Definition

A human plasma-derived, polyclonal, intravenous immunoglobulin G (IgG) formulation containing high levels of antibodies against hepatitis C virus (HCV), a small, enveloped, single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the Flaviviridae family, with potential immunomodulating and antiviral activities. The hepatitis C IgG is isolated from donors expressing high amounts of HCV antibodies. Upon intravenous administration, the anti-HCV antibodies bind to the virus and provide passive immunization against HCV. This may prevent both infection by HCV in immunocompromised patients and hepatitis C-related liver disease. The polyclonal anti-HCV antibodies are able to target various viral epitopes.