catumaxomab

Description

Catumaxomab is an anti-Ep-CAM monoclonal antibody, it has been designed to induce more efficient killing of epithelial tumor cells. More specifically, catumaxomab is a bispecific trifunctional antibody (trAb). In addition to its EpCAM recognition arm, it possesses an anti-CD3 arm that targets the T-cell antigen CD3; binding to the CD3 receptor activates T cells to release cytotoxic cytokines and to promote T cell-mediated lysis. In essence, catumaxomab consists of one half of an anti-Ep-CAM antibody and one half of an anti-CD3 antibody. The trifunctionality comes into play with an intact Fc region that selectively binds to FCg receptor-positive accessory cells, such as macrophages, dendritic cells, and natural killer (NK) cells that promote phagocytosis and antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity. As a trAb that brings the requisite immune effector cells in close proximity to the tumor cells, catumaxomab destroys tumor cells possessing the surface antigen Ep-CAM via simultaneous activation and complex crosstalk of T cells and accessory immune cells. While it has gained approval for the intraperitoneal (i.p.) treatment of malignant ascites caused by Ep-CAM-positive metastatic epithelial-derived tumors, it is also being evaluated for the treatment of ovarian and gastric cancers.

Originator

TRION Pharma (Germany)

Uses

Catumaxomab, a trifunctional IgG2 antibody, is composed of mouse and rat heavy and light chains and binds to human EpCAM and human CD 3 receptors. The Fc region of Catumaxomab region has binding affinity for FcγR1 (CD 64), FcγRIIA (CD 32a), and FcγRIII (CD 16). Catumaxomab can be used for anti-tumor research, especially epithelial cancers[1][2].

brand name

Removab

References

[1] Mansoor M. Amiji, et.al. Chapter Two - Innate and adaptive immunity in cancer. Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy. Academic Press, 2022, Pages 19-61.
[2] Hirschhaeuser F, et.al. Efficacy of catumaxomab in tumor spheroid killing is mediated by its trifunctional mode of action. Cancer Immunol Immunother. 2010 Nov;59(11):1675-84. DOI:10.1007/s00262-010-0894-1