Daratumumab and hyaluronidase

Combination drug for multiple myeloma

Daratumumab and hyaluronidase is a combination medication used in the treatment of multiple myeloma, a type of cancer that affects plasma cells in the bone marrow. This combination drug is administered via subcutaneous injection and is designed to improve the delivery and efficacy of daratumumab, a monoclonal antibody.

Mechanism of Action

Daratumumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets the CD38 protein, which is highly expressed on the surface of multiple myeloma cells. By binding to CD38, daratumumab induces cell death through multiple mechanisms, including complement-dependent cytotoxicity, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, and antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis.

Hyaluronidase is an enzyme that degrades hyaluronic acid, a component of the extracellular matrix. By breaking down hyaluronic acid, hyaluronidase facilitates the dispersion and absorption of daratumumab when administered subcutaneously, allowing for a more efficient and less invasive delivery compared to intravenous administration.

Clinical Use

Daratumumab and hyaluronidase is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with multiple myeloma. It is used in various treatment regimens, often in combination with other antineoplastic agents such as bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone. The combination is particularly beneficial for patients who have received at least one prior therapy.

Administration

The combination is administered as a subcutaneous injection, which is generally preferred over intravenous infusion due to its convenience and reduced administration time. The subcutaneous route also minimizes the risk of infusion-related reactions, which are more common with intravenous administration.

Side Effects

Common side effects of daratumumab and hyaluronidase include fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, fever, cough, and upper respiratory tract infections. Patients may also experience infusion-related reactions, although these are less frequent with subcutaneous administration. Monitoring for hematologic toxicity is important, as the drug can cause neutropenia and thrombocytopenia.

Development and Approval

The combination of daratumumab and hyaluronidase was developed to enhance the delivery of daratumumab and improve patient compliance. It received approval from regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) based on clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy and safety in patients with multiple myeloma.

Related Pages

• Multiple myeloma
• Monoclonal antibody therapy
• CD38
• Hyaluronidase