metuzumab

Metuzumab is an affinity-optimized and nonfucosylated anti-CD147 human-mouse chimeric IgG1 monoclonal antibody. It is engineered to enhance antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) compared to its nonglycoengineered parental antibody. Metuzumab binds specifically to CD147, a transmembrane glycoprotein overexpressed in various tumor types, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and esophageal cancer. By targeting CD147, metuzumab promotes immune-mediated tumor cell killing and has demonstrated the ability to inhibit tumor growth in preclinical xenograft models. Additionally, it enhances chemosensitivity—particularly when combined with gemcitabine—by upregulating deoxycytidine kinase (dCK), which increases apoptosis and induces G1 phase cell cycle arrest in NSCLC cells. Preclinical studies have shown favorable pharmacokinetics and safety profiles in animal models, supporting its ongoing clinical development for NSCLC[1][2][3][9].