ABSTRACT
In many respects, intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIGs) are special products. In addition to their original indication, i.e. antibody replacement therapy in patients with immune deficiencies, a range of applications have been identified during the past 20 years. Nobody could have dreamed of this development and of the growing importance of IVIG in autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions. The observation of immunomodulating effects of IVIG in these diseases has significantly contributed to our understanding of immune mechanisms. Concomitantly, the increasing knowledge of basic immunology has had an influence on the development of IVIG products. This chapter highlights some of the challenges, achievements and opportunities that have been met by manufacturers of IVIG.
