Ramucirumab is a recombinant human IgG1 monoclonal antibody that specifically targets vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2), a key transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor found on endothelial cells. By binding to VEGFR-2, ramucirumab blocks the interaction of its natural ligands—VEGF-A, VEGF-C, and VEGF-D—thereby inhibiting VEGF-induced receptor phosphorylation and downstream signaling pathways. This results in reduced endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and vascular permeability, processes that are essential for angiogenesis and tumor progression.
Clinically, ramucirumab is utilized as an antiangiogenic agent in the treatment of various cancers, particularly where VEGFR-2-mediated signaling contributes significantly to tumor growth and metastasis. By targeting a specific extracellular epitope of VEGFR-2, ramucirumab prevents ligand binding and interrupts the VEGF signaling cascade, making it an important therapeutic biomarker in oncology. Its role is especially critical in patients with advanced malignancies where angiogenesis plays a central role in disease progression.
In both clinical and research settings, ramucirumab also necessitates therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) and immunogenicity profiling due to the risk of anti-drug antibody (ADA) formation. Monitoring drug levels and immune responses ensures optimal dosing, helps predict therapeutic response, and minimizes the risk of adverse immune events. As with all biologics, the complexity of manufacturing and variability in patient response underscores the importance of biosimilar development and ADA assessment for maintaining therapeutic efficacy and safety.
This product is manufactured in Turkey by Matriks Biotek.