Journal Article Epublish 1 citation
PubMed: 42416089 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2026.1845146
Breaking the sound barrier: global monoclonal antibody pharmacoequity.
Front Pediatr 14:1845146
Authors: Huub C Gelderblom, Glenda Gray, Brian Kelley
Affiliations
- Fred Hutch Cancer Center, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Seattle, WA, United States.
- South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa.
- Infectious Disease and Oncology Research Institute, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
- BK Biopharma Consulting, LLC, Burlingame, CA, United States.
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies represent one of biomedicine's greatest successes, yet global access remains profoundly inequitable, with low- and middle-income countries bearing the brunt of limited access. This perspective proposes that long-acting infectious disease mAbs, starting with WHO-recommended nirsevimab for RSV prevention, could catalyze transformation by connecting with existing WHO Essential Medicines List mAbs. Picture two static half-circles: WHO Essential Medicines List mAbs with proven value but limited access, and infectious disease prevention mAbs with transformative potential. Connected, they form a complete wheel capable of rolling toward the aspirations of global pharmacoequity. HIV antiretroviral therapy demonstrates precedent-costs declined 100-fold through political mobilization, not technological breakthroughs.
MeSH
Antibodies, Monoclonal, Communicable Diseases