first staff address, FDA’s top drug regulator Tracy Beth Høeg pledges tougher safety monitoring of antidepressants used in pregnancy and RSV monoclonal antibodies for infants, signaling a broader push to reexamine oversight and encouraging staff to question norms.
New data reinforce that RSV vaccines dramatically reduce hospitalizations, with pregnancy-based protection around 70% and newborn monoclonal antibodies about 81%, and four JAMA studies confirm declines. Despite this, the administration’s restrictions to high‑risk infants could raise RSV hospitalizations and complicate vaccine logistics in a fragmented US system. Safety reviews are underway after trial deaths, though officials say there’s no proven vaccine link, and many countries rely on universal prenatal vaccination.
A volunteer participated in a malaria challenge trial at the University of Maryland to test MAM-01, a monoclonal antibody drug aimed at preventing malaria. The trial involved being bitten by malaria-infected mosquitoes to assess the drug's efficacy. Despite contracting mild malaria, the experience highlighted the potential of human challenge trials to expedite vaccine development for diseases like malaria, TB, and hepatitis C, especially in resource-limited settings. These trials offer a cost-effective way to evaluate vaccine candidates, though they require ethical considerations and informed consent.
Scientists at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) have identified potential targets for designing treatments and vaccines for the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a common virus that can lead to various cancers and other health issues. Their research focused on a viral protein called gp42, and they discovered two monoclonal antibodies that interact with distinct sites on gp42, showing promise in preventing EBV infection and related diseases in mice. The findings could lead to the development of antibody-based treatments and vaccines for EBV, benefiting individuals at risk of severe or fatal EBV disease.
The CDC has updated its recommended vaccination schedule for infants to include an RSV vaccine for pregnant women and a monoclonal antibody injection for babies to protect against respiratory syncytial virus. These treatments aim to protect infants during their most vulnerable period in the first six months after birth when they are at the highest risk for severe respiratory symptoms. The RSV vaccine is recommended for pregnant women to transfer antibodies to the baby before birth, while the monoclonal antibody injection provides direct protection for babies born during RSV season. The update addresses the critical need to minimize the risk of severe RSV disease and hospitalization in infants, with efforts being made to address supply chain issues for the monoclonal antibody treatment.
Researchers are hopeful for progress in treating long COVID in 2024, with predictions including a better understanding of different long COVID phenotypes, the potential use of monoclonal antibodies to target viral persistence, the effectiveness of Paxlovid for long COVID treatment, the use of anti-inflammatories like metformin, and the potential role of serotonin levels and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in alleviating long COVID symptoms.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that can be serious, especially for infants and the elderly, often requiring hospitalization. The upcoming RSV season will be closely monitored following the rollout of RSV vaccines and monoclonal antibody administration. New advances in RSV prevention include the approval of RSV vaccines for individuals aged 60 and older, as well as a maternal RSV vaccine for pregnant women to protect their infants. These developments aim to reduce RSV hospitalization rates and provide long-term protection against reinfection. Prevention through vaccination and antibody administration is crucial in keeping the infant and older adult populations RSV-free.
Scientists have isolated a "pre-emerging" bat coronavirus known as BtCoV-422 and discovered that an off-the-shelf monoclonal antibody, mAb JC57-11, effectively neutralizes it. In addition, widely-used antiviral drugs, including Remdesivir, Paxlovid, and Lagevrio, were found to inhibit the virus in vitro. While BtCoV-422 does not currently pose a threat to humans, further mutation-driven evolution could potentially enable it to infect humans. The study highlights the importance of developing broad therapeutics and identifying conserved epitope targets to address emerging zoonotic threats and enhance pandemic preparedness.
The FDA has approved two new drugs, aducanumab (Aduhelm) and lecanemab (Leqembi), for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Both drugs are monoclonal antibodies that target beta-amyloid plaques, a hallmark protein in the disease. However, these medications are most effective in the early stages of the disease, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis. Ten early signs of Alzheimer's disease include memory loss, challenges in problem-solving, difficulty completing tasks, confusion with time or place, trouble with visual images, problems with language, misplacing things, poor judgment, withdrawal from activities, and changes in mood or personality. Starting medication early can provide more time for loved ones.
India is sourcing monoclonal antibodies from Australia to treat individuals affected by the Nipah virus in Kerala. The drug, m102.4, initially developed to treat Henipavirus, has shown promise in early-stage trials for managing Nipah virus, which has a high fatality rate. While still under trial for efficacy, anecdotal reports from compassionate use have shown positive outcomes. India has requested additional doses of monoclonal antibodies to treat patients. Monoclonal antibodies are lab-made proteins that target and destroy foreign materials.