Drug Shows Strong Promise for Anthrax Protection

A human monoclonal antibody drug has been shown effective in protecting against anthrax in multiple experimental models in animals. A single dose increased survival significantly in both rabbit and primate models of inhalational anthrax.

In contrast to antibiotics, the new drug acts against the lethal toxins produced by anthrax bacteria. It may also prevent and treat infections by antibiotic-resistant strains of anthrax. In contrast to the anthrax vaccine, the protection afforded by a single dose of the drug would be immediate following the rapid achievement of appropriate blood levels of the antibody. Results from preclinical studies in rabbits and primates showed an absence of bacteria in the blood of all treated animals that survived, suggesting a sporicidal and/or bactericidal effect.

The drug, called ABthrax, was discovered and developed by Human Genome Sciences, Inc. (HGSI, Rockville, MD, USA). The company plans to develop the drug for use as a prophylactic and therapeutic. "Research has shown that protective antigen is a rational target of the toxin components that contribute to the pathogenesis of anthrax infection,” said Craig A. Rosen, Ph.D., president, research and development, at HGSI. "By inhibiting protective antigen, the anthrax toxins are inhibited.”




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Human Genome Sciences, Inc.