ATC Group: L01FC CD38 (Clusters of Differentiation 38) inhibitors

Daratumumab is an IgG1κ human monoclonal antibody (mAb) that binds to the CD38 protein expressed at a high level on the surface of multiple myeloma tumour cells, as well as other cell types and tissues at various levels. CD38 protein has multiple functions such as receptor mediated adhesion, signalling and enzymatic activity. Daratumumab has been shown to potently inhibit the in vivo growth of CD38-expressing tumour cells.

Isatuximab is an IgG1-derived monoclonal antibody that binds to CD38 expressed on the surface of hematopoietic and tumor cells, including multiple myeloma cells. Isatuximab induces apoptosis of tumor cells and activation of immune effector mechanisms including antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP), and complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC). It is used in combination with pomalidomide and dexamethasone, for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (MM).