An international clinical study has revealed a new therapeutic principle in transplant medicine that is safe and highly effective in reducing antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) after kidney transplantation.
The study included 22 patients who suffered organ rejection (AMR) after kidney transplantation, at the University Hospital Vienna and Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, between 2021 and 2023.
The research team examined patients who took either Felzartamab or an agent with no drug effect (placebo).
Felzartamab is a specific antibody (CD38 monoclonal) that was originally developed as an immunotherapy for multiple myeloma by eliminating cancer cells in the bone marrow.
“Due to its unique ability to influence immune reactions, Felzartamab has attracted interest in the field of transplant medicine,” said study leader Georg Bömmig, explaining the latest developments.
“Our goal was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the antibody as a potential treatment option for AMR after kidney transplantation,” adds Katharina Mayer, the first author of the study.
After a 6-month treatment period and a similar observation period, the researchers were able to report promising results, most notably the ability of Felzartamab to effectively and safely combat AMR in kidney transplants.
“Our findings also raise hope that Felzartamab can combat rejection of other donor organs, such as heart or lung transplants,” Bumig says.
It is noteworthy that AMR is one of the most common complications of kidney transplantation, as the organ recipient’s immune system develops antibodies against the foreign organ, which may lead to loss of kidney function, the need for more dialysis or even a repeat transplant.
The results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
It is offering hope for improved outcomes.
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