Monoclonal antibodies (MABs) are biologic drugs which exert a therapeutic effect by binding to antigens or by interacting with the immune system.

MAB injections will contain only one antibody (or antibody fragment) which is cloned or multiplied in sufficient quantity to target a specific antigen, compound or receptor.¹

The BNF currently lists around 80 MABs, covering more than 130 different indications either as monotherapy or in combination with other treatments. MABs can be used to:^1,2

• bind to a cell surface antigen or protein and inhibit cellular activity
• deliver another drug or component to a specific vicinity to exert an effect on nearby cells (eg to deliver a cytotoxic agent in cancer)
• target and inhibit plasma proteins (eg tumour necrosis factor) or drugs (eg dabigatran)
• limit the effects of circulating immunoglobulin by blocking IgG binding sites
• target and neutralise bacteria or viruses (eg Covid-19 virus).

Many of the licensed uses of MABs are in cancers and autoimmune diseases such as arthritic joint conditions, psoriasis, eczema, inflammatory bowel conditions, myasthenia gravis, asthma, uveitis, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Other licensed indications include atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis including bone loss associated with steroid/hormonal therapies, migraine prophylaxis, sickle cell disease, macular degeneration, and haemophilia.²