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What is the mechanism of action for Tecvayli (teclistamab-cqyv)?

Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on Dec 4, 2024.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

The active substance in Tecvayli, teclistamab-cqyv, is an antibody that works by activating T-cells (a type of white blood cell) in the immune system to help find and kill multiple myeloma cancer cells in your body. Tecavyli helps to bring together the cancer cell and the T-cell for anti-cancer action.

Tecavyli is classified as a bispecific B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed CD3 T-cell engager.

  • Tecvayli is a type of protein that attaches to different targets at the same time after it’s injected.
  • One part of the drug attaches to CD3 on immune cells called T cells, a type of white blood cell that protects the body from infection and may help fight cancer. Another part of the drug attaches to the B cell maturation antigen (BCMA), a protein found in high levels on myeloma (cancer) cells.
  • Once the T-cells and myeloma cells join, the T-cells work to induce cancer cell death.

Tecavyli (teclistamab-cqyv) received accelerated approval in October 2022 to treat adults with multiple myeloma (cancer of cells in bone marrow) that has come back or failed previous treatment. It is used in patients that have received at least 4 prior lines of cancer therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody.

Tecvayli is manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals.

This is not all the information you need to know about Tecvayli (teclistamab-cqyv) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

References
  • Tecvayli prescribing information. Accessed Dec. 13, 2022 at https://www.janssenlabels.com/package-insert/product-monograph/prescribing-information/TECVAYLI-pi.pdf
  • Drug Therapy for Multiple Myeloma. American Cancer Society. Accessed Dec. 14, 2022 at https://www.cancer.org/cancer/multiple-myeloma/treating/chemotherapy.html
  • T cell. Dictionary of cancer terms. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Accessed Dec. 14, 2022 at https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/t-cell

Read next

What’s the difference between Tecvayli and Talvey?

Both Tecvayli and Talvey are bispecific CD3 T-cell engager antibody drugs used to treat multiple myeloma, but they target different proteins on the myeloma cancer cell to cause its death. Tecvayli targets B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) and Talvey targets G protein-coupled receptor, class C group 5 member D (GPRC5D). Continue reading

Is Tecvayli FDA approved as a multiple myeloma treatment?

Yes, Tecavyli (generic name: teclistamab-cqyv) received accelerated approval by the FDA in October 2022 to treat adults with multiple myeloma (cancer of cells in bone marrow) that has come back or failed previous treatment. Patients eligible for Tecvayli have a high unmet need for treatment, as they have received at least 4 prior lines of cancer therapy. Continue reading

Where can I find the Tecvayli FDA package insert?

You can access the Tecvayli package insert from several places. You can find the Tecvalyli FDA package insert on the Janssen website, on the Drugs@FDA website, or under the FDA Professional Drug Information section on Drugs.com. Continue reading

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