The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new rapid-infusion form of bendamustine hydrochloride for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
The new formulation of bendamustine (Bendeka) is a 50-mL liquid designed for 10-minute infusion. It was granted orphan drug status for both the leukemia and lymphoma indications.
Bendeka is approved as primary therapy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and also for indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) that has progressed during or within 6 months of treatment with rituximab or a rituximab-containing regimen.
According to the prescribing information, the recommended dosing regimen for CLL is 100 mg/m2 infused intravenously over 10 minutes on days 1 and 2 of a 28-day cycle, up to six cycles. For NHL, the regimen calls for 120 mg/m2 infused intravenously over 10 minutes on days 1 and 2 of a 21-day cycle, up to eight cycles.
The most common hematologic adverse reactions are lymphopenia, anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and neutropenia. Bendamustine has been associated with severe – and even fatal – myelosuppression.
Bendeka is manufactured by Teva Pharmaceutical Industries and succeeds Teva’s previously approved form of bendamustine, Treanda, approved in 2008. “Since 2008, Treanda has played a valuable role in the treatment of patients with CLL or indolent B-cell NHL that has progressed,” Paul Rittman, Teva Oncology’s vice president and general manager, said in a press statement. Treanda’s orphan drug exclusivity status for the NHL indication was set to expire in October, and its pediatric exclusivity status for that indication, next April. Its CLL exclusivity status expired in September.
Teva purchased the new formulation from Eagle Pharmaceuticals last February. The deal was closed with an upfront payment of $30 million, and potential for up to $90 million in additional payments, as well as double-digit royalties on net sales.
At the time of purchase, Eagle had secured orphan drug designations for Bendeka in both CLL and NHL and had submitted the New Drug Application under priority review. Bendeka may be eligible for a 7-year exclusivity status.
The drug is scheduled to be available during the first quarter of 2016.