Zolbetuximab-Vyloy’s mechanism of action revealed: how to fight gastric cancer cells

Zolbetuximab (Zolbetuximab)-Vyloy is a monoclonal antibody targeting Claudin 18.2 (CLDN18.2), which is used to treat advanced or metastatic gastric cancer and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma (GEJ adenocarcinoma). Its core mechanism of action is based on highly specific recognition and blocking of CLDN18.2 protein, thereby inducing tumor cell death. It is a new type of antibody drug for precise targeted therapy.

CLDN18.2 is a tight junction protein that is normally only expressed specifically in gastric epithelial cells, but is abnormally exposed and highly expressed in gastric cancer and some other solid tumors, providing a unique target for targeted tumor therapy. Zotuximab binds to the surface of CLDN18.2-positive cancer cells, initiating antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), prompting the immune system to recognize and kill tumor cells, while blocking signaling by cancer cells to inhibit tumor growth and spread.

In clinical studies, zotuximab has shown good anti-tumor activity, especially in gastric cancer patients with high expression of CLDN18.2. Its combination with chemotherapy can significantly extend the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), providing a new treatment option for advanced patients. This drug has achieved breakthroughs in multiple clinical trials and is expected to further expand its indications in the future and bring therapeutic benefits to more patients with CLDN18.2-positive tumors.

In general, the mechanism of action of zotuximab-Vyloy embodies the concept of precision medicine. By targeting the specific marker CLDN18.2, the drug can accurately target gastric cancer cells while maximizing protection of normal tissues. With its promotion and application worldwide, it is believed that more gastric cancer patients will benefit from it. At the same time, the success of this innovative drug also provides a new direction for the development of targeted tumor therapy.

Reference: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/vyloy