On November 25, 2024 Shorla Oncology (‘Shorla’), a U.S.-Ireland specialty pharmaceutical company, reported that the FDA has approved IMKELDI (imatinib) oral solution, the first oral liquid form of imatinib to treat certain forms of leukemia and other cancers (Press release, Shorla Oncology, NOV 25, 2024, View Source [SID1234648642]).
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"We are thrilled to offer an oral solution option for patients with leukemia and other cancers, a meaningful advancement for thousands in need," said Sharon Cunningham, chief executive officer of Shorla. "Oral solutions may ensure more precise and consistent dosing, offering a convenient alternative to compounding for patients who have difficulty swallowing or require dosing tailored to body surface area."
Leveraging Shorla’s novel technology, IMKELDI is an advanced liquid formulation of imatinib designed to provide dosing accuracy. IMKELDI can help slow or prevent the growth of specific cancers, including chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome /myeloproliferative disease (MDS/MPD), and gastrointestinal tumors (GIST).
In 2024, an estimated 9,280 people will be diagnosed with CML1, over 10,000 with MDS/MPD2, and up to 6,000 with GIST3 in the U.S. Despite the proven clinical benefits of imatinib, patient adherence can be an issue,4,5 underscoring a critical unmet need for a more accessible, patient-friendly oral solution delivery system.
"This milestone marks our fourth FDA approval as we advance our mission to make existing oncology treatments better through formulation re-innovation," said Orlaith Ryan, chief technical officer and co-founder of Shorla. "Our team is dedicated to creating more patient-friendly options that address real needs in those suffering from cancer."
Rayna Herman, chief commercial officer of Shorla added, "At Shorla, every innovation is driven by our commitment to put patients first. IMKELDI is another step forward as we continue to expand our growing portfolio with products that prioritize accessibility and affordability."
1. Key Statistics for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. American Cancer Society. Updated January 17, 2024. Accessed November 7, 2024. View Source
2. Key Statistics for Myelodysplastic Syndromes. American Cancer Society. Updated January 22, 2018. Accessed November 7, 2024. View Source
3. Key Statistics for Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors American Cancer Society. Updated January 26, 2021. Accessed November 7, 2024. View Source
4. Yanamandra U, Malhotra P, Sahu KK, et al. Variation in Adherence Measures to Imatinib Therapy. J Glob Oncol. 2018;4:1-10. doi:10.1200/JGO.2016.007906
5. Al-Barrak J, Cheung WY. Adherence to imatinib therapy in gastrointestinal stromal tumors and chronic myeloid leukemia. Support Care Cancer. 2013;21(8):2351-2357. doi:10.1007/s00520-013-1831-6
About IMKELDI
IMKELDI is an oral solution of imatinib mesylate, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in certain forms of leukemia (such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia and chronic myeloid leukemia) and other cancers in adults and pediatric patients as young as one year old. Featuring a convenient, palatable strawberry flavor and a stable formulation that does not require refrigeration, IMKELDI offers a patient-friendly, precise treatment option designed to improve adherence and accessibility.