Raxibacumab is a monoclonal antibody used to treat and prevent inhalation anthrax. It is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline and is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Raxibacumab was approved in December 2012 for the prevention and treatment of inhalation anthrax in adults and children 12 years of age and older. Raxibacumab works by binding to and neutralizing the toxins produced by the bacteria that cause inhalation anthrax. It is administered intravenously over a period of time.
Raxibacumab, also known by the brand name Abthrax, is a medication used to prevent and treat inhalational anthrax, a serious and potentially life-threatening infection caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis [1, 2]. Here's a breakdown of its key features:
How it works:
- Raxibacumab is a monoclonal antibody, a type of laboratory-produced protein designed to target a specific molecule [1].
- In the case of anthrax, Raxibacumab binds to a capsule surrounding the Bacillus anthracis bacteria. This capsule helps the bacteria evade the immune system [2].
- By attaching to the capsule, Raxibacumab helps the immune system recognize and destroy the bacteria more effectively [2].
Applications:
- Prevention: Raxibacumab can be used to prevent inhalational anthrax in people who may have been exposed to the bacteria, such as those who work in environments with a risk of anthrax exposure [1, 2].
- Treatment: It can also be used in combination with antibiotics to treat established cases of inhalational anthrax infection [1, 2].
Important to consider:
- Raxibacumab is administered intravenously (through a vein) by a healthcare professional [2].
- It may not be suitable for everyone. Your doctor will assess your individual situation and the risk of anthrax exposure [2].
- Potential side reactions include fever, chills, headache, and nausea [2].
- Raxibacumab is not a substitute for antibiotic therapy in established infections. It's used alongside antibiotics for better treatment outcomes [2].