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Blinatumomab: First Global Approval

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Abstract

Blinatumomab (BLINCYTO™) is a novel, bispecific T-cell engaging antibody that binds cluster of differentiation (CD) 19 antigens on blast cells while also binding and activating the CD3/T cell receptor complex, causing cell lysis. The antibody is being developed by Amgen as a treatment for haematological cancers that originate from B cell lines. Blinatumomab was approved by the US FDA in December 2014 for the treatment of adults with Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)-negative relapsed/refractory B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (BCP-ALL). It is awaiting approval for this indication in the EU and is in phase III development in various countries. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of blinatumomab leading to its first approval for the treatment of Ph-negative BCP-ALL.

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Disclosure

The preparation of this report was not supported by any external funding. During the peer review process the manufacturer of the agent under review was offered an opportunity to comment on the article. Changes resulting from any comments received were made by the author on the basis of scientific completeness and accuracy. M. Sanford is a salaried employee of Adis, Springer SBM.

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  1. Springer, Private Bag 65901, Mairangi Bay 0754, Auckland, New Zealand

    Mark Sanford

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  1. Mark Sanford
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Correspondence to Mark Sanford.

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This profile has been extracted and modified from the Adis R&D Insight drug pipeline database. Adis R&D Insight tracks drug development worldwide through the entire development process, from discovery, through pre-clinical and clinical studies to market launch.

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Sanford, M. Blinatumomab: First Global Approval. Drugs 75, 321–327 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40265-015-0356-3

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