Definition

A prolonged-release formulation composed of a suspension of the thalidomide analog lenalidomide coated with slow-dissolving nontoxic inorganic oxides, with potential antineoplastic activity. Upon administration via subcutaneous injection, the coating dissolves and lenalidomide is released. Lenalidomide inhibits tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) production, stimulates T lymphocytes, reduces serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF; FGF2), and inhibits angiogenesis. Additionally, lenalidomide promotes G1 cell cycle arrest and induces apoptosis in malignant cells.