The use of monoclonal antibodies and related agents in the treatment of respiratory disease

Monoclonal antibodies were first developed in 1975. Since their introduction they have had a progressively increasing impact on different areas of medical diagnostics and therapeutics. Currently, many monoclonal antibodies are under investigation for their potential role in pulmonary medicine. This review discusses a brief history of monoclonal antibodies; the manufacture, use, biosafety and nomenclature of these agents; the inflammatory response in asthma; and the use of omalizumab, an FDA-approved monoclonal antibody for use in asthma, will be described in detail, as well as its associated adverse effects. Additionally, other related biologic agents that may have a role in respiratory diseases are presented.