Produced by Janssen Biotech and Genmab, Darzalex™ or daratumumab is the first monoclonal antibody that was approved by the FDA for treating individuals with multiple myeloma.
Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system to defend the body against infections. Antibodies that are created in the lab (monoclonal antibodies) can be used to target a particular substance, which is, in this case, the proteins found outside of myeloma cells.
How Darzalex Works
Myeloma cells host a protein known as CD38 on their exterior, and Darzalex is classified as a monoclonal antibody that binds itself to this protein to target the cancer cells. The action of Darzalex works by directly destroying myeloma cells and also prompting the immune system to strike cancer cells. Administered intravenously, Darzalex™ (daratumumab) is primarily reserved for the treatment of patients who have previously received other lines of therapy for their disease.
Daratumumab may be taken as a combination therapy along with or and . The medication may also be used alone by patients who have previously been on at least three different drugs (proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory agents) for the treatment of their disease. Darzalex is also approved for the treatment of those who have not had any success with a proteasome inhibitor or an immunomodulatory agent.
Darzalex Side Effects
In addition to causing reactions on injection spots during its administration or within a couple of hours, this medication may also cause side effects such as breathing problems, wheezing, a persistent cough, nausea, headaches, lightheadedness, and rashes. Additionally, some patients report side effects such as backaches, fever, coughing, and lethargy. Darzalex may also cause a decrease in blood cell counts, contributing to a higher risk of infections.
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