Why isn't Ocrelizumab taken orally?

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Multiple Choice

Why isn't Ocrelizumab taken orally?

Explanation:
Monoclonal antibodies like ocrelizumab are large protein molecules. If taken by mouth, they would be quickly digested by stomach acid and GI proteases, and they are too large to be absorbed intact through the intestinal lining. As a result, essentially no drug reaches the bloodstream to have systemic effect, which is why oral dosing is ineffective and the drug is given by IV infusion. The concern listed about severe nausea isn’t the fundamental barrier, and liver metabolism isn’t the main issue for these proteins. The primary reason is destruction and the lack of meaningful absorption in the GI tract.

Monoclonal antibodies like ocrelizumab are large protein molecules. If taken by mouth, they would be quickly digested by stomach acid and GI proteases, and they are too large to be absorbed intact through the intestinal lining. As a result, essentially no drug reaches the bloodstream to have systemic effect, which is why oral dosing is ineffective and the drug is given by IV infusion. The concern listed about severe nausea isn’t the fundamental barrier, and liver metabolism isn’t the main issue for these proteins. The primary reason is destruction and the lack of meaningful absorption in the GI tract.

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