Multiple myeloma that affects1 in every 103 men and 1 in every 131 women. This blood cancer comes from plasma cells, which are a form of white blood cells responsible for producing antibodies. As the plasma cells become cancerous, they multiply abnormally and lead to a variety of symptoms.

As the prevalence of MM is increasing with time, a new class of drugs called CD38 inhibitors has emerged like a powerful tool for its treatment.

These meds target CD38, which is a protein present on the surface of multiple myeloma cells. There are two prominent drugs in this category, Sarclisa (isatuximab) and Darzalex (daratumumab) let’s find out their differences and which one is more suitable for you.

What is Sarclisa?

Sarclisa (isatuximab-irfc) is a treatment for multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. Made by Sanofi, it is usually given with other medicines to help slow down the disease and make it easier to manage.

It is often used with drugs like pomalidomide and dexamethasone for adults who have already tried at least two more treatment options, including lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor.

For these patients, Sarclisa can provide an extra option to help control the cancer and possibly improve their quality of life during treatment.

It was first approved by the FDA on 2nd March 2020.

What is Darzalex?

It’s approved for different stages of this disease and is often used along with other medicines to make treatment more effective.

For example, when combined with bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone, it is given to newly diagnosed patients who are able to undergo a special kind of stem cell transplant using their own stem cells (called an autologous stem cell transplant).

Darzalex has shown promise in helping patients experience a better quality of life without disease symptoms.

The FDA approved Darzalex in November 2015 for the treatment of multiple myeloma in those who had already tried at least three other treatments.

Dosage and administration

Sarclisa

Its dose is 10 mg for every kilogram of a person’s actual body weight. It is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion and can be used with pomalidomide and dexamethasone, with carfilzomib and dexamethasone, or alongside bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone. [ref]

Darzalex

This medication can be used on its own to treat multiple myeloma in people who have already tried at least three treatment types, including a proteasome inhibitor (PI) and an immunomodulatory agent (IMiD). It is also an option for patients who no longer respond to both a PI and an IMiD.

Dosing schedule:

Weeks 1 to 8:
Administer a 16 mg/kg IV infusion once a week (total of 8 doses).

Weeks 9 to 24:
Administer a 16 mg/kg IV infusion every two weeks (total of 8 doses). The first dose of this every-two-week schedule begins at Week 9.

From Week 25 onward (until the disease progresses): Administer a 16 mg/kg IV infusion every four weeks. The first dose for the every-four-week schedule starts at Week 25.

For more info, please refer to their official website and consult a healthcare physician.

Sarclisa vs Darzalex – Efficacy

Both drugs have shown efficacy in clinical trials, but their relative effectiveness can be different depending on the type of treatment and patient characteristics.

In general, both drugs have been found to help patients live longer without their disease getting worse and to increase overall survival when combined with other treatments. [ref] [ref]. However, Sarclisa has shown some benefits in clinical trials, especially regarding higher rates of minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity. [ref].

MRD negativity is a measure of how well the treatment has eliminated cancer cells, and higher MRD negativity rates are associated with better long-term outcomes. [ref]

Sarclisa vs Darzalex -Mechanism of action

Sarclisa

This is a monoclonal antibody used to treat multiple myeloma. Its mechanism of action involves targeting a specific protein called CD38 found on the surface of myeloma cells.

By binding to CD38, Sarclisa triggers the immune system to attack and destroy these cancerous cells. It works in many ways: it helps activate immune cells, promotes cell death in myeloma cells, and inhibits tumor growth.

Moreover, Sarclisa can disrupt the protective environment around the tumor, which makes it easier for the immune system to fight cancer.

Darzalex

It works by targeting a protein called CD38, which is found on the surface of myeloma cells. Once it binds, it triggers the immune system to attack and destroy these abnormal cells.

Furthermore, it can induce direct cell death and block the growth signals of myeloma cells. By reducing the number of myeloma cells in the body, Darzalex helps improve patients’ overall health and increases their chances of remission.

Final face-off