About immunoglobulin G
Immunoglobulin G manufacturers are plasma fractionators, led by CSL Behring, Grifols, Takeda and Octapharma, with other producers in Europe, Asia and Latin America. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is the main antibody class in human blood. Normal human immunoglobulin, purified from the pooled plasma of thousands of donors, is used to replace missing antibodies in immune deficiency and to modulate the immune system in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Pharmaceutical companies can source intravenous and subcutaneous immunoglobulin through supply, out-licensing or contract fractionation.
Immunoglobulin G key facts
|
Property |
Immunoglobulin G |
|---|---|
|
Name |
Normal human immunoglobulin (IVIG for intravenous use; SCIG for subcutaneous use) |
|
Molecule type |
Polyclonal human IgG antibodies, about 150 kDa, from pooled plasma |
|
ATC code |
J06BA02 (intravascular); J06BA01 (extravascular) |
|
Drug class |
Immune sera and immunoglobulins |
|
Main brands |
Privigen, Hizentra (CSL Behring); Gamunex-C, Xembify (Grifols); Gammagard, HyQvia, Cuvitru (Takeda); Octagam, Panzyga (Octapharma) |
|
Dosage forms and strengths |
IVIG solutions 5% and 10%; SCIG solutions 16.5–20%; facilitated SCIG with hyaluronidase |
|
Main indications |
Primary and secondary immunodeficiency; immune thrombocytopenia (ITP); chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP); Kawasaki disease; Guillain-Barré syndrome; multifocal motor neuropathy |
|
Source material |
Plasma from thousands of donors per batch, mainly collected in the US |
|
Regulatory pathway |
US BLA; EU national, decentralised or centralised procedures with a Plasma Master File |
|
WHO Essential Medicines |
Normal human immunoglobulin is listed |
|
Generic / biosimilar status |
Not applicable; each product is approved separately |
Immunoglobulin G manufacturers and licensing history
Immunoglobulin G has been used for decades, first as intramuscular preparations and, since the 1980s, as intravenous products. Today, the market is dominated by a few large plasma fractionators. CSL Behring (Privigen, Hizentra), Grifols (Gamunex-C, Xembify), Takeda (Gammagard, HyQvia, Cuvitru) and Octapharma (Octagam, Panzyga) are the largest suppliers.
Other producers include Kedrion, LFB, Biotest and regional fractionators in China, Korea, India and Latin America. Demand has grown faster than plasma supply for many years, and the US supplies most of the world's plasma.
Immunoglobulin products are not interchangeable generics; each one is approved on its own clinical data. Buyers should confirm the plasma source, viral inactivation and removal steps, IgA content, GMP status and cold-chain capability before choosing a supplier.
Immunoglobulin G dosage forms and dossier types
Immunoglobulin G is supplied as ready-to-use solutions or freeze-dried powder for intravenous or subcutaneous use.
|
Form |
Strengths |
Typical dossier |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
IVIG solution |
5% (50 mg/ml); 10% (100 mg/ml) |
US BLA; EU MAA with Plasma Master File |
Main form; immunodeficiency and immunomodulation |
|
SCIG solution |
16.5–20% |
US BLA; EU MAA |
Home self-infusion |
|
Facilitated SCIG |
10% with recombinant hyaluronidase |
US BLA; EU MAA |
Less frequent dosing (HyQvia) |
|
Target market |
Dossier format |
Key requirement |
|---|---|---|
|
United States |
BLA |
Plasma from FDA-licensed centres; clinical efficacy and safety data |
|
European Union |
MAA with Plasma Master File |
Ph. Eur. monographs; EMA core SmPC |
|
Asia, Latin America, Middle East |
National dossier |
Plasma import permits; viral safety data |
Immunoglobulin G regulatory and patent status
Each immunoglobulin product is approved separately, based on its own manufacturing process and clinical data. In the US, products are licensed as biologics. In the EU, they need a Plasma Master File and follow EMA guidance on clinical investigation and core product information. Immunoglobulin G is on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines. Process patents may apply, but the substance itself is not patented.
Immunoglobulin G mechanism of action and therapeutic use
Immunoglobulin G replaces missing antibodies in people with immune deficiency, protecting them against infections. At higher doses, it also modulates the immune system by blocking Fc receptors, neutralising autoantibodies and reducing inflammation. It is used for primary and secondary immunodeficiency, and for autoimmune and inflammatory conditions such as ITP, CIDP and Kawasaki disease.
Immunoglobulin G licensing and sourcing
Immunoglobulin G suppliers and licensing partners typically offer finished-product supply, contract fractionation or regional distribution. Buyers usually compare GMP status, plasma source, viral safety, product concentration and territory availability. Current offers and supplier contacts are listed among the immunoglobulin G manufacturers on Pipelinepharma.
Frequently asked questions about immunoglobulin G
Who are the main immunoglobulin G manufacturers? CSL Behring, Grifols, Takeda and Octapharma are the largest producers. Kedrion, LFB, Biotest and regional fractionators also supply immunoglobulin.
What is the difference between IVIG and SCIG? IVIG is given into a vein, usually every 3–4 weeks in hospital. SCIG is given under the skin, often weekly at home.
Is there a generic version of immunoglobulin G? No. Immunoglobulin products are not generics or biosimilars; each is approved separately based on its own data.
What forms and strengths of immunoglobulin G are available? Immunoglobulin G is available as 5% and 10% intravenous solutions, 16.5–20% subcutaneous solutions and facilitated subcutaneous products.
What is immunoglobulin G used for? Immunoglobulin G is used for immune deficiency and for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases such as ITP, CIDP, Guillain-Barré syndrome and Kawasaki disease.
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