Rabies is the most important viral zoonosis from a global perspective. Mode
rn human postexposure prophylaxis consists of potent vaccines and local inf
iltration of rabies immune globulins (RIGs), but the latter biologicals are
not widely available or affordable. Monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) offer sev
eral theoretical advantages over RIGs. To this end, several human and equin
e RIGS. alone or in combination with vaccine, were investigated for postexp
osure efficacy in a Syrian hamster model, compared with a single neutralizi
ng murine Mab. Preliminary results suggest that: (1) animal models continue
to provide utility as human surrogates in the demonstration of product eff
icacy against rabies; (2) RIG preparations differ substantially in experime
ntal effectiveness and clearance; and (3) relevant alternatives, such as Ma
bs, should be pursued for future improvements to human rabies prevention. P
ublished by Elsevier Science Ltd.