Mozobil Available on Canadian Market For Stem Cell Mobilization

A new treatment for the mobilization of stem cells in patients with non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) and multiple myeloma (MM), is now available on the Canadian market, according to an announcement by Sanofi Canada.

Mozobil (plerixafor) has been designed to mobilize hematopoietic stem cells from the bone marrow into the bloodstream, where they can more easily be collected. This makes it more likely for patients with certain cancers to move forward to have a transplant.

Mozobil is the first in a new class of haematopoietic stem cell mobilising agents that reversibly blocks the CXCR4-SDF-1a interaction in the bone marrow. It should be used in combination with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) in order to collect stem cells so that an autologous transplantation in patients with NHL and MM.

Health Canada granted market authorization to Mozobil in December 2011.

"Mozobil is an important advancement in the treatment of patients with certain types of blood cancer who require stem cell transplant," said Dr. Ronan Foley, Haematologist and President of the Canadian Blood and Marrow Transplant Group representing 23 transplant centres across Canada. "Advancement such as Mozobil that can provide patients with hope for remission or a cure is very important when you are dealing with such a difficult illness."

Source: Newswire Canada