Elranatamab: First Approval

Elranatamab (elranatamab-bcmm; ELREXFIO (TM)) is a bispecific B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed CD3 T cell engager being developed by Pfizer for the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM). Elranatamab bridges CD3 on T cells with BCMA expressed on multiple myeloma cells, thereby activating T cells to induce T cell-mediated cytotoxicity against myeloma cells. In August 2023, elranatamab received its first approval in the USA for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) who have received at least four prior lines of therapy including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody. Elranatamab received accelerated approval for this indication based on response rate and durability of response, and continued approval may be contingent on the demonstration of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial(s). Elranatamab has also received a positive opinion in the EU for RRMM and is under regulatory review in Japan and several other countries worldwide. Clinical studies of elranatamab are also underway in countries around the world. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of elranatamab leading to this first approval for the treatment of RRMM.