TheraRadar
Data updated: May 26, 2026

RYTELO (imetelstat sodium)

Trial Activity: Stable 3 active trials
First-in-Class Orphan Drug Fast Track
Oncology Approved 2024-06-06

Rytelo treats adults with low- to intermediate-1 risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) who suffer from anemia requiring frequent red blood cell transfusions. It is used for patients who need at least four units of blood over an eight-week period and have not seen results from erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. This medication helps patients who are either ineligible for these standard therapies or have lost their initial response to them.

Source: FDA Label • GERON

How RYTELO Works

This drug works by binding to the RNA component of human telomerase to inhibit its enzymatic activity and prevent telomere binding. By blocking this enzyme, which is often overactive in MDS, the treatment reduces telomere length and slows the growth of malignant stem and progenitor cells. This process ultimately helps trigger the death of these diseased cells.

Development Insights

Geron Corporation conducting 3 trials (43%)
26 indications explored (Broad Platform)
myelodysplastic syndromes (2 trials)
myelofibrosis (1 trials)
acute myeloid leukemia (1 trials)
1
Indication
--
Phase 3 Trials
1
Years on Market

Details

Status
Prescription
First Approved
2024-06-06
Patent Cliff
2039

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Routes
INTRAVENOUS
Dosage Forms
POWDER

Companies

Active Ingredient: IMETELSTAT SODIUM

RYTELO Approval History

2025
2026
Original
New Indication
New Form
Label Update
4 FDA actions from 2024 to 2026
Apr 2026 SUPPL
Label · Labeling
Jun 2024 ORIGINAL
New Drug · Type 1 - New Molecular Entity

What RYTELO Treats

2 indications

RYTELO is approved for 2 conditions since its original approval in 2024. These indications span multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, and more.

  • Myelodysplastic Syndromes
  • Anemia
Source: FDA Label

RYTELO Competitive Set

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Filters applied: drops same-active-ingredient (505(b)(2) reformulations), route-mismatch (topical vs systemic), and cross-therapeutic-area matches in same-indication rings.

What's emerging in RYTELO's indications

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Phase 3 candidates targeting molecules with no FDA-approved drug, in indications RYTELO treats. First-in-class if their pivotal trials read out positive.

Drugs Similar to RYTELO

3 of 14

FDA-approved drugs for similar conditions. Compare mechanisms and indications to understand treatment alternatives.

LENALIDOMIDE
LENALIDOMIDE
2 shared
ZYDUS PHARMS
Shared indications:
AnemiaMyelodysplastic Syndromes
REBLOZYL
LUSPATERCEPT-AAMT
2 shared
Bristol-Myers Squibb
Shared indications:
AnemiaMyelodysplastic Syndromes
AQVESME
MITAPIVAT SULFATE
1 shared
AGIOS PHARMS INC
Shared indications:
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Clinical Trial Registry

7 trials
Trial Sponsor ID Phase Status Title
NCT05583552 IMpress results posted IMpress_001 Ph 2 active not recruiting Study to Evaluate Imetelstat in Patients With High-Risk MDS or AML Failing HMA-based Therapy
NCT05371964 MYF1001 Ph 1 recruiting A Study to Evaluate the Safety, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Activity of Imetelstat in Combination With Ruxolitinib in Participants With Myelofibrosis
NCT02598661 results posted CR107947 63935937MDS3001, EU CTIS number Ph 2, Ph 3 active not recruiting Study to Evaluate Imetelstat (GRN163L) in Participants With International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) Low or Intermediate-1 Risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
NCT02011126 ADVL1321 NCI-2013-01640, ADVL1321 Ph 2 withdrawn Imetelstat Sodium in Treating Younger Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Solid Tumors
NCT01836549 results posted PBTC-036 NCI-2013-00482, U01CA081457 Ph 2 terminated Imetelstat Sodium in Treating Younger Patients With Recurrent or Refractory Brain Tumors
NCT01256762 CP14B014 Ph 2 completed Imetelstat in Combination With Paclitaxel (With or Without Bevacizumab) in Patients With Locally Recurrent or Metastatic Breast Cancer
NCT01273090 ADVL1112 COG-ADVL1112 Ph 1 completed Imetelstat Sodium in Treating Young Patients With Refractory or Recurrent Solid Tumors or Lymphoma
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Active Pipeline

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Key Completed Trials

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Completed studies with published results, ranked by significance

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Trial Timeline

Full development history with FDA approval milestones

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Understanding FDA Approval Types
Count Type What it means
- ORIG Original approval - drug first enters market
- SUPPL - Efficacy New indication (new disease/condition approved)
- SUPPL - Labeling Label text changes (warnings, dosing updates)
- SUPPL - Manufacturing Production changes (new facility)
- SUPPL - Chemistry Formulation changes (new dosage strength)

Green lines in the timeline show ORIG and Efficacy approvals - the clinically meaningful milestones.

RYTELO FDA Label Details

Indications & Usage

FDA Label (PDF)

RYTELO is indicated for the treatment of Myelodysplastic Syndromes; Anemia.

View full patent landscape →
6 OB patents · 3 families · 117 international docs across 26 countries

RYTELO Patents & Exclusivity

Latest Patent: Jun 2039
Exclusivity: Jun 2031

Patents (6 active)

US12171778 Expires Jun 16, 2039
US12442000 Expires Mar 15, 2033
US9375485 Expires Mar 15, 2033
US7494982 Expires Dec 27, 2026
US9388416 Expires Sep 9, 2026
US9388415 Expires Sep 9, 2026

Exclusivity

ODE-482 Until Jun 2031
ODE-482 Until Jun 2031
ODE-482 Until Jun 2031
ODE-482 Until Jun 2031
Source: FDA Orange Book

Pro Intelligence Preview

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Revenue Insights

  • Quarterly revenue tracking
  • Historical trend analysis

Patent Timeline

  • Cliff: 2039
  • 24 active patents

Trial Analysis

  • 7 total trials
  • Stage: Stable

Competitive Landscape

  • 14 similar drugs
  • Same target/indication analysis
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Data Sources

Data sourced from official FDA and NIH databases. Click links to verify on original sources.

How We Calculate These Metrics

Trial Activity Stage

Measures the current development activity pattern based on trial phases, status, and trends. Important: This measures R&D activity, not commercial lifecycle.

Trial statuses: "Active" means recruiting or ongoing. "Completed" means reached planned endpoint. "Terminated" means stopped early—often due to safety, efficacy, or business reasons.

  • Growth: High proportion of early-phase trials (Phase 1/2), active development
  • Expansion: Significant Phase 3 activity, approaching or pursuing approvals
  • Mature: Substantial Phase 4 post-marketing studies
  • Stable: Mixed phase distribution, steady development
  • Declining: Low active trial ratio, reduced R&D investment