A newly approved treatment is offering hope to thousands of people living with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer that affects plasma cells. The medication, called linvoseltamab and sold under the name Lynozyfic, has been fast-tracked for approval to treat adults whose disease has returned or is no longer responding to previous therapies particularly those who have already undergone at least four other treatments.
Multiple myeloma causes plasma cells, which help the body fight infections, to multiply uncontrollably. This leads to the overproduction of abnormal antibodies, damaging the bone marrow and crowding out healthy blood cells. As the disease advances, it can affect bones and multiple organs. A key player in the cancer’s progression is the B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA), a protein found in large amounts on myeloma cells that helps them survive and grow. Many current therapies target BCMA, but resistance or relapse is common, making new options critical.
Lynozyfic targets BCMA by linking T cells an essential part of the immune system to myeloma cells. This connection allows the immune system to better recognize and destroy the cancer cells. Unlike CAR T-cell therapy, which is personalized and complex to produce, Lynozyfic is an off-the-shelf treatment that can be administered quickly, potentially making it a more accessible option for many patients.
The treatment was tested in a clinical study involving 80 patients with relapsed or treatment-resistant multiple myeloma. These individuals had previously tried at least four other therapies. About 70% showed improvement after starting Lynozyfic. Of those, around 90% were still responding after nine months, and about 70% continued doing well after a year. Nearly half of the participants had no detectable signs of cancer following treatment.
Lynozyfic is administered intravenously in gradually increasing doses 5 mg, 25 mg, and then 200 mg. After these initial doses, patients receive 200 mg weekly for 10 weeks, then biweekly. If they are stable by week 24 and have completed at least 17 doses, the dosing schedule may shift to once every four weeks.
Common side effects include fatigue, bone and muscle pain, headache, shortness of breath, nausea, and diarrhea. Serious side effects may include severe immune reactions, nerve issues, or infusion-related problems. Due to these risks, patients may be monitored in the hospital for 24 hours after their first two doses.
Additional precautions include a heightened risk of infections, liver complications, and potential harm to unborn babies. Birth control is recommended during treatment and for three months afterward. Patients are also advised to avoid driving or operating machinery for 48 hours after initial doses or during episodes of confusion or other neurological symptoms.
