Targeted Therapy / Oncology — Hematologic

Beleodaq (belinostat)

Spectrum Pharmaceuticals · HDAC Inhibitor (Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor)

FDA Approved 2014 Intravenous (IV) infusion Specialty Medication
Belinostat Beleodaq injection 500mg/vial, Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, HDAC inhibitor for PTCL

What is Beleodaq? Beleodaq (belinostat) is an HDAC inhibitor by Spectrum Pharmaceuticals approved for relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) after at least one prior systemic therapy.

About Beleodaq

Brand NameBeleodaq
Generic / INNbelinostat
Drug ClassHDAC Inhibitor (Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor)
ManufacturerSpectrum Pharmaceuticals
AdministrationIntravenous (IV) infusion
FDA Approval2014
📦 500 mg/vial sterile lyophilized powder for reconstitution. Single-dose vials.

FDA-Approved Uses

  • Relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) — adults after at least one prior therapy
Biomarker Note: UGT1A1 genotyping for *28 allele is recommended — homozygous patients have reduced belinostat clearance and require reduced starting dose of 750 mg/m².

How Does Beleodaq Work?

Belinostat inhibits histone deacetylase (HDAC) enzymes, causing hyperacetylation of histones and non-histone proteins. This results in altered gene expression including upregulation of tumor suppressor genes, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis in malignant T cells. HDAC inhibitors are particularly active in T-cell lymphomas.

Dosage & Administration

1000 mg/m² IV over 30 minutes on days 1–5 of each 21-day cycle. Dose reduce to 750 mg/m² for UGT1A1*28 homozygous patients. Continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

⚠️ Important

Dosing is individualized by the treating oncologist. Do not adjust without medical guidance. This page is educational only.

Warnings & Side Effects

Myelosuppression — serious thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, anemia. Serious infections. Hepatotoxicity — monitor LFTs. Tumor lysis syndrome. Embryo-fetal toxicity. UGT1A1*28 — dose reduction required for homozygous patients.

⛔ Serious Warnings
  • Myelosuppression
  • Serious infections
  • Hepatotoxicity
  • Tumor lysis syndrome
  • Embryo-fetal toxicity
  • UGT1A1*28 — dose reduction required

Common Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Pyrexia
  • Anemia
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Dyspnea
  • Thrombocytopenia

Storage & Handling

Refrigerate at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Reconstituted solution stable 12 hours at room temperature.

💰 Medication Cost & Insurance Coverage

Approximate Wholesale Acquisition Cost (WAC / List Price)

~$15,000–$20,000/cycle

1000 mg/m² days 1-5

Coverage note: Medicare Part B; Spectrum support
⚠️ List Price vs. What You Pay

WAC is the manufacturer list price — not what most patients pay. Actual cost depends on insurance, deductible, copay tier, and patient assistance eligibility. Many patients pay $0–$100/month through manufacturer co-pay programs.

Patient Assistance Prior Authorization Insurance & Savings

Insurance & Prior Authorization

Beleodaq requires prior authorization from all major insurance plans. BiologicHealthPlus handles the full PA process — clinical documentation, peer-to-peer reviews, and appeals — at no cost to patients or providers.

Prior Authorization Guide Patient Assistance Insurance & Savings

Frequently Asked Questions — Beleodaq

Beleodaq (belinostat) is an HDAC inhibitor approved for relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL). It alters gene expression in malignant T cells, causing cell death.

PTCL is a group of aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphomas derived from mature T cells. It generally has a worse prognosis than B-cell lymphomas and limited treatment options, making Beleodaq a valuable option after first-line failure.

Patients homozygous for UGT1A1*28 metabolize belinostat more slowly, leading to higher drug exposure. These patients should receive a reduced starting dose of 750 mg/m² to avoid excessive toxicity.

Beleodaq is covered by Medicare Part B and commercial insurance for relapsed/refractory PTCL with prior authorization.

Related Medications

Romidepsin (Istodax)  ·  Vorinostat (Zolinza)  ·  Brentuximab vedotin (Adcetris)  ·  Pralatrexate (Folotyn)

Related Conditions

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL)  ·  T-cell lymphoma  ·  Relapsed/refractory lymphoma

Medical Disclaimer: Educational purposes only. Not medical advice. Consult your oncologist for treatment decisions. Prices are approximate WAC list prices as of 2025-2026. Last reviewed: September 2026 — BiologicHealthPlus Clinical Team.