Products
Palivizumab is commercially available as an injectable (Synagis). It has been approved in many countries since 1999.
Structure and properties
Palivizumab is a humanized IgG1k monoclonal antibody with a molecular mass of 148 kDa that binds to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The drug target is A-epitope of the fusion protein (F-protein) on the surface of the virus. Palivizumab is produced by biotechnological methods.
Effects
Palivizumab (ATC J06BB16) neutralizes the RSV virus. The effects are based on inhibition of the virus’ entry into cells. This suppresses viral replication.
Indications
Palivizumab is used in children to prevent severe RSV-related lower respiratory tract disease that would require hospitalization:
- Premature infants (35 weeks’ gestation or less) who are 6 months of age or younger at the onset of the RSV season.
- Children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) who are 2 years of age or less and who have required treatment for BPD within the past 6 months.
- Children with hemodynamically significant congenital heart disease.
Dosage
According to the professional information. The drug is administered once a month as an intramuscular injection.
Interactions
Interactions with other drugs are not known.
Adverse effects
The most common possible adverse effects include injection site reactions, fever, and nervousness.
