What is inebilizumab?

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Last updated: February 18, 2025View editorial policy

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From the FDA Drug Label

Inebilizumab-cdon is a CD19-directed humanized afucosylated IgG1 monoclonal antibody produced by recombinant DNA technology in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell suspension culture. The molecular weight is approximately 149 kDa. Inebilizumab is a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody that targets CD19, a cell surface antigen present on pre-B and mature B lymphocytes. It is produced by recombinant DNA technology in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell suspension culture, with a molecular weight of approximately 149 kDa 1.

From the Research

Definition and Mechanism of Action

  • Inebilizumab is a humanized, affinity-optimized, afucosylated IgG1 κ monoclonal antibody that binds to the B-cell specific surface antigen CD19, resulting in rapid, profound and sustained depletion of circulating peripheral B cells 2, 3, 4.
  • It targets and depletes CD19-expressing B cells through antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity 3.

Therapeutic Use

  • Inebilizumab is approved for the treatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) in adult patients who are seropositive for immunoglobulin G autoantibodies against aquaporin-4 (AQP4-IgG) 3, 5, 6.
  • It is also being developed for the treatment of other autoimmune diseases, including kidney transplant desensitization, myasthenia gravis, and IgG4-related disease 3.
  • Inebilizumab has been shown to reduce the risk of NMOSD attacks, disability score worsening, and NMOSD-related hospitalizations in AQP4-antibody seropositive patients 5, 6.

Administration and Pharmacokinetics

  • Inebilizumab is administered intravenously, with the first two dosages of 300 mg given at an interval of 2 weeks, followed by further infusions every 6 months 5.
  • The pharmacokinetics of inebilizumab are characterized by a two-compartment model with parallel first-order and time-dependent nonlinear elimination pathways 4.
  • The elimination half-life of inebilizumab is approximately 18 days, and the maximum velocity of the nonlinear elimination pathway decreases with time due to the depletion of B cells upon inebilizumab administration 4.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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