What is the difference between Rituxan and Rituxan Hycela?

Genentech’s Rituxan Hycela (rituximab and hyaluronidase human) includes the same monoclonal antibody as intravenous (IV) Rituxan (rituximab), but in combination with hyaluronidase human, an enzyme that helps to deliver rituximab subcutaneously (SQ) - under the skin.

The original Rituxan is given only as an intravenous product.

Rituxan Hycela is given SQ to adults with the following blood cancers: follicular lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Clinical studies showed Rituxan Hycela delivered similar blood levels and effectiveness of rituximab; however, the majority (77 percent) of patients preferred Rituxan Hycela over IV Rituxan due to less time spent in the clinic.

See also: https://www.drugs.com/compare/rituxan-vs-rituxan-hycela