Aphexda
Evidence Grade A — Regulatory approved. 23 published studies. 10 registered clinical trials.
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Motixafortide (sold as Aphexda) is used to prepare multiple myeloma patients for stem cell transplant by flushing blood-forming stem cells out of the bone marrow and into the bloodstream where they can be collected. In the pivotal trial, a single injection dramatically increased the number of stem cells collected, with over two-thirds of patients meeting the target goal in just one or two collection sessions compared to fewer than 10% without it.
23 published studies: 17 human, 1 animal, 0 in-vitro, 13 reviews
Motixafortide is marketed as Aphexda (approved September 2023) for mobilisation of haematopoietic stem cells for collection and subsequent autologous transplantation in multiple myeloma patients, used in combination with G-CSF.
In the GENESIS trial, 92.5% of patients treated with motixafortide plus G-CSF achieved the target stem cell collection in two or fewer apheresis sessions, compared to 26.2% with G-CSF plus placebo. Over two-thirds achieved the target in a single session. This is a significant practical improvement — each apheresis session takes several hours and is physically demanding for patients who are already unwell. Motixafortide competes with plerixafor (Mozobil), an earlier CXCR4 antagonist, with substantially higher single-session success rates.
Blood stem cells are held in the bone marrow by a molecular tethering system — the CXCR4 receptor on stem cells binds to a protein called SDF-1 (CXCL12) produced by bone marrow stromal cells, keeping them anchored in place. Motixafortide blocks CXCR4, cutting this tether. Combined with G-CSF (another mobilising agent), this releases a large wave of stem cells into the bloodstream. The more stem cells collected per session, the fewer apheresis procedures the patient needs — and motixafortide dramatically increases yield per session.
The GENESIS trial demonstrated clear superiority: 92.5% of patients receiving motixafortide plus G-CSF achieved the stem cell collection target in up to two apheresis sessions, compared to 26.2% with G-CSF plus placebo. The median stem cell yield in a single session was nearly five times higher with motixafortide. For patients, this translates to fewer collection procedures — each of which takes several hours and is physically taxing — and more reliable collection overall. Motixafortide competes with plerixafor (Mozobil), an older CXCR4 antagonist, and appears to offer substantially higher single-session success rates. The main side effects are injection-site reactions, itching, flushing, and back pain. An earlier study of motixafortide in pancreatic cancer (the COMBAT trial) did not succeed, and the drug is currently approved only for stem cell mobilisation. Research is ongoing for potential use in gene therapy applications for sickle cell disease.
Motixafortide for MRD Sensitization in AML
Mobilization of Stem Cells With Motixafortide (BL-8040) in Combination With G-CSF in Multiple Myeloma Patients
Evaluating Premedication Regimens (Methylprednisolone vs Dexamethasone-based) for the Prevention of Systemic and Injection Site Reactions to Motixafortide in Patients With Multiple Myeloma Undergoing Stem Cell Mobilization, PARADE Trial
Gene Editing For Sickle Cell Disease
SCD Stem Cell Mobilization and Apheresis Using Motixafortide
FDA ORIG 1
FDA SUPPL 9
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