How it Works

Isatuximab is a new anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody. It is a targeted immunotherapy that can “find and bind” to myeloma cells. Isatuximab works together with your immune system to help destroy myeloma cells.

It works in three distinct ways to reduce the number of myeloma cells:

• It finds and binds to myeloma cells and exposes them for elimination by the immune system 
• It helps boost your immune system, making it harder for myeloma to survive 
• It directly kills myeloma cells

How it’s Administered

Isatuximab is administered by intravenous (IV) infusion into your vein with dexamethasone to prevent allergic reactions. The dose depends on your size; it is usually given at a dose of 10mg/kg actual body weight. 

Who Should Take Isatuximab

Isatuximab can be used in the following ways: 

• Isatuximab with pomalidomide and dex for relapsed/refractory myeloma patients with at least two prior drugs (lenalidomide and at least one proteasome inhibitor)
• Isatuximab with carfilzomib and dex for patients who have received 1-3 lines of myeloma therapy that didn’t work or is no longer working
• Patients with the 1Q gain may benefit from isatuximab (need reference)
• Patients with renal (kidney) issues may benefit from isatuximab (need reference)

Who Shouldn’t Take Isatuximab

• Patients with a history of a severe allergic reaction to Isatuximab-irfc or any of the ingredients in isatuximab
• Pregnant patients 

The Most Common Side Effects of Taking Isatuximab Include: 

• Low numbers of white blood cells known as neutrophils (neutropenia)
• Infusion-related reactions
• Pneumonia
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• High blood pressure
• Shortness of breath
• Insomnia
• Bronchitis
• Cough
• Back pain
• Anemia
• Low numbers of white blood cells known as lymphocytes (lymphopenia)
• Low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia)

Commonly Used With 

• Alone as a single agent
• Pomalidomide and dexamethasone 
• Lenalidomide and dexamethasone
• Carfilzomib and dexamethasone 
• Bortezomib
• Carfilzomib, Pomalidomide, and Dexamethasone 

Currently Being Tested With Isatuximab

• Steroids: Dexamethasone
• Chemotherapeutic drugs: Cyclophosphamide
• Immunomodulators agents: Lenalidomide, Pomalidomide
• Proteasome inhibitors: Carfilzomib, Bortezomib
• Monoclonal antibodies: Cemiplimab
• Antibody-Drug Conjugate: Belantamab mafodotin

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