ansuvimab

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

ansuvimab is a recombinant human IgG1 monoclonal antibody that specifically targets the glycoprotein on the surface of the Ebola virus. Its mechanism of action involves binding to the viral glycoprotein, which effectively blocks the attachment and entry of the virus into host cell membranes. 

Additionally, ansuvimab has been observed to exhibit Fc-mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity against cells expressing Zaire ebolavirus glycoprotein.

When effector cells, such as natural killer (NK) cells or macrophages, are present, ansuvimab can stimulate these immune cells to recognize and destroy the Ebola-infected cells more effectively. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency defined 

>10% 

Treatment during admission 

Pyrexia (≥40%) 

Vomiting (≥40%) 

Diarrhea (≥40%) 

Abdominal pain (≥40%)  

During infusion 

Pyrexia (17%) 

AST ≥5x ULN (13%) 

Potassium, high ≥6.5 mmol/L (15%) 

ALT ≥5x ULN (12%)  

1-10% 

During infusion 

Diarrhea (9%) 

Hypotension (8%) 

Tachypnea (6%) 

Sodium, high ≥154 mmol/L (5%) 

Hypoxia (3%) 

Tachycardia (9%) 

Vomiting (8%) 

Sodium, low <125 mmol/L (7%) 

Potassium, low <2.5 mmol/L (6%) 

Chills (5%) 

Black Box Warning

Black box warning: 

None 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindications/caution: 

Contraindications: 

None 

Caution: 

Hypersensitivity reactions 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: There is insufficient evidence on outcomes after maternal ansuvimab usage during pregnancy 

Lactation: Excretion of the drug in human breast milk is unknown 

Pregnancy category: 

Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.    

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

ansuvimab is a humanized monoclonal antibody expected to recognize and bind to a specific target on cells or molecules in the body. Depending on the target and the intended therapeutic purpose, this binding interaction may have various effects. Some possible pharmacological actions of ansuvimab may include: 

• Neutralization: ansuvimab may bind to and neutralize the target molecule or receptor, preventing its regular activity or interaction with other molecules. This can benefit diseases where the target molecule plays a pathological role. 
• Modulation of Immune Response: ansuvimab might modulate the immune response by interacting with immune cells or factors, potentially enhancing or suppressing specific immune functions. 
• Clearance: Monoclonal antibodies like ansuvimab can also facilitate the clearance of target cells or molecules from the body. This can occur through various mechanisms, such as triggering immune-mediated clearance or directly promoting the removal of the target from circulation. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Based on limited data from 18 healthy participants (aged 22-56 years), the pharmacokinetic profile seems like other IgG1 monoclonal antibodies.  

Pharmacokinetic data for Zaire ebolavirus patients are not available. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

Intravenous administration 

Do not provide as an intravenous push or bolus; give as an intravenous infusion.  

Other medications should be administered in a different infusion line simultaneously.  

Put together an intravenous infusion kit with an in-line filter extension of 1.2 microns.  

Infuse for 60 minutes; a central line or a peripheral catheter may be administered. 

 Infusions may be delayed or halted if required to ease any side effects. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: ansuvimab 

Why do we use ansuvimab? 

ansuvimab is prescribed to treat Zaire ebolavirus infection in adult and pediatric patients, including newborns whose mothers have tested positive for the virus by RT-PCR.