Clinical evaluation (phase I) of a combination of two human monoclonal antibodies to HBV: safety and antiviral properties

Hepatology. 2002 Mar;35(3):673-9. doi: 10.1053/jhep.2002.31867.

Abstract

Treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection with interferon alfa and lamivudine is characterized by lack of viral clearance, loss of response, or emergence of drug-resistant mutants. Thus, new and multiple drug approaches are needed. We have developed two fully human monoclonal antibodies, directed against different epitopes of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) that bind to all major HBV subtypes. A phase I clinical study was conducted to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of a mixture of these two monoclonal antibodies, HBV-AB(XTL). A total of 27 chronic HBV patients were enrolled. In part A of the study 15 patients in 5 cohorts received a single intravenous infusion of antibodies with doses ranging from 0.26 mg (260 IU) to 40 mg (40,000 IU). All patients completed 16 weeks of follow-up. In the second part of the study (part B), 12 patients in 4 cohorts received 4 weekly infusions of 10, 20, 40, or 80 mg each of HBV-AB(XTL) and were followed for 4 additional weeks. Administration of antibodies was well tolerated. Patients administered doses at an Ab:Ag molar ratio of 1:2 to 1:20 showed a rapid and significant decrease in HBsAg to undetectable levels, with a corresponding reduction of HBV-DNA levels. In part B, HBV-AB(XTL) induced a significant reduction in both HBsAg and HBV-DNA levels repeatedly after administration. In conclusion, these data suggest that HBV-AB(XTL) binds HBV particles and reduces serum viral titers and HBsAg levels. HBV-AB(XTL) could be combined with other monotherapies that are currently used to treat HBV carriers.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Clinical Trial, Phase I
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / administration & dosage*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects
  • DNA, Viral / analysis
  • Female
  • Hepatitis B Antibodies / administration & dosage*
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / analysis
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / immunology*
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / therapy*
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / virology
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • DNA, Viral
  • Hepatitis B Antibodies
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
  • Immunoglobulins
  • hepatitis B hyperimmune globulin