Otlertuzumab to be evaluated for PTCL in phase II trials

On 28^th November 2017, Aptevo Therapeutics announced in a press release their decision to investigate the use of otlertuzumab in peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL). Scott Stromatt, Chief Medical Officer, commented that “intriguing evidence has been reported on the overexpression of CD37 on T-cell malignancies, suggesting a potential role for otlertuzumab in an attractive, orphan drug-eligible indication with high unmet medical need”. This evidence is promising as there are limited options for patients with this type of rare and aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Otlertuzumab is a humanized monospecific antibody that targets CD37 that is currently being evaluated in the use of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in combination with other drugs. Aptevo Therapeutics plans to assess the safety and efficacy of otlertuzumab in combination with bendamustine in patients who have relapsed or refractory PTCL.