Panobacumab, a fully human IgM monoclonal antibody, is an immunotherapy for these life-threatening infections, and this clinical trial reveals its potential as a more effective treatment than standard antibiotic therapy alone.
The Phase IIa open study was presented at the 20th European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases by Professor Pierre-François Laterre of St Luc University Hospital, Brussels.
All 13 patients who received three infusions of Panobacumab survived, which compares favourably to the attributable mortality of between 33% and 50% usually associated with VAP caused by P aeruginosa. Improved clearance of pneumonia was also a benefit of early treatment with Panobacumab.
Prof Laterre said: “Alternatives to antibiotics are therefore desperately needed in the fight against these infections. This data warrants further trials as it demonstrates that Panobacumab has the potential to revolutionise the treatment of life-threatening hospital infections.”