Rilogrotug (AV-380), anti-GDF-15 IgG1mAb, in cancer cachexia
AVEO is developing Rilogrotug (AV-380) for the potential treatment and/or prevention of cancer cachexia. Early phase data suggest that the inhibition of human growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) may result in a switch from catabolism (energy used to break large molecules down into smaller ones) to anabolism (energy storing), which suggests that GDF-15 inhibition with Rilogrotug (AV-380) may reverse the effects of cachexia.1
About cachexia
GDF-15 as a potential target in cancer cachexia
GDF-15 (Growth Differentiation Factor 15) is a protein belonging to the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily. In healthy individuals, GDF-15 is typically present at low levels.2 However, during times of physiological stress—such as cancer, inflammation, or chronic illness—its levels increase.1 GDF-15 plays a key role in regulating appetite, energy balance, and body weight.1
GDF-15 has been linked to cachexia, and studies suggest that it may play a role in the development of this condition.1-3 Elevated levels of GDF-15 have been observed in patients with cachexia, particularly in those with advanced cancer.1-3 GDF-15 binds to receptors in the brain that control appetite, resulting in unintentional weight loss.1-3
How Rilogrotug (AV-380) may block GDF-15
Rilogrotug (AV-380) is AVEO Oncology’s first-in-class, potent, humanized inhibitory IgG1 antibody targeting growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15).
An interventional clinical study is currently underway to evaluate the safety and potential effectiveness of Rilogrotug (AV-380) in patients with cancer. For more information go to clinicaltrials.gov.
Note: Rilogrotug (AV-380) is an investigational drug and has not been approved by the FDA.
Resources and support links for patients and caregivers
Explore these helpful links to get more information about cancer cachexia.
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Our commitment to patients with cancer
AVEO Oncology is committed to passionately pursuing a better life for patients with cancer.
References: 1. Lerner L, Tao J, Liu Q, et al. MAP3K11/GDF15 axis is a critical driver of cancer cachexia. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle. 2016;7(4):467-48 2. Ling, T., Zhang, J., Ding, F., & Ma, L. (2023). Role of growth differentiation factor 15 in cancer cachexia (review). Oncology Letters, 26(5), 462. 3. Patel, S., Alvarez-Guaita, A., Melvin, A., et al. (2019). GDF15 provides a metabolic endocrine signal of nutritional stress in mice and humans. Cell Metabolism, 29(3), 707–718.e8. 3. Patel, S., Alvarez-Guaita, A., Melvin, A., et al. (2019). GDF15 provides a metabolic endocrine signal of nutritional stress in mice and humans. Cell Metabolism, 29(3), 707–718.e8.
AV-380 (Anti-GDF15 IgG1 [mAb])
in cancer cachexia
AVEO is developing AV-380 for the potential treatment and/or prevention of cancer cachexia. Preclinical data show that inhibition of GDF15 results in a switch from catabolism to anabolism, suggesting that GDF15 inhibition with AV-380 may reverse the effects of cachexia.
AV-380 is our first-in-class, potent, humanized inhibitory IgG1 antibody targeting growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15). AVEO initiated a clinical trial in cancer patients. For more information go to clinicaltrials.gov.
- GDF15 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine whose elevated circulating levels have been correlated with cachexia in certain types of cancer patients
- Cachexia also affects patients with chronic kidney disease, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, anorexia nervosa, AIDS, and other diseases
AV-380 is an investigational drug and has not yet been approved by the FDA.
References: 1. von Haehling S, Anker SD. Cachexia as a major underestimated and unmet medical need: facts and numbers. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle. 2010;1(1):1-5. 2. Lerner L, Tao J, Liu Q, et al. MAP3K11/GDF15 axis is a critical driver of cancer cachexia. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle. 2016;7(4):467-482. 3. National Cancer Institute. Cancer cachexia: after years of no advances, progress looks possible. Accessed November 19, 2024. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/research/cachexia
In development
As part of our goal to help patients with cancer live better lives, we are seeking to advance other candidates with the potential to positively impact treatment.
AVEO aims to leverage its existing collaborations and partnerships, as well as enter into new strategic collaborations and partnerships to continue to advance each of its product candidates.