1. Daratumumab
Drugbank ID : DB09043

2. Description :
Daratumumab is an anti-cancer drug indicated for multiple myeloma in patients who have received at least 3 prior treatments. It was granted accelerated approval by the FDA in November Marketed under the brand name Darzalex by Janssen Biotech, daratumumab is the first monoclonal antibody injection approved for this indication and provides another options for patients with multiple myeloma resistant to other therapies. Daratumumab induces apoptosis of cancer cells by targeting the CD38 epitope, which is highly expressed on haematological malignancies. Indication :
For the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least three prior lines of therapy (a proteasome inhibitor (PI) and an immunomodulatory agent) or who are double-refractory to a PI and an immunomodulatory agent. This indication was approved by accelerated approval based on response rate.

3. Pharmacodynamics :
In preclinical trials, daratumumab showed synergistic activity with other multiple myeloma therapies, notably lenalidomide. Daratumumab also causes lysis in other cells that express CD38: myeloid-derived suppressor cells, a subset of regulatory T-cells, and NK cells. Decreases in absolute count and percentage of NK cells were observed during treatment. CD4+ and CD8+ T cell absolute counts as well the percentage of total lymphocytes increased in peripheral blood and bone marrow during daratumumab treatment.

4. Mechanism of action :
Daratumumab is an immunoglobulin G1 kappa monoclonal antibody against CD38 antigen. CD38 is a transmembrane glycoprotein of many functions, including receptor mediated adhesion, signaling, and modulation of cyclase and hydrolase activity. CD38 is expressed on many cell types and tissues, and highly expressed in haematological malignancies including multiple myeloma tumor cells. By binding CD38, daratumumab causes inhibition of tumor cell growth and induces broad-spectrum apoptosis in multiple ways: by Fc-mediated cross linking, by immune-mediate tumor cell lysis through complement dependent cytotoxicity, antibody dependent cell cytotoxicity, and antibody dependent cellular phagocytosis.

5. Targets : Affected organisms : Categories :
ADP-ribosyl cyclase/cyclic ADP-ribose hydrolase 1
Affected organisms :
Humans and other mammals
Categories :
Antineoplastic Agents

6. Brands : Darzalex
Company : Janssen Biotech, Inc.
Description : DARZALEX is supplied as a colorless to pale yellow preservative-free solution for intravenous infusion in single-dose vials. The pH is 5.5. DARZALEX must be diluted with 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP Used for/Prescribed for : DARZALEX is indicated for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least three prior lines of therapy including a proteasome inhibitor (PI) and an immunomodulatory agent or who are double-refractory to a PI and an immunomodulatory agent. Formulation : 100 mg/5mL
Form : Solution, concentrate
Route of administration : intravenous

7. Infusion reactions

8. References : http://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB09331