Antengene Secures Approval for XPOVIO® in Multiple Myeloma Treatment
Friday, February 14, 2025
Antengene has announced that its drug XPOVIO® (selinexor), in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone (XVd), will be included in Taiwan's National Health Insurance (NHI) reimbursement scheme from 1 March 2025.
XPOVIO® is the first orally available, selective XPO1 inhibitor approved globally and is already authorised in nine countries and regions across the Asia-Pacific (APAC). Public insurance schemes in five of these markets, including mainland China, Taiwan, Australia, Singapore, and South Korea, have incorporated XPOVIO®. Further expansion of reimbursement coverage across APAC is expected.
Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer caused by the uncontrolled growth of plasma cells. Epidemiological data indicate that it is the second most common haematological malignancy in Taiwan, with approximately 700 to 800 new cases and around 400 related deaths each year.
Patients often face challenges such as frequent relapse, limited treatment options, and short survival periods. The inclusion of XPOVIO® in Taiwan's reimbursement scheme is expected to ease the financial burden for many patients and their families, improving access to treatment.
The approval covers its use for adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (R/R MM) who have received at least two prior treatments.
Antengene is also exploring further applications for XPOVIO®. Ongoing research aims to expand its use through combination therapies for other cancers, including myelofibrosis and endometrial cancer.
XPOVIO® functions by inhibiting the nuclear export protein XPO1, leading to the accumulation and activation of tumour suppressor proteins and the reduction of oncogenic proteins.
This mechanism enables the drug to exert antitumour effects through three key pathways: promoting tumour suppressor protein activity, decreasing oncogenic protein levels, and restoring hormone sensitivity via the glucocorticoid receptor pathway.
Clinical trials are currently underway in mainland China to assess XPOVIO® in treating both haematological malignancies and solid tumours, with some studies conducted in collaboration with Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc.
Source: antengene.com
