Farletuzumab Explained

Farletuzumab (MORAb-003) is a humanized monoclonal antibody^[1] of IgG1/κ^[2] which is being investigated for the treatment of ovarian cancer.

This drug was developed by Morphotek, Inc.

It is targeted at folate receptor alpha (FRα) which is overexpressed in some cancers such as epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) and non-small-cell lung carcinoma.

Mechanism of action

Farletuzumab uses the following mechanisms of action:

• Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity
• Complement-dependent cytotoxicity
• Inhibition of interaction between FRα and Lyn kinase
• Induces cell death associated with autophagy

Adverse effects

Common adverse effects include hypersensitivity reactions, fever, chills, headache, fatigue, and diarrhea.

Notes and References

1. http://www.ama-assn.org/ama1/pub/upload/mm/365/farletuzumab.pdf Statement On A Nonproprietary Name Adopted By The Usan Council - Farletuzumab
2. Sato S, Itamochi H . Profile of farletuzumab and its potential in the treatment of solid tumors . OncoTargets and Therapy . 9 . 1181–8 . 2016-03-07 . 27022278 . 4789847 . 10.2147/OTT.S98242 . free .