I-Mab has introduced groundbreaking antibody known as felzartamab. This investigational monoclonal antibody specifically targets CD38 and is being developed as a potential therapy for primary membranous nephropathy (PMN).
The novel antibody targets CD38, a protein expressed on mature plasma cells. CD38 is strongly and uniformly expressed on the surface of malignant plasma cells, making it a viable target for therapeutic intervention.
The suggested mode of action for felzartamab involves recruiting cells of the body's immune system to kill the tumour through antibody-dependant cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and antibody-dependant cellular phagocytosis (ADCP). Notably, the antibody does not involve complement-dependant cytotoxicity (CDC), an additional immune mechanism involved in tumour cell killing.
PMN, which is a leading cause of nephrotic syndrome (NS) in adults worldwide, felzartamab holds promise as a potential treatment. Nephrotic syndrome is characterised by symptoms such as oedema, significant proteinuria (>3.5 g/day), and hypoalbuminemia.
The onset and diagnosis of PMN typically occur between the ages of 40 and 50. The unique targeting mechanism of felzartamab against CD38 on plasma cells may provide a targeted and effective therapeutic approach for this rare autoimmune kidney disease.
PMN is a rare autoimmune kidney disease characterised by the thickening of the glomerular basement membrane (GBM) due to the formation and deposition of immune complexes in the space between podocytes and the glomerular endothelium of the kidney.
