Diplomat Pharmacy, largest independent specialty pharmacy, has started distributing the US Food and Drug Administration approved Rydapt (midostaurin) to treat adults who have FLT3 mutation–positive acute myeloid leukemia.

Rydapt (midostaurin) is approved to treat newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that is FLT3 mutation–positive, as detected by an FDA-approved test, in combination with standard cytarabine and daunorubicin induction and cytarabine consolidation.

Rydapt (midostaurin) inhibits multiple receptor tyrosine kinases.An oral therapy, Rydapt (midostaurin) is administered twice daily for adults with FLT3 mutation–positive AML.

The FDA also approved Rydapt (midostaurin) to treat aggressive systemic mastocytosis, systemic mastocytosis with associated hematological neoplasm, and mast cell leukemia. Rydapt (midostaurin) is not indicated as a single-agent induction therapy for patients with AML.

“We are excited about the recent approval of Rydapt (midostaurin) to treat newly diagnosed FLT3-mutated AML patients. It opens a new treatment strategy for these patients,” said Paul Urick, Diplomat president. “We understand cancer treatments can be complex. Through our coordinated care team, we are eager to provide patients this encouraging new therapy option with our expertise and personal support.”

According to the American Cancer Society, AML is a form of cancer in which the bone marrow makes irregular myeloblasts, red blood cells, or platelets. Symptoms can include fatigue, recurrent infections, and easy bruising. AML is most common in people older than 45.

Rydapt (midostaurin) is manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceutical Corporation.