Definition

A human immunoglobulin (Ig) G1 monoclonal antibody directed against interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1a) and derived from human B lymphocytes that were obtained from a natural human immune response against IL-1a, with potential antineoplastic, anti-inflammatory, anti-cachectic and anti-angiogenic activities. Upon administration, bermekimab targets, binds to and neutralizes IL-1a thereby preventing IL-1a activity. This prevents IL-1a-mediated inflammation, tumorigenesis and angiogenesis. In addition, bermekimab may abrogate IL-1a-mediated cachexia and stimulate metabolic activity in the central nervous system (CNS). IL-1a, an inflammatory mediator expressed on monocytes, platelets and overexpressed by certain tumors, plays a key role in the promotion of tumor cell growth, metastasis and invasion.