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Data updated: Mar 10, 2026

ARZERRA

OFATUMUMAB CD20-directed Antibody Interactions
Oncology Approved 2009-10-26

Arzerra (ofatumumab) is a CD20-directed cytolytic monoclonal antibody indicated for the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). It is used as a first-line therapy in combination with chlorambucil for patients who cannot tolerate fludarabine-based regimens, and in combination with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide for relapsed disease. The medication is also approved for extended treatment following a response to previous therapies and for cases that are refractory to fludarabine and alemtuzumab.

Source: FDA Label • Novartis • CD20-directed Cytolytic Antibody

How ARZERRA Works

Ofatumumab targets the CD20 molecule expressed on the surface of normal and malignant B lymphocytes. The antibody binds to the extracellular loops of CD20 and remains on the cell surface without being internalized or shed. This binding allows the drug to mediate immune effector functions, resulting in the lysis of B cells. Suggested mechanisms for this cell death include complement-dependent cytotoxicity and antibody-dependent, cell-mediated cytotoxicity.

Source: FDA Label
5
Indications
--
Phase 3 Trials
5
Priority Reviews
16
Years on Market

Details

Status
Prescription
First Approved
2009-10-26
Routes
INJECTION
Dosage Forms
INJECTABLE

Companies

Active Ingredient: OFATUMUMAB

ARZERRA Approval History

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What ARZERRA Treats

4 indications

ARZERRA is approved for 4 conditions since its original approval in 2009. These indications span multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, and more.

  • Previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia in combination with chlorambucil for patients for whom fludarabine-based therapy is considered inappropriate
  • Relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia in combination with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide
  • Extended treatment of recurrent or progressive chronic lymphocytic leukemia in patients with complete or partial response after at least two lines of therapy
  • Chronic lymphocytic leukemia refractory to fludarabine and alemtuzumab
Source: FDA Label

ARZERRA Boxed Warning

HEPATITIS B VIRUS REACTIVATION AND PROGRESSIVE MULTIFOCAL LEUKOENCEPHALOPATHY Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) reactivation can occur in patients receiving CD20-directed cytolytic antibodies, including ARZERRA ® , in some cases resulting in fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure, and death [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] . Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) resulting in death can occur in patients receiving CD20-directed cytolytic antibodies, including ARZERRA [see Warnings and Precautio...

ARZERRA Target & Pathway

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Target

CD20 (B-Lymphocyte Antigen CD20) Cell Surface Marker

A protein found on the surface of B-cells but not stem cells or plasma cells. Anti-CD20 antibodies deplete B-cells, making them effective in B-cell cancers and autoimmune diseases where B-cells drive pathology.

ARZERRA Competitors

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10 other drugs also target CD20. Compare mechanisms, indications, and trial activity.

View all 10 CD20 drugs →
Drug = Competitor name Company = Manufacturer N indic. = FDA-approved indications → Date = Patent/exclusivity expiry

Competitors share the same molecular target (CD20). Earlier expiry dates signal biosimilar/generic opportunities.

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Active Pipeline

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Ongoing clinical trials by development phase

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Key Completed Trials

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Completed studies with published results, ranked by significance

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Trial Timeline

Full development history with FDA approval milestones

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Understanding FDA Approval Types
Count Type What it means
- ORIG Original approval - drug first enters market
- SUPPL - Efficacy New indication (new disease/condition approved)
- SUPPL - Labeling Label text changes (warnings, dosing updates)
- SUPPL - Manufacturing Production changes (new facility)
- SUPPL - Chemistry Formulation changes (new dosage strength)

Green lines in the timeline show ORIG and Efficacy approvals - the clinically meaningful milestones.

ARZERRA FDA Label Details

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Indications & Usage

FDA Label (PDF)

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) ARZERRA (ofatumumab) is indicated: in combination with chlorambucil, for the treatment of previously untreated patients with CLL for whom fludarabine-based therapy is considered inappropriate [see Clinical Studies ] in combination with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide for the treatment of patients with relapsed CLL [see Clinical Studies ] for extended treatment of patients who are in complete or partial response after at least two lines of therapy for recurrent or progressive CLL [see Clinical Studies ] for the treatment of patients with CLL refractory to flu...

⚠️ BOXED WARNING

WARNING: HEPATITIS B VIRUS REACTIVATION AND PROGRESSIVE MULTIFOCAL LEUKOENCEPHALOPATHY Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) reactivation can occur in patients receiving CD20-directed cytolytic antibodies, including ARZERRA ® , in some cases resulting in fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure, and death [see Warnin...

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Data Sources

Data sourced from official FDA and NIH databases. Click links to verify on original sources.