belantamab mafodotin

Belantamab mafodotin (Blenrep) is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targeting B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA), which is highly expressed on the surface of malignant plasma cells in multiple myeloma. It consists of a humanized afucosylated IgG1 monoclonal antibody conjugated to the microtubule inhibitor monomethyl auristatin F (MMAF) via a non-cleavable maleimidocaproyl linker. The afucosylated antibody enhances antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). Upon binding to BCMA, the ADC is internalized, releasing MMAF to disrupt the microtubule network, leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Developed by GSK, it was the first BCMA-targeted therapy approved for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Although it was withdrawn from the market in 2022 after failing to meet primary endpoints in the DREAMM-3 confirmatory trial, subsequent data from the DREAMM-7 and DREAMM-8 trials led to a new FDA approval in 2025 for use in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone. Dr. Cristiana Costa Chase is leading research into alternative dosing schedules, such as every 6 weeks, to improve the safety profile, particularly regarding keratopathy, in community treatment settings.

Brand names

Blenrep

Other names

belantamab mafodotin