BCMA is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor family that is expressed on plasma cells and on late stage normal and malignant B-cells.1 BCMA binds to BAFF, activating the NF-kB and MAPK8/JNK signaling pathways, which leads to the proliferation and survival of plasma cells.2
BCMA can also bind to a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL), which is associated with B cell development. Both ligands are associated with the regulation of cell survival and growth.3
Understanding the Role of BCMA
This animation explains the role of BCMA in the life cycle of plasma cells and the effects of overexpression of BCMA on the abnormal survival of these cells.
Expression in Cancer
Anti-BCMA Targeting Therapies
This table outlines therapies targeting BCMA both approved by the FDA and in the pipeline.
|
Anti-BCMA Targeting Therapies Approved by the FDA |
|
|
Brand Name (Generic Drug Name) |
Indications |
|
Abecma (idecabtagene vicleucel)1 |
Treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma after 4 or more prior lines of therapy, including an immunomodulatory agent, a proteasome inhibitor, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody |
|
Tecvayli (teclistamab-cqyv)2 |
Treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least four prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody |
|
Anti-BCMA Targeting Therapies in the Pipeline |
|
|
Elranatamab3 |
Treatment being evaluated in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma |
|
REGN54584 |
Treatment being evaluated in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma |
|
ABBV-3835 |
Treatment being evaluated in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma |
