Genzyme's Mozobil gains European Approval

US biotechnology giant Genzyme says that the European Commission has granted marketing authorization for Mozobil  (plerixafor injection), providing a significant new option for patients with the blood cancers lymphoma and multiple myeloma who require an autologous stem cell transplant.

'Mozobil has the potential to transform the field of stem cell transplantation,' said Mohamad Mohty, Professor of Hematology and head of the Stem Cell Transplant Program at the University Hospital in Nantes, France. 'This new treatment will allow more patients with yet incurable malignancies to confidently move on to a potentially life-saving autologous stem cell transplant,' he added.

In Europe, Mozobil is indicated in combination with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) to enhance mobilization of stem cells to the bloodstream for collection and subsequent autologous transplantation in patients with lymphoma and multiple myeloma whose cells mobilize poorly. This indication allows physicians to use Mozobil in the broad group of patients who are at risk of poor mobilization, as well as those who have previously failed conventional treatment. The product has been granted orphan drug status in the European Union and USA.