Pharmacology · Ebola monoclonal antibodies
Ansuvimab !
A single human monoclonal antibody against the Ebola virus glycoprotein. WHO strongly recommends it for Ebola virus disease.
Updated 2026-11-01
Also called: mAb114
Mechanism of action
Ansuvimab is a human IgG1 monoclonal antibody that binds the receptor-binding domain of the GP1 subunit of the Ebola virus glycoprotein. This stops the glycoprotein from binding NPC1, the host receptor the virus needs to enter cells, so viral entry is blocked.
- Binds the receptor-binding domain of glycoprotein GP1
- GP1 cannot bind the host receptor NPC1
- Viral entry into cells is blocked
- Viral load falls; survival improves when given early
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption
- Intravenous infusion
- Elimination
- Like other IgG antibodies, slow catabolism over weeks
Indications
- Ebola virus disease caused by Zaire ebolavirus, in adults and children, including newborns of infected mothers Viral haemorrhagic fevers (Ebola and others) →
Adverse effects
Common
- Fever and chills
- Fast heart rate and fast breathing
- Diarrhoea and vomiting
- Low blood pressure
Contraindications
- Severe hypersensitivity to ansuvimab
Key interactions
- Live Ebola (Zaire) vaccine
- The antibody may reduce the vaccine's efficacy; timing follows vaccination guidelines
What is monitored
- Vital signs during and after the infusion
- Fluid balance, electrolytes and kidney function as part of supportive care
Administration and safety
- Single intravenous infusion
- Given in a treatment centre with full infection prevention and control precautions
Nursing care
- Use full personal protective equipment for Ebola care
- Watch for fever, low blood pressure or breathlessness during the infusion
- Continue optimized supportive care: fluids, electrolytes, nutrition, pain relief, treatment of malaria and other co-infections
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Ebola is life-threatening for mother and fetus, and treatment is not withheld because of pregnancy; the antibody can cross the placenta.
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
What does ansuvimab bind?
The surface glycoprotein of Zaire ebolavirus.
Which Ebola-related diseases does ansuvimab not cover?
Sudan virus disease and Bundibugyo virus disease.
What is the code name of ansuvimab?
mAb114.
Related drugs
Related conditions
← Back to the class: Ebola monoclonal antibodies
Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.
Sources: Ebola disease (World Health Organization, 2025); ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026); Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 14th ed., ch. 62 (McGraw Hill, 2023).
Spotted a mistake?We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it.Report a mistake
Representative model, for educational purposes only.