Sabatolimab — Investigational Agent
TIM-3 Inhibitor · Phase 3 · Novartis
Mechanism of Action
Sabatolimab is a high-affinity, humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody that targets the TIM-3 receptor expressed on immune cells and leukemic stem cells (LSCs). Unlike other checkpoint inhibitors, it uniquely targets LSCs in myeloid malignancies, potentially depleting the source of the cancer. It also blocks the TIM-3/galectin-9 pathway on T-cells and myeloid cells to promote an anti-leukemic immune response. This dual mechanism—targeting the immune microenvironment and the malignant stem cell—distinguishes its use in hematology.
Investigational Indications
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)