The Monoclonal/Omicron Anthology Series Archives

A Collection of Posts on Monoclonal Antibodies & Omicron

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Here’s the collection of my most recent posts on Omicron and the Monoclonal Antibodies we have in circulation as of now. However, I will also include two points that I think are also important. My post on Regeneron, although a bit outdated and a bit jumbled with the information, still explains the importance of understanding the relationship between monoclonals and their development. It’s also important to understand how mutations alter the way that receptors bind to antigens. Although a bit different, the same ideas and concepts can be used to understand the relationship between antibodies, antigens, and antigen mutations.

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Regeneron: A Model for Understanding Antibodies & Immunity

One of my first posts, and a bit brief. The Research & Development put into finding a effective monoclonal antibody candidates underlines a similar process that our bodies undergo in order to develop antibodies to fight infections. Although I am posting my newsletter, I would recommend people read the studies from Regeneron to gain a better understanding and a window into the monoclonal development process.

Regeneron: A Model for Understanding Antibodies & Immunity

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An Overview to Understanding SARS-COV2 Mutations

Although this post specifically examines the effects of SARS-COV2’s spike protein mutations on binding to ACEII receptors, the same principles apply to the interactions between the spike protein and antibodies. Understanding the importance that the side chains of amino acids play in a protein’s structure and function are important to understanding antibody molecular dynamics.

An Overview to Understanding SARS-COV2 Mutations

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Have Monoclonal Antibodies Lost their Effectiveness? (Review)

Part I: Overview of the Common Antibodies in Circulation

To start the series on monoclonals and Omicron, this post provides a brief history and binding interaction of the 3 most abundantly used monoclonal antibodies; Eli Lilly’s Bamlanivimab & Etesivimab, Regeneron’s Casirivimab & Imdevimab, and GlaxoSmithKline & Vir Biotechnology’s Sotrovimab.

Have Monoclonal Antibodies Lost their Effectiveness? (Review)

Part II: Examining Molecular Modeling and Nonclinical Studies

A more science heavy post, this post looks at the evidence available so far to compare the effectiveness of monoclonal antibodies against the Omicron Variant. All of the studies were done in a nonclinical setting which don’t provide the same real-world evidence we would need to understand their actual effectiveness. Nonetheless, the results of these studies don’t bode well for many of the monoclonals in circulation right now.

Have Monoclonal Antibodies Lost their Effectiveness? (Review)

Part III: Concluding Remarks and Citations

There’s a lot of information going around about different actions being taken in the face of Omicron. Some hospitals are trying to figure out how to properly ration their limited supply of monoclonals. Other areas have stopped prescribing monoclonals full stop with the belief that none of them are effective anymore. Instead of doctors acting without proper evidence, doctors and healthcare officials need to approach this new variant with a sense of rationality.

Have Monoclonal Antibodies Lost their Effectiveness? (Review)