vincristine sulfate liposome (Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc.)

Vincristine sulfate liposomes, marketed under the brand name Marqibo, is a nanoparticle-encapsulated formulation of the vinca alkaloid vincristine sulfate. It utilizes a sphingomyelin/cholesterol liposome carrier to optimize the pharmacokinetics of vincristine by prolonging its circulating half-life and increasing tissue penetration compared to standard vincristine. The active ingredient, vincristine sulfate, acts as a microtubule inhibitor by binding to tubulin and disrupting mitotic spindle formation, which leads to cell cycle arrest in the M-phase and subsequent apoptosis. Developed by Spectrum Pharmaceuticals (following the acquisition of Talon Therapeutics), it received accelerated FDA approval in 2012 for the treatment of adult patients with Philadelphia chromosome-negative (Ph-) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in second or greater relapse, or whose disease has progressed following two or more anti-leukemia therapies.

Brand names

Marqibo

Other names

vincristine sulfate liposome injectionliposomal vincristinevincristine sulfate liposomes