title: Optimum dosage regimen of palivizumab?
abstract: Palivizumab is a humanized, monoclonal antibody used to protect at-risk infants against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. The regular dosage scheme causes a low initial trough level and accumulation of the antibody after subsequent injections. Using a simple pharmacokinetic model, the authors devised an alternative dosage regimen that might correct these problems while cutting costs by 35%. To spare health care budgets, dosage schemes for future monoclonal antibodies must be chosen carefully.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, VUMC University Hospital, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands. hans.zaaijer@vumc.nl
authors.forename: Hans L
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Zaaijer
authors.forename: C M J E
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Vandenbroucke-Grauls
authors.forename: E J F
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Franssen
mesh_terms: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood / Q000191:economics; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D007115:Immunization Schedule; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009426:Netherlands; D000069455:Palivizumab; D018357:Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000069455:Palivizumab