Empliciti (elotuzumab)
An approved treatment for Multiple Myeloma.
Drug facts
The same compound appears under different names depending on the context. Here is how to identify Elotuzumab wherever you encounter it, plus the key facts at a glance.
- Generic name
- Elotuzumab
- Brand name
- Empliciti
- Drug class
- SLAMF7-directed immunostimulatory antibody
- Manufacturer
- Bristol Myers Squibb
- How it's taken
- IV infusion in a clinic, weekly at first, then every 2 or 4 weeks depending on the combination
Empliciti (elotuzumab) is an IV antibody that helps the immune system attack myeloma cells, used in combination for adults with previously treated multiple myeloma[1].
- The FDA approved Empliciti on November 30, 2015, with lenalidomide and dexamethasone after 1 to 3 prior therapies[2].
- A second use, with pomalidomide and dexamethasone after at least 2 prior therapies including lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor, followed on November 6, 2018[2][1].
- In ELOQUENT-2, median progression-free survival was 19.4 months with Empliciti added to lenalidomide and dexamethasone, against 14.9 months without it[1].
- Empliciti has no boxed warning, and its main label warnings are infusion reactions, infections, second cancers and liver injury[1].
- Empliciti is not approved on its own or for newly diagnosed myeloma[1].
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Where Elotuzumab fits
How Elotuzumab works
Empliciti is a lab-made antibody that targets SLAMF7, a protein found on myeloma cells whatever their genetic changes[1]. SLAMF7 is also found on natural killer (NK) cells, immune cells that destroy abnormal cells[1].
Empliciti works in 2 ways at once[1]:
In lab and animal studies, Empliciti combined with lenalidomide activated NK cells more than either drug alone, and Empliciti also showed more anti-tumor activity when combined with pomalidomide in animal studies[1]. Empliciti is approved only in combination with lenalidomide or pomalidomide and dexamethasone[1].
Side effects and safety
- Infusion reactions. 10% in ELOQUENT-2 and 3.3% in ELOQUENT-3, most during the first dose; dexamethasone, antihistamines and acetaminophen are given before every infusion.
- Infections. 81% with Empliciti plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone against 74% without Empliciti; fatal infections in 2.5% against 2.2%.
- Second primary cancers. Invasive second cancers in 9% against 6% in ELOQUENT-2; skin cancer 4.4% against 2.8%.
- Liver injury. Hepatotoxicity in 2.5% against 0.6%; liver enzymes are checked periodically and Empliciti is stopped for grade 3 or higher rises.
- Interference with response testing. Empliciti is an IgG kappa antibody that can appear on SPEP and immunofixation tests, which can affect calling a complete response in IgG kappa myeloma.
- Vital signs during infusion, and every 30 minutes for 2 hours after a dose that caused a reaction
- Watch for fever and other signs of infection
- Liver enzymes periodically
- Watch for second primary cancers
- Myeloma protein tests interpreted with the possible Empliciti signal in mind
Empliciti has no boxed warning[1]. Its label lists 5 warnings and precautions[1]:
- Infusion reactions: 10% in ELOQUENT-2 and 3.3% in ELOQUENT-3, mostly during the first dose; premedication is required[1].
- Infections: 81% with Empliciti, lenalidomide and dexamethasone against 74% without Empliciti in ELOQUENT-2[1].
- Second cancers: invasive second cancers in 9% against 6% in ELOQUENT-2, including more skin cancers and solid tumors[1].
- Liver injury: liver enzyme rises consistent with hepatotoxicity in 2.5% against 0.6%[1].
- Lab test interference: Empliciti can show up on the blood tests used to track myeloma protein, which can affect whether a complete response is recognized[1].
In ELOQUENT-2, grade 3 to 4 infections occurred in 28% with Empliciti against 24% without, and fatal infections in 2.5% against 2.2%[1]. Opportunistic infections were reported in 22% against 13%[1].
With lenalidomide and dexamethasone, the most common side effects (20% or more) were tiredness, diarrhea, fever, constipation, cough, nerve tingling or numbness, nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory infection, decreased appetite and pneumonia[1]. With pomalidomide and dexamethasone, the most common were constipation and high blood sugar[1].
