FDA OKs first lung cancer maintenance drug

WASHINGTON, July 6 (UPI) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced approval of Alimta, the first drug available for maintenance therapy of metastatic lung cancer.

The FDA said patients with cancer often receive maintenance therapy to prevent the disease from progressing after their tumor has shrunk or the disease has stabilized in response to chemotherapy. Alimta (pemetrexed) disrupts metabolic processes that are dependent on the B-vitamin folate, a necessary ingredient for cell replication, the agency said.

"This drug represents a new approach in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer," said Dr. Richard Pazdur, director of the FDA's Office of Oncology. "Typically, patients whose tumors respond to chemotherapy do not receive further treatment after four-to-six chemotherapy cycles. This study demonstrates an advantage in overall survival in certain patients who received Alimta for maintenance therapy."

The drug was previously approved for the treatment of patients with mesothelioma, a cancer frequently related to asbestos exposure.

Alimta is manufactured by Eli Lilly & Co. of Indianapolis.