Human normal immunoglobulin for preventing primary infection in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Human normal immunoglobulin (IVIG) is in development for preventing primary infection in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). CLL is the most common type of leukaemia, which is a cancer that affects blood cells in the bone marrow and progresses slowly over time. In CLL, the bone marrow makes too many unusual white blood cells called lymphocytes, which can build up in the bone marrow. This leaves less space for normal white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets to develop, which makes patients with CLL vulnerable to infection, especially when their levels of certain immunoglobulins (antibodies), such as IgG and IgA, are low. Infections are the cause of about 60% of deaths in CLL patients. Using immunoglobulin therapy to replace these antibodies can help cut down how often infections happen.