Dinutuximab beta

Dinutuximab beta is a monoclonal antibody designed for the treatment of neuroblastoma, a rare type of cancer that primarily affects children. It is a biopharmaceutical product, which means it is produced using biotechnology methods. Dinutuximab beta is marketed under the brand name Qarziba by the pharmaceutical company EUSA Pharma.

Mechanism of Action

Dinutuximab beta works by binding to a specific protein called GD2 found on the surface of neuroblastoma cells. This binding triggers the body's immune system to attack and destroy the cancer cells. The GD2 protein is highly expressed in neuroblastoma, making it an effective target for this type of therapy.

Clinical Use

Dinutuximab beta is used in patients with high-risk neuroblastoma, who have responded to initial therapy but are at a high risk of the disease coming back. It is given as part of a treatment regimen that includes other drugs, such as isotretinoin, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and interleukin-2 (IL-2).

Side Effects

Like all medicines, dinutuximab beta can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The most common side effects include pain, fever, allergic reactions, and changes in blood cell counts. Patients should be closely monitored for these and other potential side effects during treatment.

Regulatory Status

Dinutuximab beta has been approved for use in the European Union and other countries. It received a positive opinion from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in 2017.

See Also

• Monoclonal antibodies
• Neuroblastoma
• Biopharmaceuticals
• Cancer treatment