Plerixafor Approved for Stem Cell Transplant

The US Food and Drug Administration granted marketing approval for plerixafor (Mozobil), a drug intended to be used in combination with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor to mobilize hematopoietic stem cells to the bloodstream for collection and subsequent autologous transplantation in patients with non- Hodgkin’s lymphoma and multiple myeloma. The product has also been granted orphan drug designation.

“This product should become an integral part of the treatment regimen for transplantation because of the benefits it offers to patients, physicians, and transplant centers.” said John F. DiPersio, md, phd, professor, Washington University, St. Louis.