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Halaven

eribulin mesylate
Microtubule Dynamics Inhibitor Eisai FDA Approved 2010
Indications Dosing Forms Contraindications Warnings Adverse Reactions Pharmacology Clinical Studies Tumor Types
1. Indications and Usage

Metastatic breast cancer — in patients who have previously received at least two chemotherapeutic regimens for metastatic disease (prior therapy should include an anthracycline and a taxane); Unresectable or metastatic liposarcoma — in patients who have received a prior anthracycline-containing regimen.

2. Dosage and Administration

1.4 mg/m² IV over 2-5 minutes on Days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle
Do NOT administer on Day 1 if: ANC <1,000/mm³, platelets <75,000/mm³, or Grade 3-4 non-hematologic toxicity
Dose reductions: 1.1 mg/m², then 0.7 mg/m²
Hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh A): 1.1 mg/m²; (Child-Pugh B): 0.7 mg/m²

3. Dosage Forms and Strengths

Injection: 1 mg/2 mL (0.5 mg/mL) solution in single-dose vials

4. Contraindications

None listed.

5. Warnings and Precautions
  • Neutropenia: Grade 3-4 in 57%. Febrile neutropenia in 5%. Fatal neutropenic sepsis reported. Monitor CBC before each dose.
  • Peripheral Neuropathy: In 35% (Grade 3-4: 8%). Monitor for signs of neuropathy. Delay or reduce dose for Grade 3-4.
  • QT Prolongation: QTcF prolongation >60 ms in 4.4%. Monitor ECGs, especially in patients with CHF, bradyarrhythmias, or electrolyte imbalance.
  • Embryo-Fetal Toxicity
6. Adverse Reactions
Most Common Adverse Reactions

Neutropenia (82%), fatigue (54%), alopecia (45%), nausea (35%), constipation (25%), peripheral neuropathy (35%), anemia (20%), asthenia (22%), weight decrease (21%), pyrexia (12%)

Neutropenia
82%
Fatigue
54%
Alopecia
45%
Nausea
35%
Peripheral Neuropathy
35%
Constipation
25%
Asthenia
22%
Weight Decrease
21%
Anemia
20%
Pyrexia
12%

Consult the complete prescribing information for a comprehensive list of adverse reactions and their frequencies.

12. Clinical Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action

Eribulin is a non-taxane microtubule dynamics inhibitor derived from halichondrin B (a marine sponge natural product). Unlike taxanes (which stabilize microtubules) or vinca alkaloids (which destabilize microtubules at both ends), eribulin inhibits microtubule growth by binding specifically to the plus ends of microtubules without affecting shortening. This unique mechanism leads to irreversible mitotic blockade, disruption of mitotic spindles, and apoptosis after prolonged mitotic arrest. Eribulin also has anti-metastatic effects by promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition reversal and tumor vasculature remodeling.

Pharmacokinetics

Half-life: approximately 40 hours. Clearance: 1.16 L/h/m². Vd: 43-114 L/m². Protein binding: 49-65%. Minimal metabolism (no significant CYP involvement); excreted primarily unchanged in feces (82%). No dose adjustment for mild-moderate renal impairment.

14. Clinical Studies

Clinical efficacy and safety data supporting the approval are available in the full prescribing information and from the clinical trials listed below.

Pivotal Clinical Trials
Additional Resources
Approved Tumor Types