What is another name for nelarabine? A Guide to Brand Names

October 11, 2025 •

2 min read

First approved by the FDA in 2005, the chemotherapy medication nelarabine is marketed under the brand names Arranon in the United States and Atriance in the European Union. It is an important antineoplastic agent used primarily for refractory or relapsed T-cell cancers.

Quick Summary

The chemotherapy agent nelarabine is sold under the brand name Arranon in the US and Atriance in the EU. It is used to treat certain T-cell leukemias and lymphomas that have not responded to or have relapsed after previous treatment.

Key Points

Brand Names: The primary brand name for nelarabine in the US is Arranon, while in the EU it is known as Atriance.
Generic vs. Brand: Nelarabine is the generic, non-proprietary name, now available generically in the US, alongside brand-name versions.
Mechanism of Action: The drug converts into an active metabolite that inhibits DNA synthesis in cancerous T-cells.
Targeted Therapy: Nelarabine is specifically used to treat T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma.
Relapsed/Refractory Cases: It is typically reserved for patients whose cancer has not responded to or has returned after other treatments.
Neurotoxicity Risk: The medication is associated with a risk of severe neurological side effects.
Administration: Nelarabine is given as an intravenous infusion in a clinical setting.

Primary Brand Names for Nelarabine

Nelarabine is the generic name for an antineoplastic drug. The brand name in the United States is Arranon. In the European Union, the medication is sold under the brand name Atriance. A code name, 506U78, was used during the drug's development.

Understanding Nelarabine's Role as a Chemotherapy Drug

Nelarabine is a chemotherapy agent classified as a nucleoside metabolic inhibitor used for certain T-cell blood cancers. It is a prodrug converted into an active form within the body. This active metabolite inhibits DNA synthesis in cancerous T-cells.

Medical Indications

Nelarabine treats T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma that has relapsed or is refractory after previous treatments.

How Nelarabine is Administered

Nelarabine is administered intravenously in a clinical setting.

Potential Side Effects

Neurotoxicity is a significant concern, which can be irreversible. Other common side effects include low blood counts and gastrointestinal issues.

Nelarabine's Brand Names and Availability


Feature	Nelarabine (Generic)	Arranon (US Brand)	Atriance (EU Brand)
Availability	Available generically.	Previously under a single manufacturer, now available generically.	Available in the European Union.
Status	Generic active ingredient.	Prescription only; brand name.	Prescription only; brand name.
Approval	Approved by the FDA (2005) and EMA (2007).	FDA approved for T-cell leukemia and lymphoma.	EMA approved for T-cell leukemia and lymphoma.
Formulation	Intravenous solution.	Intravenous solution.	Intravenous solution.

Conclusion

Nelarabine, known as Arranon in the US and Atriance in the EU, is a chemotherapy option for relapsed or refractory T-cell leukemia and lymphoma.

For detailed information, visit the {Link: FDA drug approval summary https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2005/021817lbl.pdf}

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common brand names are Arranon (US) and Atriance (EU).

Yes, nelarabine is a chemotherapy drug classified as an antimetabolite.

Nelarabine treats T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) and T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL), particularly in relapsed or refractory cases.

Yes, common side effects include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, headache, and low blood cell counts, with a risk of serious neurological reactions.

Nelarabine is given as an intravenous infusion by a healthcare professional.

Yes, generic versions are available and are considered therapeutically equivalent to Arranon.

During its development, it was known by the code name 506U78.