Crizanlizumab (Adakveo)

Mechanism of action

Definition from the NCI Drug Dictionary: A humanized monoclonal immunoglobulin G1 anti-P-selectin antibody with vaso-protective and anti-vaso-occlusive properties. Upon administration, crizanlizumab binds to P-selectin and blocks its interaction with P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1; SELPLG) on neutrophils and monocytes. P-selectin, a glycoprotein that functions as a cell adhesion molecule (CAM), translocates to the surface of activated endothelial cells and platelets, upon stimulation, where it binds to its ligand and mediates the rolling of platelets and neutrophils on activated endothelial cells.

Diseases for which it is used

• Sickle cell anemia

History of changes in FDA indication

• 2019-11-15: Approved to reduce the frequency of vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs) in adults and pediatric patients aged 16 years and older with sickle cell disease. (Based on SUSTAIN)

History of changes in EMA indication

• 2020-10-28: Initial conditional authorization for preventing painful crises in patients with sickle cell disease aged 16 years and older. (Based on SUSTAIN)

Also known as

• Code name: SEG-101
• Generic name: crizanlizumab-tmca
• Brand name: Adakveo