Pharmacology · Ebola monoclonal antibodies
Atoltivimab + maftivimab + odesivimab !
A three-antibody combination against the Ebola virus glycoprotein. WHO strongly recommends it for Ebola virus disease.
Updated 2026-11-01
Also called: REGN-EB3
Mechanism of action
Three human IgG1 monoclonal antibodies that bind three non-overlapping sites on the Ebola virus glycoprotein at the same time. Maftivimab neutralizes the virus and blocks its entry into cells; odesivimab does not neutralize but recruits immune effector functions (antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity); atoltivimab does both. Using three antibodies makes viral escape less likely.
- Three antibodies bind different sites on the glycoprotein
- Virus attachment and membrane fusion are blocked
- Infected cells are marked for immune killing
- 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 Viral haemorrhagic fevers (Ebola and others) →
Adverse effects
Common
- Fever and chills
- Fast heart rate and fast breathing
- Vomiting
Contraindications
- Severe hypersensitivity to any of the three antibodies
Key interactions
- Live Ebola (Zaire) vaccine
- May reduce the vaccine's efficacy; live vaccination is avoided at the same time
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
- Watch for infusion reactions
- Continue optimized supportive care, including treatment of co-infections such as malaria
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Ebola is life-threatening for mother and fetus, and treatment is not withheld because of pregnancy; the antibodies can cross the placenta.
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
How many antibodies does this combination contain?
Three: atoltivimab, maftivimab and odesivimab.
Which of the three antibodies is the neutralizing one?
Maftivimab (atoltivimab also neutralizes; odesivimab acts through immune effector functions).
What trial supported the use of this combination?
The PALM randomized trial in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (2018–2020).
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); Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 14th ed., ch. 62 (McGraw Hill, 2023).
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.