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Development and use of palivizumab (Synagis): a passive immunoprophylactic agent for RSV

  • Review Article
  • Published:
Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy

Abstract

Palivizumab (Synagis; Abbott Laboratories), a humanized, monoclonal antibody, prevents lower respiratory tract infection by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). RSV causes significant morbidity and mortality in young children worldwide and is particularly severe in pre-term infants, children with cardiopulmonary disease, and the immunosuppressed population. The first such genetically engineered agent to be used effectively against a human infectious disease, palivizumab significantly reduces the number of hospitalizations caused by RSV in high-risk infants. This article reviews the preclinical development and clinical experience of palivizumab.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Global Research and Development, Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL, USA

    Paul Pollack & Jessie R. Groothuis

  2. Medical Communications Associate, Synagis, Dept R4RE Bldg AP34-2, Abbott Laboratories, 200 Abbott Park Road, Abbott Park, IL, 60064-6186, USA

    G. M. Barbarotto

Authors
  1. Paul Pollack
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  2. Jessie R. Groothuis
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  3. G. M. Barbarotto
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to G. M. Barbarotto.

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Pollack, P., Groothuis, J.R. & Barbarotto, G.M. Development and use of palivizumab (Synagis): a passive immunoprophylactic agent for RSV. J Infect Chemother 8, 201–206 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10156-002-0178-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10156-002-0178-6

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