This is not a complete list of side effects. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what to expect and when to seek medical attention.
Taking Elotuzumab
Empliciti is a powder mixed into an IV infusion and given in a clinic, in 28-day cycles, until the myeloma progresses or side effects become unacceptable[1]. The schedule depends on the partner drug[1]:
Before every infusion, people get dexamethasone, an H1 antihistamine such as diphenhydramine, an H2 blocker and acetaminophen to lower the risk of infusion reactions[1]. On infusion days, dexamethasone is split into an oral dose 3 to 24 hours before and an IV dose 45 to 90 minutes before[1]. People older than 75 get a lower dexamethasone dose in the pomalidomide regimen[1].
If a grade 2 or higher infusion reaction occurs, the infusion is paused and restarted slowly once symptoms settle[1]. Empliciti comes in 300mg and 400mg vials[1]. It has no REMS program[1].
Availability and cost
Only available as the brand-name product.
Help paying for Empliciti
With private insurance, the drugmaker's copay card can lower what you pay for Empliciti. Drugmaker copay cards can't be used with Medicare, Medicaid or TRICARE, but charity funds often can. Of the 5 charity funds for Multiple Myeloma, 1 was open on October 26, 2026. Pick your insurance below to see which offers fit you.
- Copay help
The BMS Access Support Co-Pay Assistance Program helps commercially insured patients prescribed Empliciti with out-of-pocket deductibles, co-pays or co-insurance. Eligible patients may pay as little as $0 per infusion, subject to a maximum benefit. Restrictions apply, and people with government insurance are not eligible for BMS co-pay programs.
For: private insurance · source - Other support
People with Medicare, Medicaid or TRICARE, and people without insurance, can get information about or a referral to independent charitable foundations that may provide financial support. The foundations are independent of Bristol Myers Squibb and set their own eligibility rules.
For: Medicare, Medicaid, no insurance · source - Insurance and case manager help
Patient Access Specialists help with coverage questions and, for uninsured people, information about Affordable Care Act plans. Live support is at 1-800-861-0048, 8 AM to 8 PM ET, Monday through Friday.
For: private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, no insurance · source
Good to know: The BMS pages do not state the dollar amount of the co-pay program's maximum benefit, and they do not describe a free-drug program for Empliciti. Full eligibility rules are in the BMS Access Support IV Terms and Conditions. Bristol Myers Squibb says it cannot guarantee that a foundation will provide help.
Charity funds for Multiple Myeloma
- From a charity · HealthWell FoundationMultiple Myeloma (Medicare Access) fundOpen
Pays for: Copays, premiums or other treatment costs. Medicare patients only.
Clinical trial results
ELOQUENT-2 (NCT01239797) randomized 646 adults who had received 1 to 3 prior therapies to Empliciti with lenalidomide and dexamethasone, or lenalidomide and dexamethasone alone[1][3]. Results from the label[1]:
Only 6% of ELOQUENT-2 patients had received lenalidomide before[1].
Development history
Bristol Myers Squibb holds the US license for Empliciti, and its approval history is listed on Drugs@FDA[2]:
- November 30, 2015: first approval, with lenalidomide and dexamethasone after 1 to 3 prior therapies, based on ELOQUENT-2[2][1].
- November 6, 2018: label expanded to the combination with pomalidomide and dexamethasone, based on ELOQUENT-3[2][1].
- October 2019 and March 2022: label updates with new clinical data[2].
The current label adds ELOQUENT-2 final overall survival and ELOQUENT-3 overall survival results[1]. Drugs@FDA lists the Empliciti 300mg and 400mg vials with a marketing status of prescription, which means they are currently marketed[2].
Explore Multiple Myeloma trials
Other Multiple Myeloma treatments
Empliciti targets SLAMF7, a different protein from CD38, the target of the antibodies daratumumab and isatuximab[1][5][6]. Like them, Empliciti is used together with other myeloma medicines, and its approved uses pair it with an immunomodulatory drug and dexamethasone[1]. Its trials compared Empliciti combinations with the same backbone minus Empliciti, not with daratumumab or other newer drugs, so its place relative to them rests on separate trials[1].
