Janssen discovered novel therapy, Teclistamab for the treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.
Teclistamab is an off-the-shelf, T-cell redirecting, bispecific antibody which targets both B-Cell Maturation Antigen (BCMA) and CD3 receptors. Moreover, it redirects the CD3-positive T-cells to BCMA-expressing myeloma cells and kills the growth of tumour cells.
Multiple myeloma an incurable blood cancer affecting the type of white blood cell called plasma cells usually found in bone marrow. These plasma cells when damaged are supposed to quickly spread and replace normal cells with tumors in the bone marrow. Studies have suggested that teclistamab kills myeloma cell lines and bone marrow-derived myeloma cells from heavily pre-treated patients.
In 2021, it is estimated that approximately 35,000 people are diagnosed and more than 12,000 are expected to die with this disease in the U.S.
Initially patients with multiple myeloma have no symptoms. Patients are diagnosed due to symptoms such as tiredness, bone fracture or pain, low red blood cell counts, high calcium levels, kidney problems or infections.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD) for teclistamab in the treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.
