VAY736 + ibrutinib

**VAY736 + ibrutinib** is an investigational combination therapy under clinical development for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). VAY736 (also known as ianalumab) is a humanized, defucosylated monoclonal antibody that targets the B-cell activating factor receptor (BAFF-R) on B cells, leading to enhanced antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), blocking BAFF-mediated survival signaling, and direct depletion of B cells. Ibrutinib is a small molecule Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, widely used in B-cell malignancies, that blocks B-cell receptor signaling. The combination aims to overcome resistance and limitations observed with ibrutinib monotherapy, as BAFF-R and the BAFF signaling pathway stay active during BTK inhibition. Preclinical and early clinical data demonstrate that combining VAY736 with ibrutinib provides superior depletion of malignant B cells and prolongs survival compared to either agent alone in CLL models.

Brand names

Ianalumab