REGN-EB3; mAb114

About:

• The drug mAb114 was developed using antibodies harvested from survivors of Ebola while REGN-EB3 comes from antibodies generated within mice infected with the disease.
  
  
• The two anti-Ebola drugs tested in the DRC employ monoclonal antibodies -- protein molecules made by the immune system in response to infection. The drugs work by attacking the Ebola virus with antibodies, neutralising its impact on human cells.
  
  
• They are the "first drugs that, in a scientifically sound study, have clearly shown a significant diminution in mortality" Preliminary results from 499 patients suggest that prompt use of –
  • REGN-EB3 cuts mortality rates to 29% and
    
    
  • mAb114 cuts mortality rate to 34%.
    
    
  
  
  
• The experimental drugs will now be used to treat patients infected with the viral disease in an ongoing outbreak in the DRC.