NOVEL ANTIBODY DRUG PRODUCTS

Recent developments in protein and genetic engineering methods have allowed the production of antibody-derived molecules that have important potential as therapeutic agents. Although monoclonal antibodies of murine origin have been used for therapeutic purposes, limitations due to anti-antibody responses and suboptimal effectiveness for some indications, such as tumor cell killing, have led to the development of human monoclonal antibodies, chimeric and complementarity determining-region grafted antibodies, immunotoxins, and other engineered products. These novel antibodies are being tested for the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases and for the diagnosis and treatment of cancers, as well as for indications considered nontraditional for antibodies (e.g., as antithrombotics or inhibitors of neutrophil adherence). The availability of antibody drug products raises a number of issues for clinicians. Among these are new patterns of adverse effects, immunogenicity (development of anti-antibody response), important questions regarding administration and dosage, and substantial cost implications.