Plerixafor approved for autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation

Abstract

Genzyme Corporation announced December15 that FDA has approved the marketing of plerixafor injection, or Mozobil, for use in patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or multiple myeloma who will undergo autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation. According to the product’s FDA-approved labeling, plerixafor is indicated, in combination with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), to increase the number of circulating hematopoietic stem cells available for collection and subsequent autologous transplantation. Plerixafor is a CXCR4 chemokine-receptor antagonist that blocks the binding of stromal-cell-derived factor 1-alpha and interferes with the sequestering of hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow, the labeling states. According to Genzyme, the use of plerixafor in combination with G-CSF may potentially reduce the number of times a patient needs to undergo apheresis before autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation. The use of plerixafor causes an increase in circulating leukocytes and may cause a decrease in platelets. The labeling warns that white blood cell and platelet counts should be monitored in patients treated with the drug.