US FDA approves Talon's rare leukemia drug Marqibo

California, USA-based Talon Therapeutics (OTCBB: TLON) yesterday gained accelerated approval from the Food and Drug Administration for its Marqibo (vinCRIStine sulfate LIPOSOME injection) 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.

Talon’s shares gained 10% to $1.07 at 1:19 pm, after rising as much as 27% for its biggest intraday climb since March 21, noted Bloomberg, which also reported that Talon’s chief executive had said in an interview last month that the company is considering selling the rights to Marqibo outside the USA, among other deals, but declined at that time to identify any of the potential buyers or partners.

Marqibo is approved for patients whose leukemia has returned (relapsed) two or more times, or whose leukemia has progressed following two or more regimens of anti-leukemia therapy. Marqibo contains vincristine, a commonly used anti-cancer drug, encased within a liposome, a drug delivery vehicle composed of material similar to that of cell membranes. It is an injection administered once a week by a health care professional.