Compositions and methods for the threatment of sepsis

Abstract

The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the prevention and treatment of blood-borne and toxin mediated diseases, and in particular anti-C5a antibodies for the prevention and treatment of sepsis in humans as well as other animals. The present invention also relates to methods of generating anti-C5a antibodies employing C-terminal truncated C5a peptides.

1 . A composition comprising an antibody specific for complement component C5a peptide.  
     
     
         2 . A method for the treatment of sepsis in a human comprising: 
 a) providing; 
 i) a human presenting symptoms of sepsis, and  
 ii) a therapeutic composition comprising an antibody specific for complement component C5a peptide; and;  
   b) administering said therapeutic composition to said human underconditions such that at least one symptoms is reduced.    
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein said human presents the symptoms of sepsis for a period in the range of approximately six to twelve hours prior to the administration of said therapeutic composition.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein said antibody is polyclonal.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein said antibody is monoclonal.