Pixantrone (Pixuvri)

Although this drug is EMA approved as of 5/31/2013, it is not yet FDA approved.

Mechanism of action

From the NCI Drug Dictionary: The dimaleate salt of a synthetic, noncardiotoxic aza-anthracenedione analogue with potential antineoplastic activity. Pixantrone intercalates into DNA and induces topoisomerase II-mediated DNA strand crosslinks, resulting in inhibition of DNA replication and tumor cell cytotoxicity. Route: IV

Diseases for which it is used

• Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Also known as

• Code name: BBR 2778
• Generic name: pixantrone dimaleate
• Brand name: Pixuvri