By Fineline Cube 
Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche (SWX: ROG, OTCMKTS: RHHBY) has announced that it has received marketing approval from the European Commission (EC) for its bispecific antibody Columvi (glofitamab) in combination with gemcitabine and oxaliplatin (GemOx). The approval is for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) not otherwise specified who are ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT). This marks Columvi as the first bispecific antibody regimen available in Europe for this patient population.
Columvi: Mechanism and Advantages
Columvi is a CD20xCD3 T-cell engaging bispecific antibody designed to target CD3 on the surface of T cells and CD20 on the surface of B cells. The therapy offers several advantages, including “off-the-shelf” availability, fixed-duration treatment, and the ability to avoid delays in initiating therapy. These features make it a promising option for patients with limited treatment choices.
Market and Patient Impact
The EC approval expands treatment options for patients with R/R DLBCL, a rapidly progressing and aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. By engaging both T cells and B cells, Columvi enhances the body’s immune response against cancer cells, potentially improving outcomes for patients who have limited eligibility for other therapies.-Fineline Info & Tech