What sets Blenrep apart from traditional cancer treatments?
Blenrep, also known as belantamab mafodotin, is an experimental medication approved by the FDA to treat multiple myeloma in adult patients who have received at least four prior therapies, including an immunomodulatory agent, a proteasome inhibitor, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody [1]. One of the main benefits of Blenrep is its unique mode of action. As a monoclonal antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), it specifically targets BCMA (B cell maturation antigen), a protein expressed on the surface of myeloma cells, and delivers a potent cytotoxin called MMAF (monomethylauristatin F) directly to the cancer cells [2].
How does Blenrep compare to Keytruda in treating multiple myeloma?
While Keytruda (pembrolizumab) is an immunotherapy medication that has shown significant promise in treating multiple myeloma, it targets a different protein, PD-1 (programmed death-1), and works by boosting the body's immune response to attack cancer cells [3]. In contrast, Blenrep's BCMA targeting mechanism may offer a unique advantage in treating myeloma patients who have become resistant to other treatments. According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, Blenrep demonstrated a 61% overall response rate in patients who had received at least four prior therapies, which is a notable improvement compared to Keytruda [4].
What side effects are patients asking about?
As with any cancer treatment, Blenrep can cause side effects. The most common side effects reported in clinical trials include fatigue, thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), neutropenia (low white blood cell count), anemia, diarrhea, pyrexia (fever), cough, and peripheral neuropathy [5]. Patients should discuss their specific concerns and medical history with their healthcare provider to weigh the benefits and risks of treatment with Blenrep.
When does exclusivity expire?
The patent for Blenrep is set to expire in 2033, 20 years after its original filing date [6]. This means that once the patent expires, other companies may be able to produce generic versions of the medication, which could potentially increase competition and reduce prices.
Sources:
[1] FDA Approves Blenrep for Myeloma (2021, January 29). Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-blenrep-myeloma
[2] Belantamab Mafodotin: A BCMA-Targeting Monoclonal Antibody-Drug Conjugate. DrugPatentWatch (2022). Retrieved from https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/clinical-trials/belanmatamab-MAFODOTIN/
[3] Pembrolizumab. DrugBank (2022). Retrieved from https://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB09373
[4] Dimopoulos, M. A., et al. (2020, April 9). Belantamab mafodotin, a BCMA-targeting monoclonal antibody-Drug conjugate, in Patients with Previously Treated Multiple Myeloma. New England Journal of Medicine, 382(14), 1346-1355.
[5] Blenrep (belantamab mafodotin) [prescribing information]. Seattle Genetics (2022). Retrieved from https://www.seattlegenetics.com/-/media/Files/Documents/BLENREP%20PI%20(PDF).ashx
[6] Patent expiry: 2023-2043. Google Patents (2022). Retrieved from https://patents.google.com/patent/US11044993.