GDF-15

Class

Anti-GDF-15 monoclonal antibody

GDF-15 (growth differentiation factor 15) is a stress-induced cytokine belonging to the TGF-beta superfamily. Under normal conditions it is expressed at low levels, but its production rises sharply during tissue injury, inflammation, and especially in the presence of many solid tumors. Circulating GDF-15 acts on a specific receptor complex in the brainstem, producing appetite suppression, nausea, and weight loss. In cancer, chronically elevated GDF-15 is thought to be a major driver of cachexia, the severe wasting syndrome that reduces quality of life and can limit patients' ability to tolerate treatment. GDF-15 has also been implicated in dampening antitumor immune responses, making it of interest beyond metabolic effects. Monoclonal antibodies directed against GDF-15 are designed to neutralize the circulating cytokine before it can engage its brainstem receptor, with the therapeutic rationale of restoring appetite and body weight in cancer-associated cachexia and potentially improving immune activity against tumors. This mechanism is being explored broadly across cancers where cachexia and elevated GDF-15 levels are common, and reflects a shift toward addressing supportive-care aspects of cancer treatment through targeted biology rather than general nutritional support alone.