Table of Contents
- What is Odronextamab?
- How Does Odronextamab Work?
- What Conditions Does Odronextamab Treat?
- Current Clinical Trials
- How is Odronextamab Administered?
- Potential Side Effects
- Future Research and Combinations
What is Odronextamab?
Odronextamab, also known as REGN1979, is an experimental drug being studied for the treatment of various types of B-cell lymphomas. B-cell lymphomas are cancers that affect a type of white blood cell called B-cells, which are an important part of the immune system. Odronextamab is classified as a bispecific antibody, which means it’s designed to target two different proteins at the same time[1].
How Does Odronextamab Work?
Odronextamab works by targeting two specific proteins:
- CD20: This protein is found on the surface of B-cells, including cancerous B-cells.
- CD3: This protein is found on T-cells, another type of immune cell.
By binding to both CD20 and CD3, odronextamab acts like a bridge, bringing T-cells (the body’s natural cancer fighters) close to the cancerous B-cells. This proximity allows the T-cells to recognize and attack the cancer cells more effectively[2].
What Conditions Does Odronextamab Treat?
Odronextamab is being studied for several types of B-cell lymphomas, including:
- Follicular Lymphoma (FL): A slow-growing type of lymphoma
- Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL): An aggressive type of lymphoma
- Marginal Zone Lymphoma (MZL): A slow-growing lymphoma that develops in B-cells in the marginal zone of lymphoid tissue
- Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL): A rare type of B-cell lymphoma
- Other B-cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas (B-NHL)
Odronextamab is being tested in patients whose cancer has either come back after previous treatment (called “relapsed”) or has not responded to treatment (called “refractory”)[3][2].
Current Clinical Trials
Odronextamab is currently being studied in several clinical trials, including:
- Phase 1 trials: These early studies are designed to test the safety and tolerability of odronextamab and determine the best dose to use[1].
- Phase 3 trials: These larger studies compare odronextamab to standard treatments to see if it works better. For example:
- OLYMPIA-1: Comparing odronextamab to rituximab plus chemotherapy in previously untreated follicular lymphoma[4].
- OLYMPIA-2: Testing odronextamab with chemotherapy in previously untreated follicular lymphoma[5].
- OLYMPIA-3: Comparing odronextamab plus chemotherapy to rituximab plus chemotherapy in previously untreated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma[6].
- OLYMPIA-4: Evaluating odronextamab against standard care in relapsed/refractory aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma[7].
- OLYMPIA-5: Comparing odronextamab plus lenalidomide to rituximab plus lenalidomide in relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma and marginal zone lymphoma[8].
How is Odronextamab Administered?
Odronextamab is typically given as an intravenous (IV) infusion, which means it’s delivered directly into the bloodstream through a vein. The exact dosing schedule can vary depending on the specific clinical trial and the patient’s condition. Some studies are also exploring subcutaneous (under the skin) injections of odronextamab[1].
Potential Side Effects
As with any medication, odronextamab can cause side effects. The full range of potential side effects is still being studied, but some that researchers are monitoring include:
- Cytokine release syndrome (CRS): A condition where the immune system becomes overactive, causing symptoms like fever, chills, and low blood pressure
- Neurological effects: Such as headache or confusion
- Infections: Due to changes in the immune system
- Infusion-related reactions: Symptoms that occur during or shortly after receiving the IV infusion
It’s important to note that not all patients will experience these side effects, and researchers are working to find ways to manage and minimize them[2].
Future Research and Combinations
Researchers are also exploring how odronextamab might work in combination with other treatments. For example:
- Combining odronextamab with chemotherapy to potentially improve its effectiveness[6].
- Using odronextamab with lenalidomide, another drug used to treat certain blood cancers[8].
- Studying odronextamab in combination with REGN5837 (another experimental drug) for aggressive B-cell lymphomas[9].
- Investigating the combination of odronextamab with cemiplimab, an immunotherapy drug[10].
These studies aim to find the most effective ways to use odronextamab and potentially improve outcomes for patients with B-cell lymphomas.



