MORAb-009
MORAb-009 Information
- Other names: Amatuximab
- Manufactured by: Morphotek
- FDA-approved: No
- Used or tested in: Mesothelioma, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer
MORAb-009 is being tested in mesothelioma patients as an immunotherapy drug, meaning it works with the body's immune system to boost its natural cancer-fighting response. The Morphotek-manufactured drug, also known by its brand name Amatuximab, has only been tested since 2006 and has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Despite this, MORAb-009 already shows promise in treating mesothelioma cancer and pancreatic cancer.
To learn more about MORAb and other types of immunotherapy, request a complimentary packet from the Mesothelioma Center. Our packet goes over types of mesothelioma treatments and helps you decide which ones may be right for you. To request your free informational packet, fill out a form and a copy will be mailed to you overnight.
How does MORAb-009 Work?
MORAb-009 is a monoclonal antibody (MAb), which is the most common type of immunotherapy drug. This type of drug is made in a laboratory and administered through an intravenous drip which goes directly into the bloodstream. The drug begins fighting cancer on its own, and then it recruits the body's natural immune system to help.
Together the drug and the immune system attack and kill the cancer by targeting cells containing high levels of mesothelin, a substance which naturally only occurs in low levels in pleural, pericardial and peritoneal linings. Excess mesothelin can be indicative of certain cancers including mesothelioma and pancreatic cancer. So, targeting mesothelin helps to stop or slow the spread of cancer and to kill cancer cells already present.
What are MORAb-009's Side Effects?
Compared to other mesothelioma treatments like chemotherapy, MORAb-009's side effects are mild. Patients may experience flu-like side effects like chills, fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and weakness. Usually, these side effects develop the first time the drug is administered and do not last.
Clinical Trials
MORAb-009 is currently in Phase I and Phase II clinical trials to test its safety and efficacy. So far in mesothelioma patients, MORAb-009 is being tested alone and in conjunction with chemotherapy drugs pemetrexed and cisplatin. The drug is still new and few study results have been published, but researchers state they've had success in treating mesothelioma with the new drug.
In a small clinical trial headed by Raffit Hassan, M.D., doctors administered MORAb-009 to 24 patients, 13 of whom had mesothelioma. The drug stabilized the disease in 11 patients and temporarily prevented the cancer from spreading. However, no patients had tumor shrinkage. The study did not break down results based on type of cancer, so it is unknown how many of the 11 improved patients had mesothelioma.
The drug continues to be tested in mesothelioma patients as well as patients with pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. For help finding clinical trials studying MORAb-009 or other up-and-coming mesothelioma treatments, call (800) 615-2270 to speak with one of our experienced and compassionate Patient Advocates.
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Last Modified Monday, May 14th, 2012 | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy |
The information provided by The Mesothelioma Center is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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