Overview
Blenrep is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat adults with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least two prior treatments, including a proteasome inhibitor and an immunomodulatory agent. It is used in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone. To be eligible for this drug, a person must also participate in the Blenrep Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program due to the risk of eye-related side effects. Blenrep is also known by its drug name, belantamab mafodotin-blmf.

Blenrep is an antibody-drug conjugate that targets a protein called B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA), which is commonly found on multiple myeloma cells. It’s believed to work by attaching to BCMA and delivering a toxic substance directly to cancer cells, which helps to kill them while limiting damage to healthy cells.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Blenrep is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion over 30 minutes once every three weeks. It is typically first given in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone for eight cycles. After that, it is continued as a single agent once every three weeks. The drug should be administered exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Side effects
Common side effects of Blenrep in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone include reduced best-corrected visual acuity (clarity of vision with corrective lenses), findings from eye exams such as corneal changes, blurred vision, dry eyes, sensitivity to light, feeling of a foreign object in the eyes, eye irritation, eye pain, fatigue, diarrhea, pneumonia, upper respiratory tract infection, hepatitis (liver inflammation), cataracts, and COVID-19 infection. Common lab abnormalities include low levels of platelets, white blood cells, lymphocytes, and hemoglobin, as well as increased gamma-glutamyl transferase (a liver enzyme).

Rare but serious side effects may include severe vision loss due to corneal damage, corneal ulcers (open sores on the eye), severe blood count abnormalities like thrombocytopenia (low platelets), and harm to an unborn baby if taken during pregnancy.

For more information about this treatment, visit:
Blenrep (Belantamab Mafodotin-Blmf) for Injection, for Intravenous Use — GlaxoSmithKline