Drug evaluation: tefibazumab--a monoclonal antibody against staphylococcal infection

Inhibitex Inc is investigating tefibazumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody specific for the fibrin-binding surface epitope clumping factor A protein (expressed on the surface of most Staphylococcus aureus strains), for the potential intravenous prevention and/or treatment of S aureus infections. In June 2006, Inhibitex was seeking to outlicense certain development rights to the drug. Pending the outcome of partnering discussions, Inhibitex suspended the initiation of any additional clinical trials of tefibazumab. Preclinical in vivo studies were ongoing at that time.