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Biosecurity BriefingNew Study Suggests ABthrax Protects Monkeys, Rabbits Against Inhalational Anthrax By Michelle Cantu, December 21, 2007 On December 18, 2007, the Human Genome Sciences, Inc., (HGSI) announced results from two animal studies of its treatment drug, ABthrax (raxibacumab), a human monoclonal antibody drug for anthrax that is being developed for the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA). According to the company press release the “dramatic and statistically significant findings” of these studies “demonstrate a survival benefit in two animal species, which is the requirement for establishing the efficacy of new drugs used to counter bioterrorism.”1 In the first study, monkeys were exposed to Bacillus anthracis spores via inhalation and categorized into three groups where they received a single high dose or a single low dose of ABthrax, or a placebo. After 28 days, 64.3 percent of monkeys given a single high dose of ABthrax survived, 50 percent of monkeys that received the low dose survived, and none of the monkeys that received a placebo survived. The company also reported that in a separate study which looked at 14-day survival among rabbits exposed to anthrax, the rabbits that received ABthrax “demonstrated a statistically significant survival benefit compared to the placebo.” HGSI also noted that it had completed the second safety study of ABthrax in human volunteers, bringing the total number of people who have participated in human safety trials to more than 180.” According to the press release, “clinical results to date suggest that ABthrax was generally safe and well tolerated.” Moreover, the company reported that the human study found that “co-administration of ABthrax with Cipro (ciprofloxacin)” suggests that “ABthrax can be administered in combination with antibiotics…[which] is a key finding given the important role that antibiotics are expected to continue to play in the treatment of anthrax disease.”1 In June 2006, HGSI signed a contract with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for the delivery of 20,000 doses of ABthrax to the National Strategic Stockpile. HGSI hopes to deliver the doses by the beginning of 2008.1 For more information on anthrax, please see the Center for Biosecurity’s Bacillus anthracis(Anthrax) Fact Sheet. References
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