Amatuximab (MORab-009) is a chimeric, humanized IgG1/k MAb that targets the cell surface mesothelin (MSLN). Mesothelin is a glycosylphosphatidyl inositol (GPI)-anchored membrane glycoprotein, which is present in a restricted set of normal adult tissues such as the mesothelium[1][2].
Amatuximab (MORAb-009) is a mouse-human chimeric monoclonal antibody with a selective affinity for MSLN. In vitro, amatuximab elicits antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) against mesothelin expressing tumor cell lines and inhibits heterotypic cell adhesion of mesothelin-positive tumor cells to CA125-expressing tumor cells[1].
In tumor xenograft studies, combination treatment with amatuximab plus chemotherapy led to a greater reduction in the growth of mesothelin-expressing tumors than either Amatuximab or chemotherapy alone[1].
[1]. Hassan R, et al. Phase II clinical trial of amatuximab, a chimeric antimesothelin antibody with pemetrexed and cisplatin in advanced unresectable pleural mesothelioma. Clin Cancer Res. 2014;20(23):5927-5936.
[2]. Baldo P, et al. Amatuximab and novel agents targeting mesothelin for solid tumors. Onco Targets Ther. 2017;10:5337-5353. Published 2017 Nov 8.