Defibrotide

by Funmi Adewale
Brand Name:
Generic Name: defibrotide
Code Name:
Company: Gentium SpA
FDA Clinical Phase: 1/2

Description:
Defibrotide is an anticoagulant (a drug that prevents blood clotting) that may makes myeloma cells more susceptible to chemotherapy. It is not an anti-tumor drug and only has a significant effect on myeloma when combined with cancer-fighting drugs.  Defibrotide may decrease blood clotting and nerve damage caused by certain myeloma treatments. In combination with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), defibrotide has been shown to significantly increase stem cell production. Defibrotide has also demonstrated an ability to treat hepatic veno-occulusive disease (VOD), a life-threatening complication of stem cell transplantation that is marked by blocked veins in the liver.

Clinical Trials:
There is currently one clinical trial studying defibrotide for the treatment of multiple myeloma, and participants are currently being recruited.

Web site for defibrotide: http://www.gentium.it/Defibrotide.aspx

Updated February 4, 2010

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