DepoCyte (Pacira BioSciences)

DepoCyte is a sustained-release liposomal formulation of cytarabine, an antimetabolite chemotherapy agent. It is specifically designed for intrathecal administration into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to treat lymphomatous meningitis and central nervous system (CNS) involvement in hematologic malignancies, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and aggressive lymphomas such as Burkitt lymphoma. Utilizing the proprietary DepoFoam multivesicular liposome technology, DepoCyte maintains cytotoxic concentrations of cytarabine in the CSF for up to 14 days following a single dose, thereby reducing the frequency of invasive lumbar punctures. The active ingredient, cytarabine, is a pyrimidine analog that, once phosphorylated, inhibits DNA polymerase and incorporates into DNA, causing S-phase specific cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. While Goethe University sponsored Phase 2 research for ALL and Burkitt lymphoma, the drug was originally developed by SkyePharma and Pacira BioSciences.

Brand names

DepoCyteDepoCyt

Other names

liposomal cytarabinecytarabine liposome injection