Actoxumab Explained

Actoxumab is a human monoclonal antibody designed for the prevention of recurrence of Clostridium difficile infection.^[1]

This drug, along with bezlotoxumab, was developed through Phase II efficacy trials by a partnership between Medarex Inc and MassBiologics of the University of Massachusetts Medical School.^[2] The project was then licensed to Merck & Co., Inc. for further development and commercialization.^[3]

A study compared it with bezlotoxumab (that targets CD toxin-B) and found Actoxumab less effective.^[4]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Statement On A Nonproprietary Name Adopted By The USAN Council - Actoxumab. American Medical Association.
2. Lowy I, Molrine DC, Leav BA, Blair BM, Baxter R, Gerding DN, Nichol G, Thomas WD, Leney M, Sloan S, Hay CA, Ambrosino DM . Treatment with monoclonal antibodies against Clostridium difficile toxins. N. Engl. J. Med.. 362. 3. 197–205. January 2010. 20089970. 10.1056/NEJMoa0907635. free.
3. Web site: Merck & Co., Inc., Medarex, Inc. and Massachusetts Biologic Laboratories Sign Exclusive Licensing Agreement for Investigational Monoclonal Antibody Combination for Clostridium Difficile Infection. Press Release. Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.
4. http://www.news-medical.net/news/20170125/New-treatment-for-Cdiff-infections-reduces-recurrences-by-4025-study-finds.aspx New treatment for C.diff infections reduces recurrences by 40%, study finds