Related Experiment Videos
Pemetrexed disodium
1Christchurch Hospital, New Zealand. davidandcatherine@xtra.co.nz
Nature Reviews. Drug Discovery
|June 21, 2005
Summary
Pemetrexed disodium (Alimta) is an anticancer drug approved for malignant pleural mesothelioma and non-small-cell lung cancer. It targets essential folate-dependent reactions crucial for cancer cell proliferation.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a rare cancer.
- Non-small-cell lung cancer requires effective second-line treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the US FDA approval of pemetrexed disodium (Alimta).
- To introduce Alimta as a novel therapeutic agent.
Main Methods:
- Review of FDA approval documentation.
- Analysis of Alimta's mechanism of action.
Main Results:
- Pemetrexed disodium (Alimta) received FDA approval in February 2004 for malignant pleural mesothelioma.
- Accelerated approval for second-line non-small-cell lung cancer treatment followed in August 2004.
Conclusions:
- Pemetrexed disodium (Alimta) represents a significant advancement in treating these rare cancers.
- The drug's mechanism targets critical cellular processes for proliferation.