Necitumumab Drugbank ID :DB09559 Molecular Weight (Daltons) :144800 Half life : Approx 14 days Description : Necitumumab is an intravenously administered recombinant monoclonal IgG1 antibody used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as an EGFR antagonist. It functions by binding to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and prevents binding of its ligands, a process that is involved in cell proliferation, metastasis, angiogenesis, and malignant progression. Binding of necitumumab to EGFR induces receptor internalization and degradation, thereby preventing further activation of EGFR which is beneficial in NSCLC as many patients have increased protein expression of EGFR. Necitumumab is approved for use in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine as a first-line treatment for metastatic squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Indication : Necitumumab is approved for use in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine as a first-line treatment for metastatic squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It is not indicated for treatment of non-squamous NSCLC. Pharmacodynamics : In animal models administration of necitumumab to implanted mice resulted in increased antitumor activity in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin as compared to mice receiving gemcitabine and cisplatin alone.

Mechanism of action : Necitumumab is a recombinant human lgG1 monoclonal antibody that binds to the human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and blocks the binding of EGFR to its ligands. Expression and activation of EGFR has been correlated with malignant progression, induction of angiogenesis, and inhibition of apoptosis. Binding of necitumumab induces EGFR internalization and degradation in vitro. In vitro, binding of necitumumab also led to antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) in EGFR-expressing cells. Volume of distribution : Steady state volume of distribution (Vss) is 7.0 L Clearance : Mean total systemic clearance (CLtot) at steady state is 14.1 mL/h

Brands : Portrazza Company : Eli Lilly and Company Formulation : Each vial contains 800 mg PORTRAZZA in 50 mL (16 mg/mL) Form : Sterile, preservative free, clear to slightly opalescent and colorless to slightly yellow solution Route of administration : Intravenous

Dosage : The recommended dose of PORTRAZZA is 800 mg administered as an intravenous infusion over 60 minutes on Days 1 and 8 of each 3-week cycle prior to gemcitabine and cisplatin infusion. Continue PORTRAZZA until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Contraindication : NA Side effects : Cardiopulmonary Arrest; Hypomagnesemia; Venous and Arterial Thromboembolic Events; Dermatologic Toxicities; nfusion-Related Reactions; Non-Squamous NSCLC - Increased Toxicity and Increased Mortality .

Useful links http://www.rxlist.com/portrazza-drug/side-effects-interactions.htm