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Rituximab (R)

National Cancer Institute (NCI) · FDA-approved active Small molecule ✓ Verified May 2026

Rituximab (R) is a CD20-targeting monoclonal antibody Small molecule drug developed by National Cancer Institute (NCI). It is currently FDA-approved for Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (B-cell), Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), Rheumatoid arthritis. Also known as: Rituxan, Rituximab, Induction phase, Truxima.

Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to CD20 on B cells, marking them for destruction by the immune system.

Rituximab is a medication used to treat various types of lymphoma and leukemia, including Large B-cell Lymphoma, Hodgkin Lymphoma, Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma, Lymphoma, and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. It is often used in combination with other medications, such as Prednisone and Cyclophosphamide, as part of a treatment regimen.

At a glance

Generic nameRituximab (R)
Also known asRituxan, Rituximab, Induction phase, Truxima
SponsorNational Cancer Institute (NCI)
Drug classCD20-targeting monoclonal antibody
TargetCD20
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaOncology, Immunology
PhaseFDA-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

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

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Frequently asked questions about Rituximab (R)

What is Rituximab (R)?

Rituximab (R) is a CD20-targeting monoclonal antibody drug developed by National Cancer Institute (NCI), indicated for Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (B-cell), Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), Rheumatoid arthritis.

How does Rituximab (R) work?

Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to CD20 on B cells, marking them for destruction by the immune system.

What is Rituximab (R) used for?

Rituximab (R) is indicated for Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (B-cell), Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), Rheumatoid arthritis, Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), Microscopic polyangiitis (MPA).

Who makes Rituximab (R)?

Rituximab (R) is developed and marketed by National Cancer Institute (NCI) (see full National Cancer Institute (NCI) pipeline at /company/national-cancer-institute-nci).

Is Rituximab (R) also known as anything else?

Rituximab (R) is also known as Rituxan, Rituximab, Induction phase, Truxima.

What drug class is Rituximab (R) in?

Rituximab (R) belongs to the CD20-targeting monoclonal antibody class. See all CD20-targeting monoclonal antibody drugs at /class/cd20-targeting-monoclonal-antibody.

What development phase is Rituximab (R) in?

Rituximab (R) is FDA-approved (marketed).

What are the side effects of Rituximab (R)?

Common side effects of Rituximab (R) include Infusion reactions, Infections, Cytopenias (anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia), Fatigue, Fever, Tumor lysis syndrome.

What does Rituximab (R) target?

Rituximab (R) targets CD20 and is a CD20-targeting monoclonal antibody.

Related

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing