Epratuzumab

Epratuzumab (planned trade name LymphoCide) is a humanized monoclonal antibody. Potential uses may be found in oncology and in treatment of inflammatory autoimmune disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).^[1][2]

Epratuzumab

Monoclonal antibody
Type	Whole antibody
Source	Humanized (from mouse)
Target	CD22
Clinical data
Trade names	LymphoCide
ATC code	none
Legal status
Legal status	Investigational
Identifiers
CAS Number	205923-57-5 N
PubChem SID	47206001
IUPHAR/BPS	8088
DrugBank	DB04958 N
ChemSpider	none
UNII	3062P60MH9
KEGG	D04036 Y
NY (what is this?)  (verify)

Clinical trials

A clinical trial for relapsed adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has reported initial results.^[3]

Results have been published for a phase II trial in untreated follicular lymphoma.^[3]

Early results from a phase II trial for Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) were encouraging.^[3][4]

The manufacturers in August 2009 announced success in early trials against SLE,^[5] and started two Phase III clinical trials.
July 2015 : Both phase III trials (EMBODY1/2) for SLE failed to meet their primary endpoint.^[6]

Mechanism of action

Epratuzumab binds to the glycoprotein CD22 of mature and malignant B-cells.

Elevated CD22 and other B-cell receptor (BCR) 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"^[6] via a process called trogocytosis.^[3] Other SLE therapies destroy B-cells which compromises the immune system.