Overview
Rozanolixizumab is a humanized high-affinity anti-human neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) monoclonal antibody (IgG4P) targeting the immunoglobulin G (IgG). Rozonolixizumab itself is an IgG4P, an inactive isotype, to reduce the likelihood of unwanted chain exchange. It is investigated for use in autoimmune and alloimmune diseases with pathologic IgG, particularly generalized myasthenia gravis. Generalized myasthenia gravis is characterized by the formation of IgG antibodies against the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) or muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK). Approximately 80% of myasthenia gravis patients tested positive for the AChR autoantibodies, and 40% of these AChR-negative or seronegative patients were found to have MuSK autoantibodies. AChR is vital for signal transduction in the neuromuscular junctions (NMJ) by generating muscle end plate potentials to propagate action potential. Therefore, the presence of AChR-antibodies can interfere with the ACh-mediated downstream signaling, thus reducing the likelihood of end plate potentials reaching the threshold needed to trigger an action potential. As a result, the main clinical manifestation of myasthenia gravis is easily fatigable or persistent muscle weakness. On the other hand, MuSK activation can trigger the clustering of AChR at the NMJ, guide the innervation of motor neurons toward AChR-dense areas, and anchor acetylcholinesterase. Therefore, autoantibodies against MuSK can also affect the signal propagation at the NMJ. Rozanolixizumab-noli is available under the brand name RYSTIGGO and was developed by UCB. It was granted orphan drug designation by the FDA in 2019, by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in April 2020, and by the Japanese Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) in November 2020. In June 2023, Rozanolixizumab-noli was approved by the FDA under Priority Review for the treatment of adult patients with generalized myasthenia gravis who are positive for the anti-acetylcholine receptor (AchR) or anti-muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) antibody. This is due to the efficacy demonstrated in the pivotal Phase 3 MycarinG study (NCT03971422).
Indication
Rozanolixizumab-noli is indicated for the treatment of generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) in adult patients who are anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) or anti-muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) antibody positive.
Associated Conditions
- Generalized Myasthenia Gravis
Research Report
Rozanolixizumab (RYSTIGGO®): A Comprehensive Pharmacological and Clinical Review of a Novel FcRn Antagonist for Generalized Myasthenia Gravis
Section 1: Molecular Profile and Biochemical Characteristics
Rozanolixizumab represents a significant advancement in the field of targeted biologic therapies for autoimmune diseases. Its design, structure, and formulation are intricately linked to its specific mechanism of action and clinical profile. A thorough understanding of its biochemical identity is foundational to appreciating its therapeutic role.
1.1 Classification and Structure
Rozanolixizumab is classified as a biotech therapeutic, specifically a recombinant, humanized monoclonal antibody.[1] It is produced using established and highly controlled recombinant DNA technology within a Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell line, a standard platform for the manufacturing of complex therapeutic proteins.[3]
Structurally, the antibody is of the immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) subclass. This selection is a critical bioengineering choice aimed at minimizing the antibody's own immunological activity. The IgG4 isotype has an intrinsically low affinity for activating Fc gamma receptors (FcγRs) and does not engage the C1q component of the classical complement pathway.[5] To further ensure stability and prevent a phenomenon known as "fab-arm exchange"—where IgG4 half-molecules can dissociate and reassociate with other IgG4s, potentially leading to non-functional or bispecific antibodies—a stabilizing proline substitution has been introduced in the hinge region. This engineered variant is designated
IgG4P.[2] This design ensures that Rozanolixizumab functions purely as a high-affinity antagonist for its target, without inducing unintended inflammatory or cytotoxic effects, which would be a significant risk with other IgG subclasses like IgG1. The overall structure is described as a
Clinical Trials
Title | Posted | Study ID | Phase | Status | Sponsor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2024/12/06 | Phase 1 | Completed | |||
2024/08/06 | Phase 3 | ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION | |||
2023/11/29 | Phase 2 | Recruiting | |||
2023/01/12 | Phase 3 | Completed | |||
2022/12/09 | Phase 2 | Completed | |||
2021/09/30 | Phase 3 | Recruiting | |||
2021/08/20 | N/A | NO_LONGER_AVAILABLE | |||
2021/05/06 | Phase 2 | Terminated | |||
2021/04/02 | Phase 1 | Completed | |||
2020/12/03 | Phase 3 | Completed |
EMA Drug Approvals
Approved Product | Authorization Holder | Status | Issued Date |
---|---|---|---|
Authorised | 1/5/2024 | ||
Authorised | 1/5/2024 | ||
Authorised | 1/5/2024 | ||
Authorised | 1/5/2024 | ||
Authorised | 1/5/2024 | ||
Authorised | 1/5/2024 |
HSA Drug Approvals
Approved Product | Manufacturer | Approval Number | Dosage Form | Strength | Approval Date |
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No HSA approvals found for this drug. |
NMPA Drug Approvals
Approved Product | Company | Approval Number | Drug Type | Dosage Form | Approval Date |
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No NMPA approvals found for this drug. |
PPB Drug Approvals
Approved Product | Registration No. | Company | Licence No. | Strength | Registration Date |
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No PPB approvals found for this drug. |
TGA Drug Approvals
Approved Product | ARTG ID | Sponsor | Registration Type | Status | Registration Date |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
RYSTIGGO rozanolixizumab 140 mg/mL solution for injection for infusion vial | 427684 | Medicine | A | 2/7/2025 |
Health Canada Drug Approvals
Approved Product | Company | DIN | Dosage Form | Strength | Market Date |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
RYSTIGGO | UCB Canada Inc | 02556081 | Solution - Subcutaneous | 140 MG / ML | N/A |
CIMA AEMPS Drug Approvals
Approved Product | Company | Registration Number | Pharmaceutical Form | Prescription Type | Status |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
RYSTIGGO 140 MG/ML SOLUCION INYECTABLE | 1231780001 | SOLUCIÓN INYECTABLE | Uso Hospitalario | Commercialized |
Philippines FDA Drug Approvals
Approved Product | Company | License Number | Dosage Form | Strength | Approval Date |
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No Philippines FDA approvals found for this drug. |
Saudi SFDA Drug Approvals
Approved Product | Company | License Number | Dosage Form | Strength | Approval Date |
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No Saudi SFDA approvals found for this drug. |
Malaysia NPRA Drug Approvals
Approved Product | Company | Registration Number | Dosage Form | Strength | Approval Date |
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No Malaysia NPRA approvals found for this drug. |
UK EMC Drug Information
Medicine Name | MA Holder | MA Number | Pharmaceutical Form | Active Ingredient | Authorization Date |
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No UK EMC drug information found for this drug. |
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