Ianalumab (VAY-736) is a fully human monoclonal antibody targeting the B-cell activating factor receptor (BAFF-R). It is distinguished by a novel dual mechanism of action: it combines specific blockade of BAFF-R-mediated signaling with potent, Fc-mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). By binding to BAFF-R, ianalumab competitively inhibits the interaction with its natural ligand, BAFF, thereby depriving B cells of a critical survival signal. Concurrently, its engineered Fc domain strongly engages Fcγ receptors on natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages, leading to the direct lysis and depletion of BAFF-R-positive B cells. This two-pronged approach aims to achieve profound and sustained suppression of pathogenic B-cell populations.