Monoclonal Antibodies: A Revolution in the Transformation of Healthcare

Abstract

Six out of ten of the top-selling drugs today are monoclonal antibodies (Mabs). This chapter outlines what Mabs are, where they came from and how they are used in medicine. Often overshadowed by other biotechnological tools, such as genetic engineering, Mabs are intrinsic components of everyday healthcare. Not only are they used for drugs, they are a critical tool in the laboratory for investigating the pathology of disease and a major component of a wide variety of diagnostics.