Abciximab is a Fab fragment of a murine-human monoclonal antibody that binds to the integrin GPIIb/IIIa receptor on activated platelets and inhibits fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor, and other adhesion molecules from binding to activated platelets, thus preventing their aggregation. It is indicated as an adjunct to percutaneous coronary intervention in combination with aspirin and heparin for the prevention of cardiac ischemic complications. See Chapter 34 for additional details.
Alirocumab and Evolocumab are anti-cholesterol Mabs (see Chapter 35). They lower LDL levels by blocking proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) from binding to LDL receptors (LDRL) and causing LDL receptor degradation. Therefore, these Mabs have the effect of increasing LDLR on hepatocytes, which lowers LDL levels in circulation. They are approved as an adjunct to diet and maximally tolerated statin therapy in adults with homoor heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia or atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease who require additional lowering of LDL-C.
Denosumab is a human IgG2 monoclonal antibody specific for human RANKL (receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand; see Chapter 42). By binding RANKL it inhibits the maturation of osteoclasts, the cells responsible for bone resorption. Denosumab is indicated for treatment of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture. Before starting denosumab, patients must be evaluated to be sure they are not hypocalcemic. During treatment, patients should receive supplements of calcium and vitamin D.
Eculizumab is a humanized IgG monoclonal antibody that binds the C5 complement component, inhibiting its cleavage into C5a and C5b thereby inhibiting the terminal pore-forming lytic activity of complement. Eculizumab is approved for patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS). It dramatically reduces the need for red blood cell transfusions. It prevents PNH symptoms of anemia, fatigue, thrombosis, and hemoglobinemia by inhibiting intravascular hemolysis. Similarly in aHUS eculizumab prevents complement-mediated thrombotic microangiopathy. Clinicians must be aware of increased risk of meningococcal infection in patients receiving this anti-C5 monoclonal antibody.
Palivizumab is a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody that binds to the fusion protein of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), preventing serious lower respiratory tract disease. It is used in neonates at risk for this viral infection and reduces the frequency of infection and hospitalization by about 50% (see Chapter 49).
Ranibizumab is a recombinant human IgG1 Fab that binds to VEGF-A. It prevents new blood vessel formation by blocking VEGF from binding to its receptor. Ranibizumab is approved for intravitreal injection in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, and sudden blurring or vision loss secondary to macular edema following retinal vein occlusion. Pegaptanib is a pegylated oligonucleotide that binds extracellular VEGF and is also given by intravitreous injection to slow macular degeneration.