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rituximab [MabThera/Rituxan]
Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to CD20 on B cells, marking them for destruction by the immune system.
Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to CD20 on B cells, marking them for destruction by the immune system. Used for Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (B-cell), Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), Rheumatoid arthritis.
At a glance
| Generic name | rituximab [MabThera/Rituxan] |
|---|---|
| Also known as | MabThera/Rituxan |
| Sponsor | Hoffmann-La Roche |
| Drug class | CD20-targeting monoclonal antibody |
| Target | CD20 |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology, Immunology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Rituximab targets CD20, a surface antigen expressed on B lymphocytes. By binding to CD20, it triggers antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), leading to B cell depletion. This mechanism is effective in B-cell malignancies and autoimmune diseases where B cells play a pathogenic role.
Approved indications
- Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (B-cell)
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA)
- Microscopic polyangiitis (MPA)
- Pemphigus vulgaris
Common side effects
- Infusion reactions
- Infections
- Cytopenias (anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia)
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Nausea
- Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- rituximab [MabThera/Rituxan] CI brief — competitive landscape report
- rituximab [MabThera/Rituxan] updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Hoffmann-La Roche portfolio CI