Drug Overview
Alimta (pemetrexed; Eli Lilly) is an antifolate antineoplastic agent that exerts its action by disrupting folate-dependent metabolic processes essential for cell replication. Similar to fluorouracil, Alimta primarily inhibits thymidylate synthase, dihydrofolate reductase, and glycinamide ribonucleotide formyl transferase, resulting in decreased thymidine available for DNA synthesis and cell replication.
Used in the first-line, second-line, and maintenance treatment settings, Alimta represents a safe and effective option for almost all non-squamous patients, and has historically experienced robust sales in the US, Japan, and five major EU markets (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK). However, key patents protecting Alimta’s exclusivity are set to expire in the US, EU, and Japan, and the drug’s blockbuster success makes it an attractive target for generic competition. Nonetheless, the drug has gained regulatory approval for use in combination with Keytruda (pembrolizumab; Merck & Co) in first-line non-squamous patients in the US, with EU and Japanese approvals expected in coming years. Furthermore, Alimta is in Phase III development for use in combination with Tecentriq (atezolizumab; Roche/Chugai) in first-line non-squamous patients. Approvals with key immunotherapies should allow the drug to experience increased uptake before pemetrexed generics begin to erode sales of branded Alimta.
Alimta (pemetrexed; Eli Lilly) is an antifolate antineoplastic agent that exerts its action by disrupting folate-dependent metabolic processes essential for cell replication. Similar to fluorouracil, Alimta primarily inhibits thymidylate synthase, dihydrofolate reductase, and glycinamide ribonucleotide formyl transferase, resulting in decreased thymidine available for DNA synthesis and cell replication.
Used in the first-line, second-line, and maintenance treatment settings, Alimta represents a safe and effective option for almost all non-squamous patients, and has historically experienced robust sales in the US, Japan, and five major EU markets (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK). However, key patents protecting Alimta’s exclusivity are set to expire in the US, EU, and Japan, and the drug’s blockbuster success makes it an attractive target for generic competition. Nonetheless, the drug has gained regulatory approval for use in combination with Keytruda (pembrolizumab; Merck & Co) in first-line non-squamous patients in the US, with EU and Japanese approvals expected in coming years. Furthermore, Alimta is in Phase III development for use in combination with Tecentriq (atezolizumab; Roche/Chugai) in first-line non-squamous patients. Approvals with key immunotherapies should allow the drug to experience increased uptake before pemetrexed generics begin to erode sales of branded Alimta.
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