Drugs of today
-
Obinutuzumab is a novel therapeutic anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody recently approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in combination with chlorambucil as first-line treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). It is distinguished from other anti-B-lymphocyte antigen CD20 (anti-CD20) therapeutic antibodies in current clinical use by its type II properties and glycoengineered Fc region. In vitro these unique properties translate into higher rates of antibody-dependent cytotoxicity and direct cell death compared to rituximab, and obinutuzumab demonstrates improved efficacy in human lymphoma xenograft models and whole blood lymphocyte depletion assays. ⋯ Toxicities of obinutuzumab are similar to those of other anti-CD20 antibodies, although infusion-related reactions and neutropenia appear to be more common. This trial establishes chemoimmunotherapy with obinutuzumab and chlorambucil as an attractive treatment option for CLL patients, particularly those with comorbid medical illnesses or advanced age. Obinutuzumab remains under study in combination with both chemotherapy and novel agents for CLL and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, where it is expected to find additional clinical applications.
-
Not far from the Liberty Bell Hall and the historical parks of old Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Convention Center hosted this year's American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting for a full week of integrated science, symposium and general poster sessions. A great amount of research papers were presented and discussed during the meeting by attendees taking refuge from the downpour outside during at least 2 days. But the science was worth staying indoors to witness high-quality research, as summarized in this report.
-
Macitentan is a novel, dual endothelin receptor antagonist recently approved for the treatment of WHO Group I pulmonary arterial hypertension. Its pharmacologic mechanism of action as well as the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and potential drug-drug interactions have been demonstrated in multiple phase I and II trials. ⋯ The most common adverse events were rarely clinically significant, nor did they result in a high rate of discontinuation. Of note, macitentan is contraindicated in pregnant women due to embryo-fetal toxicity.