Magrolimab in addition to azacitidine for myelodysplastic syndromes - First-line

Magrolimab in addition to azacitidine is in clinical development for the treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) in adults. MDS are a group of disorders in which the red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets produced by the bone marrow do not mature normally. Patients with myelodysplastic syndromes can develop tiredness or weakness due to anaemia (low red blood cell counts), infections due to low white blood cell counts, and bruising or abnormal bleeding due to low platelet counts. MDS are long-term debilitating and life-threatening diseases because they can lead to severe anaemia, infections or bleeding, and can result in leukaemia.
Magrolimab is a monoclonal antibody designed to recognise and attach to a protein called CD47 that is widely found on the surface of the abnormal cells seen in MDS. By binding to CD47, magrolimab is thought to help the immune system detect and kill the abnormal blood cells. Azacitidine is an analogue of cytidine which is part of the fundamental genetic material of cells (DNA and RNA). Azacitidine is already approved for MDS and the addition of Magrolimab may provide synergistic efficacy and safety. If licenced the combination of magrolimab and azacitidine could provide a first line treatment option for MDS patients who have few therapeutic options available.