Bamlanivimab - Mechanism of Action and Uses

Bamlanivimab is a monoclonal antibody therapy used for treating mild to moderate cases of COVID-19. It works by attaching to the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, helping the immune system identify and neutralize the virus.
Category
Drug
Where to get
Administered in healthcare settings
Applicable for
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

Bamlanivimab FAQ


Image credit: medicalbiochemist.com

Is bamlanivimab a monoclonal antibody?

As a monoclonal antibody, it is expected that bamlanivimab will be degraded by proteases in various locations throughout the body. Bamlanivimab is not metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes, making drug interactions unlikely. 7

What are the side effects of bamlanivimab?

Bamlanivimab may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, itching; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Some side effects may occur during the injection. Tell your medical caregivers right away if you have: muscle pain.

What is bamlanivimab/etesevimab?

Bamlanivimab/etesevimab is a combination of two monoclonal antibodies, bamlanivimab and etesevimab, administered together via intravenous infusion as a treatment for COVID-19. Both types of antibody target the surface spike protein of SARS‑CoV‑2.

What is bamlanivimab Mab?

Bamlanivimab is a neutralizing immunoglobulin G1 variant mAb to the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. It comprises two identical light and heavy chain polypeptides composed of 214 and 455 amino acids respectively. This antibody blocks the attachment of S-protein to human ACE-2 receptors, which prevents subsequent viral entry and replication [Figure].

What is bamlanivimab used for?

Bamlanivimab is an investigational medicine used to treat mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19 in non-hospitalized adults and adolescents (12 years of age and older who weigh at least 88 pounds (40 kg)), and who are at high risk for developing severe COVID-19 symptoms or the need for hospitalization.

Who can take bamlanivimab?

Bamlanivimab is authorized for people with positive results of direct SARS-CoV-2 viral testing who are twelve years of age and older weighing at least 40 kilograms (88 lb), and who are at high risk for progressing to severe COVID-19 or hospitalization.

Does bamlanivimab reduce viral load?

Some initial results on bamlanivimab seemed promising, with one review saying that it "decrease [s] viral load when given early on in the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection and favourably impact [s] clinical outcomes for patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19". However, further results have not shown any clinically relevant benefit.

Bamlanivimab References

If you want to know more about Bamlanivimab, consider exploring links below:

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