Medical technology3 min read
Monoclonal antibodies
mAb
Monoclonal antibodies are immune-system proteins made in the lab that recognise specific targets. More than 80 therapeutic monoclonal antibodies had been approved in the United States by 2022, used in cancer, autoimmune diseases, infections and many other conditions.
In cancer, some work by tagging cancer cells so the immune system recognises and destroys them, and some bring T cells closer to cancer cells. Their use extends to serious non-cancer conditions, including asthma, atopic dermatitis and migraine, and immune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and multiple sclerosis.
They may cause mild or severe allergic reactions during administration, and may occasionally cause cytokine release syndrome (often mild). Some may reactivate latent infections, including tuberculosis.
- In widespread clinical use
- Approved for specific uses
- In clinical trials
- Preclinical
- Concept
More than 80 therapeutic antibodies approved in the United States as of 2022, for a wide range of diseases.
- CancerIn widespread clinical use
Many have been approved to treat a wide range of cancers.2
- Immune, inflammatory and allergic diseasesApproved for specific uses
These include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, asthma, atopic dermatitis and migraine.1
Status last checked: · What the maturity levels mean
What is it?
Monoclonal antibodies are immune system proteins made in the laboratory that, like the body's own antibodies, recognise specific targets.
How does it work?
Some tag cancer cells so the immune system recognises and destroys them, and some bring T cells closer to cancer cells.
Where is it used today?
They have been used to treat cancer and severe viral infections, and in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease and multiple sclerosis.
Their use extends to serious non-cancer conditions including asthma, atopic dermatitis and migraine.
Limits and risks
They may cause allergic reactions, from mild to severe, during administration, and occasionally cytokine release syndrome.
They may reactivate latent infections, including tuberculosis.
Common questions
Are monoclonal antibodies a single treatment?
No, they are a large class of treatments, each with different targets, uses and side effects; more than 80 had been approved in the United States as of 2022.1
Questions for your doctor
- What tests are needed before starting this biological treatment?
- What signs of an allergic reaction should I watch for?
References
- 1NIDDK (NIH) — LiverTox. Monoclonal Antibodies. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548844/Health agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-08
- 2National Cancer Institute (NIH). Monoclonal Antibodies. www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/immunotherapy/monoclonal-antibodiesHealth agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-08
Review status: Edited content · Last updated:
Change log
- — Page created.
Educational content only — no diagnosis, and no substitute for a clinician.