Products
Elotuzumab was approved in the United States in 2015 and in the EU and Switzerland in 2016 as a powder for the preparation of an infusion solution (Empliciti).
Structure and properties
Elotuzumab is a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody with a molecular weight of 148.1 kDa. It is produced by biotechnological methods.
Effects
Elotuzumab (ATC L01XC23) has immunostimulatory and indirect cytotoxic properties. The antibody activates natural killer cells and brings together killer and myeloma cells (dual mechanism of action, cancer immunotherapy).Elotuzumab binds to the protein SLAMF7 (Signaling Lymphocyte Activation Molecule Family Member 7), which is expressed mainly on multiple myeloma cells, on natural killer cells, and on plasma cells. Elotuzumab activates natural killer cells and promotes myeloma cell destruction by binding to SLAMF7 on killer cells. It brings the killer and myeloma cells together by binding to the Fc receptor (CD16) on the killer cells and to SLAMF7 on the myeloma cells.
Indications
In combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone for the treatment of multiple myeloma in adult patients who have received one or more prior therapies and have shown progression or intolerance to the last therapy.
Dosage
According to the SmPC. The drug is administered as an intravenous infusion.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Interactions
Drug-drug interactions are not known.
Adverse effects
The most common possible adverse effects include lymphopenia, fatigue, diarrhea, fever, constipation, cough, peripheral neuropathy, nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, decreased appetite, and pneumonia.
