This product is an unconjugated, non-therapeutic recombinant analog of felzartamab, a fully human IgG1 (lambda) monoclonal antibody directed against human CD38. It is manufactured as a research-grade biosimilar for research use only and is not the clinical drug; it is not intended for human or veterinary use. The originator antibody binds the CD38 ectodomain and drives target-cell depletion primarily through Fc-mediated effector functions such as antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP), making an unconjugated analog useful for probing CD38 engagement and effector-cell biology in vitro. Typical research applications include use as a defined positive/reference binder in CD38 binding and blocking assays, ADCC/ADCP and effector-function studies, flow-cytometry and epitope-competition panels, biosimilar comparability and assay-development work, and as an isotype-matched or benchmark control alongside other anti-CD38 reagents. It is supplied at research grade with low endotoxin (typically less than 1 EU/mg, with ultra-low-endotoxin options under 0.5 EU/mg) and is available in bulk milligram-to-gram quantities to support screening, standard-curve generation, and preclinical model work.
CD38 (UniProt P28907) is a single-pass type II transmembrane glycoprotein that functions as both a receptor and a multifunctional ectoenzyme. Its extracellular domain catalyzes the synthesis and hydrolysis of cyclic ADP-ribose and NAADP from NAD+ and NADP+, generating second messengers that regulate intracellular calcium signaling. CD38 is broadly but variably expressed across immune cells and is notably high on plasma cells and many multiple myeloma cells, as well as on activated lymphocytes and myeloid subsets, making it a marker of activation and a therapeutic target. Beyond enzymatic activity, CD38 participates in receptor-mediated adhesion and signaling through interactions with CD31/PECAM-1. Its role in NAD+ metabolism also links it to cellular energetics, immunometabolism, and aging biology, and its abundance on antibody-secreting cells underlies its use as a depletion target in plasma-cell-driven and autoimmune disease research.