Olaratumab: First Global Approval

Olaratumab (Lartruvo (TM)) is a fully human IgG1 monoclonal antibody targeted against the human platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor alpha (PDGFR alpha). It was developed by Eli Lilly and Co. (previously ImClone Systems) after PDGFRa was identified as a potential therapeutic target in a variety of cancers. Olaratumab acts by selectively binding PDGFRa, thereby blocking PDGF ligand binding and inhibiting PDGFRa activation and downstream signalling. In October 2016, olaratumab received its first global approval, in the USA, for use in combination with doxorubicin for the treatment of adult patients with soft tissue sarcoma. The approval was granted by the US FDA under its Accelerated Approval Program based on the results of the JGDG phase II trial (NCT01185964). In addition, the EMA granted conditional approval for olaratumab in this indication in November 2016 following a review under the EMA's Accelerated Assessment Program. An international, confirmatory phase III trial in patients with soft tissue sarcoma is ongoing (ANNOUNCE; NCT02451943). Olaratumab has also been investigated in phase II trials in several other cancers. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of olaratumab leading to this first approval, for use in combination with doxorubicin for the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma in adults.