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Lorlatinib: First Global Approval
1Springer, Private Bag 65901, Mairangi Bay, 0754, Auckland, New Zealand. dru@adis.com.
Abstract:
Lorlatinib is an oral small molecule inhibitor of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) and C-ros oncogene 1 (ROS1) kinase developed by Pfizer for the treatment of ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Based on results from a phase I/II trial, lorlatinib received approval in Japan in September 2018 and in the USA in November 2018 for the treatment of ALK-positive NSCLC. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of lorlatinib leading to the first global approval for this indication.
Insights
Lorlatinib, an ALK and ROS1 inhibitor, is approved for ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer. This summary outlines its development milestones leading to global regulatory approval.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Drug Development
Background:
- Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) and C-ros oncogene 1 (ROS1) kinase alterations drive certain non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC).
- Targeted therapies inhibiting ALK and ROS1 have improved outcomes for patients with advanced NSCLC.
- Lorlatinib represents a next-generation inhibitor designed to overcome resistance mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the key development milestones of lorlatinib.
- To highlight the clinical trial data supporting its efficacy and safety.
- To document the regulatory pathway leading to its first global approval.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical data and early-phase clinical trials (Phase I/II).
- Analysis of efficacy and safety endpoints from pivotal studies.
- Examination of the regulatory submission and approval process.
Main Results:
- Lorlatinib demonstrated significant activity in patients with ALK-positive NSCLC.
- Phase I/II trial results formed the basis for regulatory submissions.
- Successful approvals were obtained in Japan (September 2018) and the USA (November 2018).
Conclusions:
- Lorlatinib's development signifies a crucial advancement in targeted therapy for ALK-positive NSCLC.
- The drug's approval offers a new treatment option for patients with this specific genetic profile.
- This summary provides a historical overview of lorlatinib's journey to market.
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