Epratuzumab


Epratuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody. Potential uses may be found in oncology and in treatment of inflammatory autoimmune disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus.

Clinical trials

A clinical trial for relapsed adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia has reported initial results.
Results have been published for a phase II trial in untreated follicular lymphoma.
Early results from a phase II trial for Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma were encouraging.
The manufacturers in August 2009 announced success in early trials against SLE, and started two Phase III clinical trials.
July 2015 : Both phase III trials for SLE failed to meet their primary endpoint.

Mechanism of action

Epratuzumab binds to the glycoprotein CD22 of mature and malignant B-cells.
Elevated CD22 and other B-cell receptor proteins are associated with SLE. "Epratuzumab's mechanism of action transfers these BCR proteins to helper cells called effector cells which reduces B-cell destruction and epratuzumab's impact on the body's immune system" via a process called trogocytosis.