Ramucizumab

Ramucizumab is a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody that targets the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A). It is engineered to bind to VEGF-A, thereby inhibiting its interaction with its receptor. This action ultimately leads to the reduction of angiogenesis, and consequently the growth of new blood vessels, which is a hallmark of various cancers.

Ramucizumab is used in the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma, a type of kidney cancer. It is often administered in combination with other chemotherapy agents, such as interferon-alpha. Clinical trials have demonstrated that the addition of ramucizumab to interferon-alpha significantly delays disease progression and improves overall survival in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

The mechanism of action of ramucizumab involves the inhibition of VEGF's role in promoting angiogenesis. Angiogenesis is the process by which new blood vessels form from pre-existing ones, and it is crucial for the growth and spread of cancer cells. By inhibiting this process, ramucizumab effectively starves the tumor of its blood supply, thereby slowing its growth.

Ramucizumab was originally developed by Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., and it was licensed to GlaxoSmithKline for further development and marketing. The drug is currently approved for use in several countries, including the United States, European Union, and Japan.