Last reviewed · How we verify

CEP-701

Cephalon · Phase 2 active Small molecule Quality 45/100

CEP-701 is a FLT3 inhibitor Small molecule drug developed by Cephalon. It is currently in Phase 2 development. Also known as: lestaurtinib.

CEP-701 inhibits FLT3 receptor tyrosine kinase, blocking signaling pathways that promote cancer cell growth and survival.

Likelihood of approval
15.3% vs 15.3% industry baseline
If approved by FDA: likely 2031–2034
Steps remaining: Phase 3 → NDA/BLA submission
Confidence: Medium
Why this estimate
  • Baseline phase 2 → approval rate +15.3pp
    Industry-wide phase 2 drugs reach approval ~15.3% of the time (BIO/Informa 2023 industry benchmark across all therapeutic areas).
Predicted approval windows by jurisdiction (conditional on FDA approval)
Regulator Country Likely year Lag vs FDA
FDA US 2031–2034
EMA EU 2032–2035 +0.7 yr
MHRA GB 2032–2035 +0.7 yr
Health Canada CA 2032–2036 +0.9 yr
TGA AU 2032–2036 +1.2 yr
PMDA JP 2032–2036 +1.5 yr
NMPA CN 2033–2037 +2.3 yr
MFDS KR 2032–2036 +1.4 yr
CDSCO IN 2032–2037 +1.8 yr
ANVISA BR 2033–2037 +2.3 yr

Hover any row for the lag rationale. Lag estimates are reduced when the drug has FDA Breakthrough or EMA PRIME designation (sponsors file globally in parallel).

Estimate based on the BIO/Informa industry phase transition rates plus per-drug modifiers for therapeutic area, sponsor type, FDA designations, mechanism, and trial design. Per-jurisdiction lags from Tufts CSDD international approval studies. Not investment, clinical or regulatory advice. Methodology: /methodology#likelihood.

At a glance

Generic nameCEP-701
Also known aslestaurtinib
SponsorCephalon
Drug classFLT3 inhibitor
ModalitySmall molecule
PhasePhase 2

Mechanism of action

CEP-701 is a selective inhibitor of FLT3, a receptor tyrosine kinase that is frequently mutated or overexpressed in acute myeloid leukemia. By blocking FLT3 signaling, the drug aims to inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in leukemia cells harboring FLT3 mutations.

Approved indications

Common side effects

No common side effects on file.

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

Frequently asked questions about CEP-701

What is CEP-701?

CEP-701 is a FLT3 inhibitor drug developed by Cephalon.

How does CEP-701 work?

CEP-701 inhibits FLT3 receptor tyrosine kinase, blocking signaling pathways that promote cancer cell growth and survival.

Who makes CEP-701?

CEP-701 is developed by Cephalon (see full Cephalon pipeline at /company/cephalon).

Is CEP-701 also known as anything else?

CEP-701 is also known as lestaurtinib.

What drug class is CEP-701 in?

CEP-701 belongs to the FLT3 inhibitor class. See all FLT3 inhibitor drugs at /class/flt3-inhibitor.

What development phase is CEP-701 in?

CEP-701 is in Phase 2.

Related