Immunotherapy

At Octapharma, we are committed to supporting people who rely on immunoglobulin G (IgG) therapy. Immunoglobulins are antibodies found naturally in the blood that help the body fight infections and regulate the immune system.

Our immunoglobulin portfolio offers a range of ready-to-use treatment options, with different formulations, concentrations, and ways of administration, to help healthcare professionals choose the approach that best meets each patient’s needs.

IgG Immunotherapy

IgG immunotherapy is used to treat two main groups of patients.

It can help people whose immune system is weakened, for example due to a genetic condition, another illness, or certain medicines that suppress immune function.

It is also used for people with autoimmune disorders, where the immune system does not work as it should and mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues.

Immunodeficiencies

Immune deficiencies occur when the immune system does not work as it should, making it harder for the body to fight infections. Doctors generally classify immune deficiencies into two main types: primary and secondary.

Primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs)

Primary immunodeficiencies are a group of more than 350 rare, usually inherited conditions. They are caused by genetic changes that affect immune system cells or proteins, leaving people more vulnerable to infections.

Common signs of a PID include frequent or unusually severe infections, such as sinus or ear infections, colds, bronchitis, fever, or pneumonia. Without appropriate treatment, infections can become persistent and may lead to long-term organ damage. In severe cases, they can be life-threatening.

Secondary immunodeficiencies (SIDs)

Secondary immunodeficiencies develop as a result of another condition or treatment. They can be caused by underlying diseases, such as certain blood cancers, or by therapies that suppress the immune system. As a result, people with SIDs may also be more prone to infections.

Autoimmune disorders

In autoimmune disorders, the immune system does not function correctly and mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. IgG immunotherapy can be used to help manage a number of these conditions, including:

• Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a condition in which the immune system attacks platelets, the blood cells that help control bleeding. This can lead to bruising and an increased risk of bleeding, which can sometimes be serious.

• Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a rare immune-mediated neurological disorder that affects the peripheral nerves. Without treatment, it can cause progressive weakness, sensory problems, and long-term disability.

• Dermatomyositis is an inflammatory disease characterised by muscle weakness and a distinctive skin rash. It most commonly affects adults between 40 and 60 years of age, as well as children between five and 15 years.

IgG immunotherapy may also be used to treat other autoimmune conditions, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), where the immune system attacks the nerves, and Kawasaki disease, which causes inflammation of the blood vessels.