On September 14, 2017, the FDA approved Aliqopa (copanlisib; from Bayer HealthCare) for the treatment of adults with relapsed follicular lymphoma who have received ≥2 previous systemic therapies.
“For patients with relapsed follicular lymphoma, the cancer often comes back even after multiple treatments. Options are limited for these patients and today’s approval provides an additional choice for treatment, filling an unmet need for them,” said Richard Pazdur, MD, Director of the FDA’s Oncology Center of Excellence.
The approval of Aliqopa was based on a clinical trial showing improved response to therapy with this drug. Serious side effects with Aliqopa include infections, high blood sugar and blood pressure, inflammation of lung tissue, neutropenia, and severe skin reactions. Women who are breastfeeding should avoid this drug.