Anticoagulants and Monoclonal Antibodies
Scientists can produce antibodies in the lab that mimics the action of the antibodies naturally produced by the immune system. These synthetic antibodies act against the proteins that attack normal tissues in people with autoimmune disorders like lupus. The term monoclonal antibody means that this synthetic or man-made antibody is synthesized from cloned immune cells, and the resulting identical monoclonal antibody produced binds to the targeted type of antigen. Belimumab (Benlysta), is a type of monoclonal antibody and was the first drug created to solely treat lupus, and was approved by the FDA in 2011. It can be taken intravenously (through the vein) and it targets specific immune cells.
Anticoagulants, meanwhile, are drugs used to thin the blood and prevent blood clots, which is a life-threatening symptom of the disease.
Examples:
Monoclonal Antibodies: Rituximab (Rituxan), Tocilizumab (Actemra)
Anticoagulants: Warfarin (Coumadin), Heparin, Enoxaparin (Lovenox), Fondaparinux (Arixtra)
