Immunotherapy

IgG Immunotherapy

Our commitment to patients requiring IgG therapy is demonstrated by our extensive immunoglobulin product portfolio that offers different formulations, concentrations and routes of administration in liquid, ready-to-use solutions to suit the unique treatment goals of each person.

Who is IgG immunotherapy for?

IgG immunotherapy is generally helpful in two conditions: those in which immune deficiency is caused by a genetic defect, an underlying disease, or a drug that suppresses the immune system; and those with an autoimmune disorder in which an immune system malfunction causes the body to attack its own tissues.

Immune deficiencies

Immune deficiencies can be classified into primary immune deficiencies (PIDs) and secondary immune deficiencies (SIDs). PIDs are a group of over 350 different immune system disorders in which genetic flaws in the cells and proteins of the immune system can cause it to stop working properly and leave people with a PID more prone than others to infection. The most common sign of having a PID is increased susceptibility to common infections, such as sinus and ear infections, common colds, bronchitis, fever and even pneumonia. Without treatment, such infections can be persistent and result in organ damage. In some cases, they can even be fatal. SIDs are caused by an underlying disease such as hematological cancer, or by a medical therapy that suppresses the immune system and leaves someone open to infection.

Autoimmune disorders

There are a number of autoimmune disorders that can be treated with IgG immunotherapy:

• Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder that causes internal bruising and an increased incidence of sometimes life-threatening internal bleeding. Bleeding occurs because the immune system attacks a certain type of cell called platelets that play an important role in controlling bleeds;
  
  

• Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a rare neurological immune-mediated disorder affecting the peripheral nervous system. If left untreated, CIDP can lead to progressive motor and sensory dysfunction and permanent disability.

• Immunomodulation with immunoglobulin therapy can help treat these disorders.

There are other forms of autoimmune disorders including, for example, Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) where the immune system attacks the nerves, and Kawasaki disease where malfunction of the immune system causes inflammation of the blood vessels.