The New England Journal of Medicine recently published a study on the pharmacokinetics and safety of L9LS, a monoclonal antibody (mAb) in preventing malaria.

Researchers in Phase I clinical trial determined the safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of L9LS, a next-generation mAb.

An intravenous dosage of L9LS, a human immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) mAb, was given at 1, 5, or 20 mg/kg of body weight. Those who received the monoclonal antibody subcutaneously were given a dose of 5 mg/kg in one or two injections. Nine participants served as controls, while the remaining 18 participants in the trial received L9LS but did not get the antibody.

The results showed that L9LS was protective against controlled infection with no safety issues. Low serum concentrations also provided significant protection from disease. No infusion-related adverse events were observed following intravenous injection, indicating a favourable safety profile.

Overall, the current study demonstrated the ability of a new mAb to fight malaria. Researchers concluded that more research is necessary to determine the potential of the subcutaneous regimen of a single low dosage of L9LS. (News-medical.net, Aug 9 2022)