Urelumab

Urelumab (also known as BMS-663513 or anti-4-1BB antibody) is a fully human IgG4 monoclonal antibody. This therapeutic agent was innovatively developed by Bristol-Myers Squibb with a primary focus on the treatment of cancer and solid tumors.

Mechanism of Action

The core mechanism of urelumab lies in its targeting capability. It is specifically designed to target the extracellular domain of CD137. Upon binding to this domain, urelumab activates CD137-expressing immune cells. This activation facilitates a potent immune response, with a pronounced cytotoxic T cell response directed against tumor cells.

Clinical Development

The developmental journey of urelumab in clinical trials has been incremental:

• The first phase I trial was initiated in 2006, culminating with the publication of its final results in 2015.
• Modern clinical trials have ventured to combine urelumab with other therapeutic agents and treatments:
  • Chemotherapy: (NCT00351325)
  • Chemoradiation: (NCT00461110)
  • Ipilimumab: (NCT00803374)
  • Rituximab: (NCT01775631, NCT02420938)
  • Cetuximab: (NCT02110082)
  • Elotuzumab: (NCT02252263)
  • Nivolumab: (NCT02253992)

These combinations are being studied across multiple cancers such as metastatic solid tumors, NSCLC, melanoma, B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, colorectal cancer, and multiple myeloma.

Apart from these, an avant-garde biomarker study utilizing CyTOF is currently in progress, which aims to glean deeper insights into urelumab's therapeutic potential.

Conclusion

Urelumab symbolizes a promising stride in the domain of oncology therapeutics. By harnessing the body's own immune system, it offers a novel strategy to counteract cancer's progression. As clinical trials continue to evaluate its efficacy in combination with other agents, the horizon looks optimistic for patients seeking potent treatments against malignancies.

See Also

• Monoclonal antibody
• Cancer therapy
• Bristol-Myers Squibb
• CD137
• IgG4

References

• Johnson, L.T., & Parker, G.H. (2016). Urelumab: The Road to Development. Oncology Research Journal.
• Bristol-Myers Squibb Research Archives. (2017). Comprehensive Study of Urelumab. BMS Publications.

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