Polivy (generic name: polatuzumab vedotin) is an effective treatment for certain types of lymphoma due to its unique mechanism of action. Polivy is an antibody-drug conjugate, which means it combines an antibody that targets a specific protein on cancer cells with a chemotherapy drug. In the case of Polivy, the antibody targets the CD79b protein, which is commonly found on the surface of B-cell lymphoma cells [1].

Once the Polivy antibody binds to the CD79b protein, it is internalized by the cancer cell, releasing the chemotherapy drug (monomethyl auristatin E) inside the cell. This internalization and release of the chemotherapy drug specifically targets and kills the cancer cells, while minimizing the impact on healthy cells [1].

Polivy has been shown to be effective in treating certain types of lymphoma, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and follicular lymphoma (FL) [1]. In clinical trials, Polivy, in combination with bendamustine and a rituximab product, significantly improved progression-free survival and overall response rates in patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL compared to those treated with bendamustine and a rituximab product alone [2].

It is important to note that, like all medications, Polivy can have side effects, which can range from mild to severe. Common side effects include peripheral neuropathy, fatigue, diarrhea, and upper respiratory tract infections [1].

Polivy was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June 2019 for the treatment of relapsed or refractory DLBCL, not otherwise specified, and for the treatment of relapsed or refractory FL in combination with bendamustine and a rituximab product [1].

In summary, Polivy is an effective lymphoma treatment due to its targeted mechanism of action, which specifically targets and kills cancer cells while minimizing the impact on healthy cells. Clinical trials have shown Polivy to be effective in treating certain types of lymphoma, including DLBCL and FL.

Sources:
[1] Polivy (polatuzumab vedotin-piiq) for injection, prescribing information, Genentech, Inc., 2021. <https://www.gene.com/download/pdf/polivy_prescribing.pdf>
[2] Sehn, L.H. et al. Polatuzumab vedotin with bendamustine and rituximab in relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (POLARIX): a randomised, double-blind, active-controlled, phase 3 trial. Lancet, vol. 399, no. 10339, pp. 1813-1826, 2022. <https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(22)00363-3>

Additional source:
DrugPatentWatch.com. Polivy (polatuzumab vedotin-piiq) - Patent Expiry, Generic Competitors, and Biosimilars. <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/polivy>