What is Blinatumomab (Blina)?
Blinatumomab, also known as Blina, is a groundbreaking biopharmaceutical medication used for treating Philadelphia chromosome-negative relapsed or refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia. As a member of the bi-specific T-cell engagers (BiTEs) class, Blina harnesses the power of the human immune system to combat tumor cells. It specifically targets the CD19 antigen on B cells.
Safety Profile of Blina
Compared to traditional chemotherapy, Blina is a safer alternative. Its immunotherapy approach targets cancer cells, reducing toxicity to healthy cells. Patients have reported improved well-being after starting Blina treatment. However, like all medications, Blina may cause side effects. Patients receive medication to reduce the risk of serious reactions or side effects before their infusion starts.
Clinical Trials Involving Blina
Blina has been the focus of numerous clinical trials. The Children’s Oncology Group found that patients who received Blina had better outcomes, including longer life spans and fewer side effects, than those who received consolidation chemotherapy. European researchers also found that Blina outperformed further chemotherapy in terms of event-free survival. In the UK, about 20 centers are using Blina off-label for children with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL).
Profitability and Market Size of Blina
Upon approval, Amgen priced Blina at US$178,000 per year, making it the most expensive cancer drug on the market. The oncology drugs market is projected to grow from USD 205.52 billion in 2023 to USD 484.32 billion by 2030, and Blina, with its unique approach and promising results, is poised to capture a significant share of this market.
Manufacturer of Blina
Blina was initially developed by German-American company Micromet, Inc. in cooperation with Lonza. In 2012, Micromet was acquired by Amgen, which furthered the drug’s clinical trials.
Conclusion
Blina signifies a major advancement in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Its targeted approach offers a safer and more effective alternative to traditional chemotherapy, making it a beacon of hope for patients worldwide.
Keywords: Blinatumomab, Blina, BiTEs, CD19 antigen, immunotherapy, clinical trials, Children’s Oncology Group, B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, B-ALL, Amgen, Micromet, Lonza, oncology drugs market.
