denileukin diftitox

Denileukin diftitox is a recombinant fusion protein composed of the enzymatically active domains of diphtheria toxin linked to human interleukin-2 (IL-2). It is designed to selectively target and kill cells expressing the IL-2 receptor, such as malignant T-cells in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) and immunosuppressive regulatory T-cells. Upon binding to the IL-2 receptor on target cells, the drug is internalized via receptor-mediated endocytosis. Inside the cell, it releases diphtheria toxin fragments that inhibit protein synthesis by ADP-ribosylation of elongation factor 2, leading to cell death. Denileukin diftitox has been primarily developed for relapsed or refractory Stage I–III CTCL after at least one prior systemic therapy. The drug was originally developed by Ligand Pharmaceuticals and marketed as Ontak; more recently, Citius Pharmaceuticals has developed a new formulation under the brand name Lymphir.

Brand names

OntakLymphir

Other names

denileukin diftitox-cxdl