Tagraxofusp (tagraxofusp-erzs) [Elzonris™] is an intravenously administered CD123-directed cytotoxin (composed of human interleukin-3 and a truncated diphtheria toxin payload) that was developed by Stemline Therapeutics, Inc. for the treatment of blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN).
Tagraxofusp is an intravenously administered CD123-directed cytotoxin consisting of the fusion of interleukin-3 with a truncated diphtheria toxin payload and was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of adults and children aged 2 and older with blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN).
The interleukin-3 receptor α subunit, CD123, is expressed in many hematologic malignancies including acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN).
The interleukin-3 cytotoxin conjugate tagraxofusp was recently tested in phase 1/2 trials that led to US Food and Drug Administration approval, the first ever for BPDCN.
Since blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm cells express high levels of interleukin-3 receptor α chain (IL3-Rα or CD123), antitumor effects of the interleukin-3 receptor-targeted drug SL-401 against blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm were evaluated in vitro and in vivo.