Spectrum Pharmaceuticals Files a New Drug Application with the FDA for Captisol-Enabled (Propylene Glycol-Free …

HENDERSON, Nev.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Spectrum Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: SPPI), a biotechnology company with fully integrated commercial and drug development operations with a primary focus in Hematology and Oncology, today announced the company has submitted a New Drug Application (NDA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the approval of Captisol-Enabled Melphalan (CE-Melphalan) HCl for injection (propylene glycol-free) for use as a high-dose conditioning treatment prior to hematopoietic progenitor (stem) cell transplantation in patients with multiple myeloma. Spectrum is also seeking approval for the palliative treatment of patients with multiple myeloma for whom oral therapy is not appropriate.

We believe the lack of propylene glycol in the preparation of CE-Melphalan eliminates the risk of the toxicities associated with that excipient, said Rajesh C. Shrotriya, MD, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Spectrum Pharmaceuticals. The improved solubility and stability of this novel melphalan formulation, CE-Melphalan, will make it an attractive treatment option for both transplant conditioning, and the palliative treatment of patients with multiple myeloma who cannot take oral melphalan. The enhanced stability of this new CE-Melphalan formulation simplifies clinical administration and is anticipated to allow for longer use and infusion times. This NDA submission represents another important step forward in bringing new treatment options to cancer patients.

The Phase 2 pivotal trial evaluating CE-Melphalan was a multi-center trial evaluating safety and efficacy. The primary objective of the study was to determine the overall safety and toxicity profile in multiple myeloma patients receiving 200 mg/m2 of CE-Melphalan as myeloablative therapy prior to autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). The secondary objectives evaluated the efficacy of CE-Melphalan in this patient population as measured by Multiple Myeloma Response Rate (according to International Myeloma Working Group [IMWG] criteria), and the rates of myeloablation and engraftment. The primary as well as secondary endpoints of this Phase 2 trial were met, and a comprehensive 505(b)(2) NDA was submitted to the FDA.

In a previous clinical study, CE-Melphalan met the requirements for establishment of bioequivalence to the currently approved commercial intravenous formulation of melphalan. When approved, this demonstrated bioequivalence of CE-Melphalan should facilitate the use of this new more stable, propylene glycol-free Captisol formulation of melphalan.

Spectrum Pharmaceuticalsgained global development and commercialization rights toCE-Melphalan from Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated(NASDAQ: LGND) in March 2013. Spectrum assumed the responsibility for the pivotal clinical trial and was responsible for filing the NDA. Under the license agreement, Ligand received a license fee and is eligible to receive milestone payments, as well as royalties following potential commercialization.

About Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Spectrum Pharmaceuticals is a leading biotechnology company focused on acquiring, developing, and commercializing drug products, with a primary focus in oncology and hematology. Spectrum and its affiliates market five oncology drugs FUSILEV (levoleucovorin) for Injection in the U.S.; FOLOTYN (pralatrexate injection), also marketed in the U.S.; ZEVALIN (ibritumomab tiuxetan) Injection for intravenous use, for which the Company has worldwide marketing rights; MARQIBO (vinCRIStine sulfate LIPOSOME injection) for intravenous infusion, for which the Company has worldwide marketing rights and BELEODAQ (belinostat) for Injection in the U.S. Spectrum's strong track record in in-licensing and acquiring differentiated drugs, and expertise in clinical development have generated a robust, diversified, and growing pipeline of product candidates in advanced-stage Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies. More information on Spectrum is available at http://www.sppirx.com.

About Captisol-Enabled Melphalan

Captisol-Enabled, Propylene Glycol-free Melphalan is a novel intravenous formulation of melphalan being investigated for the multiple myeloma transplant setting, for which it has been granted an Orphan Drug Designation by the FDA. This formulation eliminates the need to use propylene glycol containing custom diluent, which has been reported to cause renal and cardiac side effects, which in turn limit the ability to deliver higher doses of therapeutic compounds. The use of the Captisol technology to reformulate melphalan also improves its stability and is anticipated to allow for slower infusion rates and longer administration durations, potentially enabling clinicians to safely achieve a higher dose intensity for pre-transplant chemotherapy.

About Captisol

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Spectrum Pharmaceuticals Files a New Drug Application with the FDA for Captisol-Enabled (Propylene Glycol-Free ...