Common questions about Elotuzumab
▸What is Elotuzumab (Empliciti)?
Empliciti (elotuzumab) is an IV antibody that helps the immune system attack myeloma cells, used in combination for adults with previously treated multiple myeloma[1]. The FDA approved Empliciti on November 30, 2015, with lenalidomide and dexamethasone after 1 to 3 prior therapies[2]. A second use, with pomalidomide and dexamethasone after at least 2 prior therapies including lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor, followed on November 6, 2018[2][1]. In ELOQUENT-2, median progression-free survival was 19.4 months with Empliciti added to lenalidomide and dexamethasone, against 14.9 months without it[1]. Empliciti has no boxed warning, and its main label warnings are infusion reactions, infections, second cancers and liver injury[1]. Empliciti is not approved on its own or for newly diagnosed myeloma[1].
▸How does Elotuzumab work?
Empliciti is a lab-made antibody that targets SLAMF7, a protein found on myeloma cells whatever their genetic changes[1]. SLAMF7 is also found on natural killer (NK) cells, immune cells that destroy abnormal cells[1].
Empliciti works in 2 ways at once[1]:
- It switches on NK cells directly through SLAMF7[1].
- It coats myeloma cells so immune cells recognize and destroy them, processes called ADCC and ADCP[1].
In lab and animal studies, Empliciti combined with lenalidomide activated NK cells more than either drug alone, and Empliciti also showed more anti-tumor activity when combined with pomalidomide in animal studies[1]. Empliciti is approved only in combination with lenalidomide or pomalidomide and dexamethasone[1].
▸What are the side effects of Elotuzumab?
Empliciti has no boxed warning[1]. Its label lists 5 warnings and precautions[1]: Infusion reactions: 10% in ELOQUENT-2 and 3.3% in ELOQUENT-3, mostly during the first dose; premedication is required[1]. Infections: 81% with Empliciti, lenalidomide and dexamethasone against 74% without Empliciti in ELOQUENT-2[1]. Second cancers: invasive second cancers in 9% against 6% in ELOQUENT-2, including more skin cancers and solid tumors[1]. Liver injury: liver enzyme rises consistent with hepatotoxicity in 2.5% against 0.6%[1]. Lab test interference: Empliciti can show up on the blood tests used to track myeloma protein, which can affect whether a complete response is recognized[1].
In ELOQUENT-2, grade 3 to 4 infections occurred in 28% with Empliciti against 24% without, and fatal infections in 2.5% against 2.2%[1]. Opportunistic infections were reported in 22% against 13%[1].
With lenalidomide and dexamethasone, the most common side effects (20% or more) were tiredness, diarrhea, fever, constipation, cough, nerve tingling or numbness, nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory infection, decreased appetite and pneumonia[1]. With pomalidomide and dexamethasone, the most common were constipation and high blood sugar[1].
▸How is Elotuzumab taken?
Empliciti is a powder mixed into an IV infusion and given in a clinic, in 28-day cycles, until the myeloma progresses or side effects become unacceptable[1]. The schedule depends on the partner drug[1]:
- With lenalidomide and dexamethasone: 10mg/kg weekly for cycles 1 and 2, then 10mg/kg every 2 weeks[1].
- With pomalidomide and dexamethasone: 10mg/kg weekly for cycles 1 and 2, then 20mg/kg every 4 weeks[1].
Before every infusion, people get dexamethasone, an H1 antihistamine such as diphenhydramine, an H2 blocker and acetaminophen to lower the risk of infusion reactions[1]. On infusion days, dexamethasone is split into an oral dose 3 to 24 hours before and an IV dose 45 to 90 minutes before[1]. People older than 75 get a lower dexamethasone dose in the pomalidomide regimen[1].
If a grade 2 or higher infusion reaction occurs, the infusion is paused and restarted slowly once symptoms settle[1]. Empliciti comes in 300mg and 400mg vials[1]. It has no REMS program[1].
▸Is Elotuzumab FDA approved?
