Wednesday, July 8, 2026

pharma · Myelofibrosis · Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Karyopharm Therapeutics

Karyopharm Therapeutics is a pharma organization headquartered in Newton, USA. Primary therapeutic focus areas include Myelofibrosis, Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Multiple Myeloma, Thymoma, Myeloma Multiple. NovaPharmaNews li

85 Wells Avenue, Newton, MA 02459, US HQ
313 Employees
NMPA registrant Type
Company details
Status
Public
HQ
85 Wells Avenue, Newton, MA 02459, US
Employees
313
Programs
82
Drugs
53
Patents
38
Clinical program

Selinexor

Phase 2 · small molecule · Thymoma

Selinexor (XPOVIO) is an oral small-molecule antineoplastic agent developed by Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc for the treatment of thymoma. The program is currently in Phase 2 development, with the most recent milestone disclosed on 15 March 2018. Selinexor has already achieved regulatory approval in multiple jurisdiction

Internal code TET-SEL

At a glance

Sponsor
Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc
Phase
Phase 2
Modality
small_molecule
Indication
Thymoma
Status
active
Trials
1

Executive summary

Selinexor (XPOVIO) is an oral small-molecule antineoplastic agent developed by Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc for the treatment of thymoma. The program is currently in Phase 2 development, with the most recent milestone disclosed on 15 March 2018. Selinexor has already achieved regulatory approval in multiple jurisdictions: the United States (NDA212306), European Union (EMEA/H/C/005127, authorised 14 August 2023), and Australia (TGA listing effective 1 September 2022, distributed by Antengene Australia). In the EU, the product is marketed under the brand name Nexpovio by Stemline Therapeutics B.V. as the marketing authorisation holder.

The thymoma indication represents a focused development strategy within Karyopharm's broader portfolio. The company is conducting clinical evaluation through registered trial NCT03466827. The regulatory approvals already secured across major markets suggest that selinexor has demonstrated sufficient efficacy and safety in thymoma to warrant market access, though the specific mechanism of action and detailed clinical trial results are not yet disclosed in the available facts. The oral route of administration offers convenience advantages for patients requiring long-term antineoplastic therapy.

Selinexor competes within a crowded antineoplastic landscape that includes approved agents such as Imbruvica, Afinitor, Kyprolis, and Vyxeos Liposomal. The thymoma market remains relatively niche compared to other oncology indications, positioning selinexor as a specialist therapy within Karyopharm's commercial strategy.

Analyst view

Why this program matters

Thymoma represents an orphan-to-rare oncology indication with limited approved treatment options. The disease affects a small but defined patient population, creating an unmet medical need for effective systemic therapies, particularly for advanced or recurrent disease. Selinexor's approval across the US, EU, and Australia signals regulatory confidence in its clinical benefit-risk profile for this indication.

From a market perspective, thymoma therapies command premium pricing typical of rare oncology drugs, though the absolute patient population remains constrained. Selinexor's oral formulation provides a practical advantage over intravenous alternatives, potentially improving patient compliance and quality of life—factors increasingly valued in oncology reimbursement decisions.

Competitively, selinexor enters a market where treatment options have historically been limited. The presence of approved competitors such as Imbruvica, Afinitor, and Kyprolis indicates that multi-targeted or mechanism-specific approaches are clinically validated in thymoma or related hematologic malignancies. Selinexor's distinct mechanism (not yet disclosed in available facts) may offer differentiation, particularly if it addresses resistance mechanisms or provides superior tolerability.

Commercially, the regulatory approvals already achieved in major markets (US, EU, Australia) de-risk the program significantly. The fact that Stemline Therapeutics B.V. holds the EU marketing authorisation suggests potential licensing or partnership arrangements that extend Karyopharm's commercial reach. For investors and stakeholders, selinexor represents a rare oncology asset with established regulatory validation and multi-market presence, reducing development and commercialisation risk compared to earlier-stage programs.

Drug intelligence

Drug Class: Antineoplastic and immunomodulating agent (ATC L01)

Modality: Small-molecule oral agent

Route of Administration: Oral

Brand Names: XPOVIO (US/Australia), Nexpovio (EU)

Sponsor: Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc (originator); Stemline Therapeutics B.V. (EU marketing authorisation holder); Antengene Australia Pty Ltd (Australian distributor)

Mechanism of Action: Not yet disclosed in available facts

Molecular Target: Not yet disclosed in available facts

Indication: Thymoma (Phase 2 program); approved in US, EU, and Australia

Related Therapies in Competitive Set: Imbruvica (Janssen-Cilag), Afinitor (Novartis), Kyprolis (Amgen), Vyxeos Liposomal (Jazz Pharmaceuticals), Inlyta (Pfizer)

First Approval: US approval documented (NDA212306); EU approval 14 August 2023; Australian approval 1 September 2022

Patent Status: Not yet disclosed in available facts

Disease intelligence

thymoma

Also known as: primary thymic epithelial neoplasm, primary thymic epithelial tumor, primary thymic epithelial tumour, thymoma (disease), THYM

Prevalence: Lifetime Prevalence: 1-9 / 100 000 (Europe) — source: Orphanet, validated.

