Catumaxomab
- CAS Number: 509077-98-9
Catumaxomab is a drug selected from the group of the monoclonal antibody used for the treatment of malignant ascites cancer. Catumaxomab is a trifunctional antibody and acts, including through its binding to the surface antigen EpCAM ( epithelial cell adhesion molecule ). As an effective ingredient of a medicament Catumaxomab is approved in the European market since 2009 under the trade name Removab ( Fresenius Biotech).
- 2.1 Mechanism of action
Clinical information
Approved Areas of application
Catumaxomab is approved for the treatment of malignant ascites ( malignant ascites) in patients with EpCAM - positive carcinomas, for which no standard therapy is available or where it is no longer applicable.
Type and duration of application
Catumaxomab is administered directly into the abdominal cavity ( intraperitoneal). The treatment consists of a cycle of four single doses of increasing concentration, which are administered over approximately 11 days.
Adverse effects
Most side effects are caused by the release of cytokines due to the immunological effect of the drug. The side effects described so far were mostly mild to moderate in severity and resolved completely.
Pharmacological information
Mechanism of action
The cells of many epithelial tumors carry the EpCAM antigen on their surface. Catumaxomab binds via the EpCAM antigen on such tumor cells. The molecule binds to two or more cell types: specifically binds to T cells via the CD3 antigen and non-specifically on the Fc part of accessory cells such as macrophages, or natural killer cells. This different immunological mechanisms are activated that lead to a complex reaction of the immune system against the tumor cell.
Catumaxomab removed as EpCAM - positive tumor cells from the abdominal cavity, thus reducing the intraperitoneal tumor burden, which is considered the cause for the development of malignant ascites. Catumaxomab suppressed by long-term the formation of ascites.
History
The antibody Catumaxomab was developed by the German company Trion Pharma. But Trion used -licensed work done by the Helmholtz Zentrum Munich. The clinical examination was carried out by Fresenius, which also Catumaxomab 2007 submitted for regulatory approval. On 20 April 2009, the antibody was approved for the European Union.