M281 is a fully human, anti‐neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) antibody that inhibits FcRn‐mediated immunoglobulin G (IgG) recycling to decrease pathogenic IgG while preserving IgG production. A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, first‐in‐human study with 50 normal healthy volunteers was designed to probe safety and the physiological maximum for reduction of IgG. Intravenous infusion of single ascending doses up to 60 mg/kg induced dose‐dependent serum IgG reductions, which were similar across all IgG subclasses. Multiple weekly doses of 15 or 30 mg/kg achieved mean IgG reductions of ≈85% from baseline and maintained IgG reductions ≥75% from baseline for up to 24 days. M281 was well tolerated, with no serious or severe adverse events ( AEs), few moderate AEs, and a low incidence of infection‐related AEs similar to placebo treatment. The tolerability and consistency of M281 pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics support further evaluation of M281 in diseases mediated by pathogenic IgG.