IVIG and mABs Therapy

IVIG, SCIG and mABs Therapy*

From clinical experience a trend in our patient population shows from initial IVIG towards adding long-term SCIG.

Monoclonal Antibodies (mABs) represented a new area in treating Long Covid, Post Vac and Chronic Illnesses, but after the latest withdrawals of available mABs from the market, development is unclear at best.

Chronic conditions involve complex immune dysregulation and inflammatory responses.

SCIG vs IVIG comparison see below.

IVIG and SCIG are a concentrated preparation of immunoglobulins derived from pooled human plasma.

The current official indications include symptoms present in chronic illness and many post-viral conditions: Myo- and Pericarditis, Small Fiber Neuropathy but also acute/severe conditions like Sepsis.

Monoclonal antibodies, designed to target specific components of the immune response, present another avenue for intervention.

Both Immunoglobulins (IVIG/SCIG) and Monoclonal Antibodies (mABs) are being investigated for their potential to restore immune homeostasis.

Here is a current study regarding the use of IVIG in Long Covid/Small Fiber Neuropathy: https://www.neurology.org/doi/10.1212/NXI.0000000000200244

Anecdotal note: mABs are designed strain-specific, IVIG/SCIGs are not. To our knowledge there have been no reports of Long Covid/Post Vac patients worsening permanently after SCIG or mABs treatment. The only patients our medical team has observed to worsen temporarily after IVIG treatment were patients with symptoms presenting similar to headache expanding down to the neck area.

Many of the mABs are discontinued or priced at high level, hence IVIG/SCIG use has become predominant.

IMPORTANT!

mABs/SCIGs/IVIGs/Antiretrovirals: e.g. Hizentra, HyQvia, Truvada

After clearing of treating doctors and advisors only, pre-order time 2-3 weeks (subject to approval by Pharmaceutical Services, Ministry of Health) - please check availability (varies by product, lifecycle stage and manufacturer) with our team

*Intravenously administered vitamins, amino acids, supplements or other formulations which are not available through the official supply chain of the Republic of Cyprus and therefore need to be imported for clinical use by an Authorised Wholesale Distributor under the 'Standard Named Patient Import, Article 5 Supply' regulation, are subject to approval by Pharmaceutical Services, Ministry of Health.

IVIG vs SCIG - the same ingredient but different administration

Administration:

IVIG is infused into a vein over 1–4 hours. It causes a rapid rise in serum immunoglobulin (IG) levels, peaking within 15 minutes, followed by a drop over 48 hours.
SCIG is injected under the skin into fatty tissue and is absorbed slowly into the bloodstream, resulting in more stable IG levels without peaks and troughs.

Efficacy:

Both methods in theory are equally effective. From clinical experience the trend in our patient population is towards SCIG with clearly better results.

SCIG – Advantages

Fewer systemic side effects (e.g., headache, fever, nausea).
More consistent IG levels (no peaks or troughs).
Self-administered at home; no IV access required.
Greater flexibility in scheduling.
Ideal for patients with primary immunodeficiency (PI) or poor venous access.
Better tolerated in patients with prior IVIG side effects.
Lower infection risk—no need for central lines or hospital visits.

IVIG – Advantages

Faster onset of action.
Suitable for (expensive) high-dose regimens (e.g., 2 g/kg).
Typically given in a clinic or at home by a nurse
Less frequent needle use.
Fewer local injection-site reactions.
Preferred for patients uncomfortable with self-injection or frequent needle use.