Catumaxomab
| Monoclonal antibody | |
|---|---|
| Type | ? |
| Source | Rat-murine hybrid |
| Target | EpCAM, CD3 |
| Clinical data | |
| Routes of administration | intraperitoneal infusion |
| ATC code | |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | |
Catumaxomab (trade name Removab) is a rat-murine hybrid monoclonal antibody which is used to treat malignant ascites, a condition occurring in patients with metastasizing cancer. It binds to antigens CD3 and EpCAM. It is in clinical trials in the United States currently[citation needed] and is used in Europe. It was developed by Fresenius Biotech and Trion Pharma (Germany).
History
Catumaxomab was developed by Trion Pharma, based on preliminary work by the Helmholtz Zentrum München. Fresenius Biotech conducted clinical trials and filed the drug for approval with the European Medicines Agency (EMEA). It was approved in Europe on 20 April 2009.[1]
Indications
The drug is approved for the treatment of malignant ascites in patients with EpCAM-positive cancer if a standard therapy is not available.[2]
Application
The usual treatment of malignant ascites is to puncture the peritoneum to let the accumulated liquid drain out. After the puncture, catumaxomab given as an intraperitoneal infusion. The procedure is repeated four times within about eleven days. It has been shown that puncture free survival can be increased from 11 to 46 days with this treatment.[3]
Adverse effects
Common adverse effects include fever, nausea and vomiting. Fever and pain should be controlled by giving NSARs, analgetics or antipyretics before application of catumaxomab.[4] All side effects were fully reversible in studies. Most are caused by the liberation of cytokines.[5]
Chemical structure
Catumaxomab consists of one "half" (one heavy chain and one light chain) of an anti-EpCAM antibody and one half of an anti-CD3 antibody, so that each molecule of catumaxomab can bind both EpCAM and CD3. In addition, the heavy chains can bind to an Fc receptor like other antibodies, which has lead to calling the drug a trifunctional antibody.
Mechanism of action
Catumaxomab works by linking T-lymphocytes and macrophages to the cancer cells.[6][5]
See also
- Ertumaxomab, another trifunctional monoclonal antibody
References
- ^ TRION Pharma: Trifunctional Antibody Catumaxomab Kills Cancer Stem Cells
- ^ European Public Assessment Report for Removab
- ^ PMID 18694358
- ^ Schubert-Zsilavecz, M, Wurglics, M, Neue Arzneimittel 2009/2010
- ^ a b Assessment Report for Removab
- ^ Capital Market Day Fresenius Biotech: Fresenius concentrates biotechnology activities on antibody and innovative cell therapies
External links
Template:Rat-murinehybridmonoclonals
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