A Randomized Study of a Monoclonal Antibody (Pagibaximab) to Prevent Staphylococcal Sepsis

Pagibaximab, a human chimeric monoclonal antibody developed against lipoteichoic acid, was effective against staphylococci preclinically and seemed safe and well tolerated in phase 1 studies. To evaluate the clinical activity, pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of weekly pagibaximab versus placebo infusions in very low birth weight neonates. A phase 2, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted at 10 NICUs. Patients with a birth weight of 700 to 1300 g and 2 to 5 days old were randomly assigned to receive 3 once-a-week pagibaximab (90 or 60 mg/kg) or placebo infusions. Blood was collected for pharmacokinetics, bacterial killing, and safety analyses. Adverse event and clinical outcome data were collected. Eighty-eight patients received pagibaximab at 90 (n = 22) or 60 (n = 20) mg/kg or placebo (n = 46). Groups were not different in demography, mortality, or morbidity. Pagibaximab demonstrated linear pharmacokinetics, a 14.5-day half-life, and nonimmunogenicity. Definite staphylococcal sepsis occurred in 0%, 20%, and 13% (P < .11) and nonstaphylococcal sepsis occurred in 0%, 10%, and 15% (P < .15) of patients in the 90 mg/kg, 60 mg/kg, and placebo groups, respectively. In all patients with staphylococcal sepsis, estimated or observed pagibaximab levels were