Anti-infective monoclonal antibodies: perils and promise of development.
So far, most monoclonal antibodies have been developed for treating cancer or immunological diseases. However, the global spread of infections such as West Nile and corona viruses, and the need to address the potential threat of bioterrorism, has boosted public interest in, and government support of, counter-measures for infectious diseases. The attractive features of monoclonal antibodies, such as high specificity and effective recruitment of the immune system, would seem to make them excellent candidates as anti-infective agents. Here, we analyse trends in the development and approval of anti-infective monoclonal antibodies, and discuss factors that influence their success.
Reichert
Janice M
JM
Tufts University, Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development, 192 South Street, Suite 550, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA. janice.reichert@tufts.edu
Dewitz
Matthew C
MC
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000592:standards*; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D017277:Drug Approval; D015195:Drug Design; D006801:Humans
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal