Last reviewed 2026-04-20 · How we verify

PEMETREXED DISODIUM

Pemetrexed disodium is a marketed drug primarily indicated for the initial treatment of metastatic non-squamous NSCLC in combination with pembrolizumab and platinum chemotherapy. Its key strength lies in its established use as part of a first-line treatment regimen, supported by robust clinical evidence. The primary risk is the key composition patent expiry in 2028, which could lead to increased competition from generics.

At a glance

Approved indications

• Metastatic Non-Squamous NSCLC - Initial Treatment with Pembrolizumab and Platinum Chemotherapy
• Locally Advanced or Metastatic Non-Squamous NSCLC - Initial Treatment with Cisplatin
• Maintenance Treatment of Non-Squamous NSCLC
• Recurrent, Metastatic Non-Squamous NSCLC - After Prior Chemotherapy
• Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma - Initial Treatment with Cisplatin

Common side effects

• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Pyrexia
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Decreased appetite
• Rash
• Cough
• Dyspnea
• Hyperglycemia
• Anemia

Drug interactions

• Ibuprofen

Key clinical trials

• Reduced-dose Carboplatin-doublet-chemotherapy + Cemiplimab vs Cemiplimab Monotherapy in Treatment Naive Older and Frail Patients With Metastatic NSCLC With PD-L1 <50% (PHASE2)
• A Study to Compare Sacituzumab Tirumotecan (MK-2870) Monotherapy Versus Treatment of Physician's Choice as Second-line Treatment for Participants With Recurrent or Metastatic Cervical Cancer (MK-2870-020/TroFuse-020/Gog-3101/ENGOT-cx20) (PHASE3)
• Sacituzumab Tirumotecan (MK-2870) Versus Pemetrexed and Carboplatin Combination Therapy in Participants With Epidermal Growth Factor (EGFR)-Mutated, Advanced Nonsquamous Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Who Have Progressed on Prior EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (MK-2870-009) (PHASE3)
• Testing the Addition of an Anti-Cancer Drug, TRC102, to the Usual Chemotherapy Treatment (Pemetrexed, Cisplatin or Carboplatin) During Radiation Therapy for Stage III Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (PHASE2)
• Methoxyamine, Cisplatin, and Pemetrexed Disodium in Treating Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors or Mesothelioma That Cannot Be Removed by Surgery or Mesothelioma That Is Refractory to Pemetrexed Disodium and Cisplatin or Carboplatin (PHASE1, PHASE2)
• A Study to Evaluate the Bioavailability of Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) Via Subcutaneous (SC) Injection of Pembrolizumab Formulated With Berahyaluronidase Alfa (MK-5180) [MK-3475A] In Advanced Solid Tumors (MK-3475A-C18) (PHASE1)
• Pemetrexed Disodium and Cisplatin With or Without Cediranib Maleate in Treating Patients With Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (PHASE1, PHASE2)
• A Study of LY4050784 in Participants With Advanced or Metastatic Solid Tumors (PHASE1)

Primary sources

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