Vaccines Global Summit

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are emerging as a new weapon against infectious diseases as an alternative to immunization. Instead of stimulating the body's own immune response, monoclonal antibodies provide passive immunity by introducing pre-produced antibodies directly into the body. This approach is especially useful for individuals requiring immediate protection, such as those with medical conditions that prevent them from receiving traditional vaccines.

Monoclonal antibodies are engineered to target specific pathogens by binding to particular surface proteins on these pathogens, neutralizing them and preventing infection. For instance, mAbs like palivizumab are administered to prevent severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in newborns and high-risk individuals. These antibodies offer instant protection, particularly for newborns, immunocompromised patients, or individuals in outbreak situations where quick action is critical.

A significant advantage of monoclonal antibodies is their ability to provide specific immunity against emerging pathogens. During the COVID-19 pandemic, several monoclonal antibody therapies were deployed to reduce the severity of infections in high-risk individuals while vaccines were still under development. Monoclonal antibodies have also proven effective in controlling Ebola virus outbreaks, where rapid intervention is essential to limit its spread.

While vaccines provide long-term immunity by allowing the immune system to ""train,"" monoclonal antibodies are particularly effective in situations where vaccines may not be suitable, or short-term protection is required. For example, they can be valuable for travelers, healthcare workers, and immunized individuals with compromised immunity who cannot sufficiently respond to vaccines.

However, widespread use of monoclonal antibodies faces challenges. They are generally more expensive than vaccines, and their delivery typically requires injection or infusion, making them less accessible in low-resource settings. Efforts are ongoing to make mAbs more affordable and to develop delivery methods that could scale up their reach and complement vaccination efforts.

As research progresses, monoclonal antibodies have emerged as a potential adjunct to vaccines, filling critical gaps in immunization programs. With their capacity for immediate, targeted protection, they represent an essential tool against infectious diseases and a complementary asset to public health strategies.