API

Mechanism of Action

Bendamustine is a bifunctional mechlorethamine derivative containing a purine-like benzimidazole ring. Mechlorethamine and its derivatives form electrophilic alkyl groups. These groups form covalent bonds with electron-rich nucleophilic moieties, resulting in interstrand DNA crosslinks. The bifunctional covalent linkage can lead to cell death via several pathways. Bendamustine is active against both quiescent and dividing cells. The exact mechanism of action of bendamustine remains unknown.

Indication

TREANDA for Injection is an alkylating drug indicated for treatment of patients with:

• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Efficacy relative to first line therapies other than chlorambucil has not been established.
• Indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) that has progressed during or within six months of treatment with rituximab or a rituximabcontaining regimen.