Humanized animal disease models monoclonal antibodies

The last example shown in Table 26.5 is palivizumab, a monoclonal antibody against an antigen expressed on a virus (RSV). Since this antigen does not exists in any animal species, including humans, all toxicology species are considered equally nonrelevant. The only relevant species is one that is infected with the virus. This example provides an interesting case where animal disease models could be considered more relevant than normal animals. Nevertheless, for palivizumab single-dose acute toxicity studies were performed in rats, rabbits, and macaques. 

Reisner Y, Dagan S. The Trimera mouse generating human monoclonal antibodies and an animal model for human diseases. Trends Bio-technol. 1998 16 242-246. 

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