Tafasitamab is a type of targeted therapy known as a monoclonal antibody. It is designed to recognize and attach to a specific protein called CD19, which is found on the surface of B-cells, including those that have become cancerous in follicular lymphoma and other B-cell malignancies.

When tafasitamab binds to CD19, it triggers the destruction of these B-cells through several mechanisms. It can cause the cancerous cells to die directly (apoptosis), and it also helps the immune system recognize and attack these cells through processes called antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP). In studies, combining tafasitamab with lenalidomide or rituximab has shown increased effectiveness compared to using any of these medicines alone. This combination leads to a significant reduction in the number of B-cells in the blood, which is sustained as long as treatment continues.

Tafasitamab

Common brand names

Approved use in