TALVEY™ (talquetamab-tgvs) is a newly approved drug indicated for the treatment of highly refractory multiple myeloma [Ref]. 

It is indicated for the treatment of multiple myeloma in adult patients who have relapsed or those who are refractory to at least 4 first line of treatment, including:

• Proteasome Inhibitor (Bortezomib)
• An Immunomodulatory agent (thalidomide, lenalidomide, and pomalidomide), and 
• Anti-CD 38 antibody (Daratumumab, Isatuximab, and Elotuzumab)

Talquetamab targets 2 receptors: CD-3 positive T cells and GPRC5D (G protein-coupled receptor, family C, group 5, member D).

GPRC5D is specifically expressed in the plasma cells of patients with multiple myeloma.

In a clinical trial, the response rate documented with Talvey at different doses was significant compared to other FDA-approved medications.

The table below summarizes the response rate of Talvey in comparison with other drugs [Ref]:

Contraindications, Precautions, and Side Effects of Talvey (Talquetamab):

Like most potent biological medicines and drugs targeting specific immune cells, Talvey (Talquetamab) is associated with significant side effects including:

• Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS). Symptoms of CRS include:

  • Fever and chills

  • Fatigue

  • Headache

  • Nausea and Vomiting

  • Muscle and joint pain

  • Tachycardia

  • Hypotension

  • Difficulty breathing

  • Swelling

  • Skin rash

  • Confusion or delirium

  • Seizures

  • Organ dysfunction (such as liver or kidney impairment)

  • Capillary leak syndrome (fluid leakage from blood vessels)

• Neurotoxicity including ICANS (Immune Effector Cell-Associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome)
• Oral toxicity manifests as altered taste, dry mouth, dysphagia, difficulty swallowing, and stomatitis.
• Weight loss
• Infections including serious infections such as fungal and serious bacterial and viral infections (COVID pneumonia)
• Bone marrow suppression manifesting as low platelet counts, anemia, and neutropenia.
• Skin toxicity may manifest as a rash or may be severe and manifest as Steven-Johnson syndrome.
• Liver toxicity manifesting as raised liver functions and jaundice.