Raxibacumab

Information about Raxibacumab

Obiltoxaximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody to the protective antigen of B. anthracis that is used to prevent and treat inhalation anthrax.

Liver safety of Raxibacumab

Obiltoxaximab has had limited use in humans, but has not been associated with serum enzyme elevations during therapy or with instances of clinically apparent liver injury.

Mechanism of action of Raxibacumab

Obiltoxaximab (oh" bil tox ax i mab) is a human-mouse chimeric monoclonal antibody to the Bacillus anthrax protective antigen that is the major immunogenic antigen produced by the bacterial infection. The binding of obiltoxaximab to the anthrax protective antigen blocks the binding of the bacterial toxin to host cells. In several animal models of inhalation anthrax, obiltoxaximab ameliorated the course of the disease and, if given before the onset of signs and symptoms, prevented clinically apparent disease.

FDA approval information for Raxibacumab

Obiltoxaximab was approved for use in the United States in 2016 for the prevention and treatment of inhalation anthrax. The approval was based upon the efficacy of obiltoxaximab in animal models of anthrax and on data on safety and pharmacokinetics in healthy human volunteers. Human anthrax is exceedingly rare, but has occurred in the United States as a result of acts of bioterrorism.

Dosage and administration for Raxibacumab

Obiltoxaximab is available in single use vials of 600 mg in 6 mL (100 mg/mL) under the brand name Anthim. The recommended dose is 16 mg/kg by slow (90 minute) intravenous infusion in adults and children above 40 kg in weight.

Side effects of Raxibacumab

Side effects were assessed in studies done in several hundred healthy adult volunteers. While described as “generally well tolerated” adverse events included headache, itching, rash, urticaria and local infusion and hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis. Premedication with diphenhydramine (an antihistamine) is recommended.

Types of antibacterials

• Dailymed label info on Raxibacumab
• FDA Raxibacumab