Antibody Neutralizes Key Anthrax Toxins

In rat studies, data have shown that one molecule of a fully human antibody against the key toxin of anthrax is capable of neutralizing more than two anthrax toxin molecules.

The antibody, AVP-8C1, binds to and neutralizes the protective antigen, PA. PA is a component of anthrax toxins that plays an important role in providing a portal for lethal factor (LF) and edema factor (EF) to enter the intracellular compartment and have a lethal effect. The research results showed that a single dose of AVP-8C1 completely protected rats subsequently exposed to a lethal dose of recombinant anthrax toxins.

The antibody is being developed by Avanir Pharmaceuticals (San Diego, CA, USA; www.avanir.com) for use as a prophylactic and therapeutic drug to prevent and treat anthrax infections. In contrast to the currently available anthrax vaccine, AVP-8C1 offers immediate protection after a single dose. Compared to antibiotics, AVP-8C1 acts against the key gateway component (PA) of the anthrax, denying entry to the LF and EF toxins.

"The potency this antibody exhibits is extremely high,” said Dr. Philip Morrow, the co-inventor of the Xenerex technology used by Avanir to develop the antibody. "Although speculative, AVP-8C1 may also play a role in the prevention and treatment of infections by antibiotic-resistant strains of anthrax.”




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