Momelotinib May Become ‘No. 1 Choice’ for Second-Line Therapy in Myelofibrosis, Expert Says

After demonstrating benefit in reducing anemia and splenic symptoms, momelotinib could become the optimal treatment option in the second-line setting for patients with myelofibrosis, according to Srdan Verstovsek, MD, PhD.

During the 2022 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting, CancerNetwork^® spoke with Verstovsek, the United Energy Resources, Inc., Professor of Medicine and a hematologist-oncologist at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, about findings from a pooled analysis of 3 phase 3 trials assessing momelotinib in patients with myelofibrosis.

In addition to feeling positive about the agent’s potential FDA approval in June 2023, Verstovsek stated that momelotinib could be the best treatment option for patient in the second-line setting.

Transcript:

When June of 2023 comes where we expect the decision by FDA as to whether [momelotinib should be] approved or not, I hope it will be because the study was really well done. It clearly shows the benefit in anemia and splenic symptoms. [We must quickly] find its place in the management of our patients with myelofibrosis, particularly in the setting the phase 3 randomized study was done in: the second-line setting where we struggle.

We don't have any therapy for anemia. If a patient has low platelets, this drug can be given to [them]. Of course, it can control the spleen if it has major problems. I would say that this drug may become the No. 1 choice of therapy in the second-line setting in myelofibrosis in the very near future.

Reference

Verstovsek S. Momelotinib (MMB) long-term safety: pooled data from three phase 3 randomized-controlled trials (RCTs). Presented at 2022 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Meeting and Exposition; December 10-13, 2022; abstract 4348.