Yes, Elotuzumab (Empliciti) is FDA approved (2015) for the treatment of Multiple Myeloma.
▸Is Empliciti chemotherapy?
No, Empliciti is a monoclonal antibody that works through the immune system, not a chemotherapy drug[1].
How it works: Empliciti targets SLAMF7 and switches on natural killer cells, immune cells that destroy myeloma cells[1].
Combination: Empliciti is always given with lenalidomide or pomalidomide plus dexamethasone[1].
Source: Empliciti prescribing information (DailyMed)
▸How is Empliciti given and how often?
Empliciti is an IV infusion given weekly for the first 2 cycles, then every 2 or 4 weeks[1].
With lenalidomide: 10mg/kg every week for cycles 1 and 2, then 10mg/kg every 2 weeks[1].
With pomalidomide: 10mg/kg every week for cycles 1 and 2, then 20mg/kg every 4 weeks[1].
Before each dose: Dexamethasone, antihistamines and acetaminophen to lower the chance of an infusion reaction[1].
Source: Empliciti prescribing information (DailyMed)
▸Can Empliciti affect my myeloma blood test results?
Yes, the Empliciti label says the drug can appear on SPEP and immunofixation, the blood tests that measure myeloma protein[1].
Why: Empliciti is itself an IgG kappa antibody, the same type as some myeloma proteins[1].
Effect: This can affect whether a complete response is recognized in people with IgG kappa myeloma[1].
Source: Empliciti prescribing information (DailyMed)
▸What were the results of the ELOQUENT-3 trial?
In ELOQUENT-3, median progression-free survival was 10.25 months with Empliciti, pomalidomide and dexamethasone against 4.67 months without Empliciti[1].
Survival: Median overall survival was 29.80 months against 17.41 months[1].
Who: 117 adults, most refractory to both lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor[1].
Source: Empliciti prescribing information (DailyMed); ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02654132
▸Is there copay help for Empliciti?
Yes, eligible commercially insured patients may pay as little as $0 per infusion through the BMS Access Support Co-Pay Assistance Program, subject to a maximum benefit[8].
Not eligible: People with Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE or other government insurance cannot use the copay program[7].
Other help: BMS Access Support can share information about, or make a referral to, independent charitable foundations[7].
Phone: 1-800-861-0048[7].
Source: BMS Access Support co-pay and financial support pages
Sources and references
Every factual claim on this page is drawn from the public sources listed below. Click any reference to open the original document.
- U.S. National Library of Medicine, DailyMed (E.R. Squibb & Sons, L.L.C.) · 2022-03. EMPLICITI (elotuzumab) for injection, full prescribing information. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=80686b7e-f6f4-4154-b5c0-c846425e2d91
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022-03-22. Drugs@FDA: EMPLICITI, BLA 761035 (approvals November 30, 2015 and November 6, 2018). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/index.cfm?event=overview.process&ApplNo=761035
- ClinicalTrials.gov · 2026-11. Phase III Study of Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone With or Without Elotuzumab to Treat Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma (ELOQUENT-2). https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT01239797
- ClinicalTrials.gov · 2026-11. An Investigational Immuno-therapy Trial of Pomalidomide and Low-dose Dexamethasone With or Without Elotuzumab to Treat Refractory and Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma (ELOQUENT-3). https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02654132
- U.S. National Library of Medicine, DailyMed (Janssen Biotech, Inc.) · 2026-09. DARZALEX (daratumumab) injection, for intravenous use, full prescribing information. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=a4d0efe9-5e54-467e-9eb4-56fa7d53b60b
- U.S. National Library of Medicine, DailyMed (sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC) · 2026-07. SARCLISA (isatuximab-irfc) injection, for intravenous use, full prescribing information. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=a0473462-6f9d-4eca-a5bf-8620aea68e8a
- Bristol Myers Squibb · 2026-08. BMS Access Support: Co-Pay and Financial Support Options. https://www.bmsaccesssupport.com/patient/co-pay-financial-support
- Bristol Myers Squibb · 2026-11. BMS Access Support Co-Pay Assistance Program, EMPLICITI. https://www.bmsaccesssupport.com/empliciti-copay-modal.display.html