Innovations in monoclonal antibody-based multipurpose prevention technology (MPT) for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy

Abstract

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are currently being produced for a number of clinical applications including contraception and the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Combinations of contraceptive and anti-STI mAbs, including antibodies against HIV-1 and HSV-2, provide a powerful and flexible approach for highly potent and specific multipurpose prevention technology (MPT) products with desirable efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetic profiles. MAbs can be administered systemically by injection, or mucosally via topical products (e.g., films, gels, rings) which can be tailored for vaginal, penile or rectal administration to address the needs of different populations. The MPT field has faced challenges with safety, efficacy, production and cost. Here, we review the state-of-the-art of mAb MPTs that tackle these challenges with innovative strategies in mAb engineering, manufacturing, and delivery that could usher in a new generation of safe, efficacious, cost-effective, and scalable mAb MPTs.

Role of the epithelium in human papillomavirus and human immunodeficiency virus infections in the female genital tract

“…Some of these have gone to clinical trial stages and they include MABgel and VRC01/ MB66 topical vaginal film against HIV, amongst others, and 2C (HDIT101), E317 (UB-621) and HSV8 against HSV (76). Dohadwala et al, in their paper concluded that it is ideal to develop mAbs that will target multiple STIs concurrently (76).…”