The drug, Hu1B7, is a monoclonal antibody capable of neutralizing the pertussis microbial toxin. To assess the drug’s efficacy, researchers administered Hu1B7 to seven neonatal baboons two days post-birth. Researchers then infected these baboons — along with six baby baboons not administered the drug — with the pertussis bacteria five weeks post-birth.
The treatment group did not display symptoms of whooping cough and their white blood cell counts remained normal. Most of the controls displayed symptoms of the illness, and three had to be euthanized.
While vaccinating mothers against pertussis can help protect newborns from illness, not all mothers will get the vaccine. The study’s authors suggest this treatment could be developed to provide infants four months of protection from the illness prior to vaccination.
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