What is the name of the monoclonal antibody approved for use against inhaled anthrax poisoning?
Raxibacumab is a recombinant human monoclonal antibody developed against inhalational anthrax. It works by preventing binding of the protective antigen component of the anthrax toxin to its receptors in host cells, thereby blocking the toxin’s deleterious effects. Raxibacumab is the first monoclonal antitoxin antibody made available that can be used with the recommended antibiotics and provides additional protection against inhalational anthrax.
Migone T-S et al. Raxibacumab for the Treatment of Inhalational Anthrax. NEJM 2009; 361:135-144. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa0810603
Submitted by: Mary O’Keefe, Pharm.D. and Ryan Feldman, Pharm.D., DABAT on behalf of the Acute and Intensive Care Section