Relapsed/Refractory Patients:

Aplidin® (plitidepsin)

What is Aplidin?

Aplidin (plitidepsin) is an anti-tumor agent being developed by PharmaMar that was originally isolated from a marine organism known as a sea squirt. Aplidin is given as an intravenous infusion every 2 weeks.

What do we know about Aplidin’s activity in myeloma?

Laboratory studies have shown that Aplidin has potent anti-myeloma activity against patient myeloma cells, including those that are resistant to other myeloma agents. It also shows additive or synergistic effects with other anti-myeloma drugs.

Final results of a small Phase II study in patients with relapsed/refractory myeloma (n=21) show activity of Aplidin in a heavily-pretreated patient population, with 10% of patients achieving a partial response. When dexamethasone was added (n=18), the overall response rate increased to 28% (3 partial responses, 2 minor responses) and time-to-disease progression increased.

How is Aplidin currently being studied in myeloma?

Studies are planned to evaluate the activity of Aplidin in combination with Velcade^® (bortezomib) or Revlimid^® (lenalidomide).

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