Bendamustine

Overview
Bendamustine (INN, tradenames Ribomustin and Treanda) is a substance in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called alkylating agents. It is also called SDX-105.

History
Bendamustine received its first marketing approval in Germany, which is marketed under the tradename Ribomustin, by Astellas Pharma GmbH's licensee, Mundipharma International Corporation Limited, which it is indicated as a single-agent or in combination with other anti-cancer agents for indolent NHL, multiple myeloma, and CLL. SymBio Pharmaceuticals Ltd holds exclusive rights to develop and market bendamustine HCl in Japan and selected Asia Pacific Rim countries.

On March 20, 2008, Cephalon received approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration to market bendamustine in the US, where it is sold under the tradename Treanda. Bendamustine is the first drug approved for patients with CLL in the US since 2001.