What is the mechanism of Pozelimab?

Pozelimab is a monoclonal antibody that has been developed to target certain pathways in the immune system, specifically for the treatment of various autoimmune diseases and inflammatory conditions. To understand the mechanism of Pozelimab, it is essential to delve into the biological underpinnings that it influences.

Pozelimab works by inhibiting the activity of complement component 5 (C5), a protein that plays a pivotal role in the complement system, an integral part of the immune system. The complement system is a group of proteins that circulate in the blood and are activated in a cascade-like manner, leading to various immune responses. The activation of C5 is a critical step in this cascade, resulting in the formation of membrane attack complexes (MACs) that can lyse pathogenic cells and contribute to inflammation.

By binding to C5, Pozelimab prevents its cleavage into C5a and C5b. C5a is a potent anaphylatoxin that triggers inflammation and recruits immune cells to sites of infection or injury. C5b, on the other hand, initiates the assembly of the MAC. By inhibiting the formation of these components, Pozelimab effectively reduces inflammation and mitigates the destructive processes associated with excessive complement activation.

This mechanism of action is particularly beneficial in conditions where the complement system is dysregulated. For example, in diseases such as paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), and certain types of myasthenia gravis, overactivation of the complement system leads to excessive cell destruction and inflammation. By inhibiting C5, Pozelimab helps to restore balance in the immune response, offering therapeutic benefits to patients suffering from these conditions.

Moreover, the specificity of Pozelimab for C5 means that it can precisely target this component without broadly suppressing the immune system. This targeted approach helps to minimize the risk of infections and other side effects associated with broader immunosuppressive therapies.

In conclusion, Pozelimab operates by neutralizing the activity of complement component 5, thereby preventing the harmful downstream effects of its activation in various autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. This targeted mechanism provides a promising therapeutic avenue for managing conditions characterized by complement system dysregulation.