Bavituximab

Bavituximab Anti-Cancer is a monoclonal antibody that binds to a basic component of the cell structure called a phospholipid that is exposed only on the surface of tumor blood vessel cells or on cells infected with certain viruses. Bavituximab binding to the tumor blood vessel cells alerts the body’s immune system to attack the tumor and its blood supply. This has been shown to inhibit tumor growth and development. Because in healthy cells the phospholipids are concealed inside the cell, the bavituximab does not bind to them. This targets the bavituximab to the malignant cells and potentially minimizes unwanted side effects.

Bavituximab Anti-Viral represents a unique approach to treating viral diseases by recognizing features found only on infected cells and enveloped viruses. Bavituximab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to a basic component of the cell structure called an aminophospholipid that is exposed on the surface of cells only when they are infected with certain viruses or when they are malignant. After binding to these infected cells, the drug alerts the body’s immune system to attack the infected cells. This makes infected cells particularly susceptible to bavituximab treatment, while potentially sparing healthy cells. Also, bavituximab binds to phospholipids which are derived from the host (human) cell and not the virus, which indicates it may not be susceptible to viral drug resistance. In addition to treating an active illness, bavituximab may also confer long-term immunity. Bavituximab induces a pro-inflammatory cytokine profile, defined as an increase in the ratio of TNF alpha and TGF beta. Stimulating an immune response is a key proposed anti-viral mechanism of action of bavituximab.