Safe handling of monoclonal antibodies: Too large to be hazardous?

Abstract

It has been argued that the larger molecular weight of hazardous monoclonal antibodies may prevent their dermal absorption via occupational exposure. However, this assertion does not seem to be supported by direct evidence. Although the larger molecular weight may render monoclonal antibodies less probable to achieve therapeutic systemic level through dermal absorption, the concern in occupational health is whether these drugs can possibly attain a detectable level through repeated dermal exposure. Currently, there is no direct evidence to support a particular molecular weight above which a drug cannot achieve a detectable level following repeated occupational exposure. Therefore, the precautionary principle would dictate that repeated exposure of healthcare workers to hazardous monoclonal antibodies should be kept to a minimum.