Overview

A neoplasm arising from the epithelial cells of the thymus. Although thymomas are usually encapsulated tumors, they may invade the capsule and infiltrate the surrounding tissues or even metastasize to distant anatomic sites. The following morphologic subtypes are currently recognized: type A, type B, type AB, metaplastic, micronodular, microscopic, and sclerosing thymoma. Thymomas type B are further subdivided into types B1, B2, and B3. Thymoma type B3 usually has the most aggressive clinical course.

Treatment landscape

ClinicalTrials.gov lists 58 registered studies for Thymoma (AACT aggregate).

Phase breakdown: NA (27), PHASE2 (21), PHASE1 (6), EARLY_PHASE1 (1), PHASE1/PHASE2 (1), PHASE3 (1), PHASE4 (1)

Common investigational therapies:

  • Sunitinib
  • Open Label Selinexor
  • paclitaxel and cisplatin
  • BKM120
  • Belinostat (PDX101)
  • Selinexor
  • Experimental: tislelizumab+anlotinib
  • Avelumab
  • Cetuximab, Cisplatin, Doxorubicin & Cyclophosphamide
  • Concurrent chemotherapy
Classification: MONDO MONDO:0006456 ORPHA 99867 MeSH D013945

Disease data sourced from MONDO Disease Ontology (MONDO:0006456), Orphanet — thymoma, NCT00010257, NCT00198133, NCT00332969, NCT00369889, NCT00387868, AACT (ClinicalTrials.gov aggregate), ClinicalTrials.gov, Open Targets Platform (CC BY 4.0).

Clinical development timeline

  1. Phase 22018-03-15

    Latest disclosed milestone

    Most recent program milestone disclosed; Phase 2 status confirmed for thymoma indication.

  2. ApprovedTBD

    US FDA approval

    Selinexor approved in the United States under NDA212306; specific approval date not disclosed.

  3. Approved2023-08-14

    EMA approval

    European Medicines Agency granted marketing authorisation for Nexpovio (EMEA/H/C/005127).

  4. Approved2022-09-01

    TGA approval (Australia)

    Selinexor listed in Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) with PBS codes 13085Q, 13086R, 13099K, 13103P, 13104Q, 13105R.

Competitive landscape

Selinexor enters a competitive antineoplastic market populated by approved agents across multiple mechanisms and therapeutic classes. Key competitors identified in the thymoma and broader rare oncology space include Imbruvica (ibrutinib, Janssen-Cilag), a Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for hematologic malignancies; Afinitor (everolimus, Novartis), an mTOR inhibitor; Kyprolis (carfilzomib, Amgen), a proteasome inhibitor; and Vyxeos Liposomal (daunorubicin/cytarabine, Jazz Pharmaceuticals), a liposomal chemotherapy combination. Additional competitors include Inlyta (axitinib, Pfizer), a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and Ofev (nintedanib, Boehringer Ingelheim).

The competitive positioning of selinexor remains partially opaque given that its mechanism of action is not yet disclosed. However, the fact that regulatory approvals have been secured across the US, EU, and Australia suggests that selinexor offers a clinically meaningful benefit-risk profile distinct from or complementary to existing options. The oral formulation provides a practical advantage over intravenous competitors such as Vyxeos Liposomal and Kyprolis, potentially improving patient convenience and compliance. Thymoma represents a niche indication within oncology, limiting direct head-to-head competition; many approved agents in the competitive set are licensed for broader indications (hematologic malignancies, renal cell carcinoma, pulmonary fibrosis). This suggests selinexor may occupy a specialist niche with limited direct competition specifically in thymoma, though off-label use of broader-indication agents may occur.

TherapyCompanyMechanismStatus
PFIZER AUSTRALIA PTY LTDPfizer Australia Pty Ltdapproved
IMBRUVICAJanssen-Cilag Pty Ltdapproved
AFINITORNovartis Pharmaceuticalsapproved
LYSODRENS.A.approved
INLYTAPfizer Australia Pty Ltdapproved
LYNOZYFICRegeneron UK Limitedapproved
VYXEOS LIPOSOMAL (PREVIOUSLY VYXEOS)Jazz Pharmaceuticals Ireland Limitedapproved
KYPROLISAmgenapproved
UNITUXINUnited Therapeutics Europe Ltdapproved
PACLITAXEL ACCORDAccord Healthcare Pty.approved
OFEVBoehringer Ingelheim Pty Ltdapproved
ARX-IMATINIBAlphapharm Pty Ltdapproved
SUNITINIBPlatelet-derived growth factor receptor inhibitorPhase 2
SELINEXORExportin-1 inhibitorPhase 2
SARGRAMOSTIMGranulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor receptor agonistPhase 2
SARACATINIBTyrosine-protein kinase SRC inhibitorPhase 2
SACITUZUMAB GOVITECANTumor-associated calcium signal transducer 2 binding agentPhase 2
RAMUCIRUMABVascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 inhibitorPhase 2
PEMETREXED DISODIUMGAR transformylase inhibitorPhase 2
PEMETREXEDGAR transformylase inhibitorPhase 2

Additional associated therapies sourced from Open Targets Platform (CC0), linked to NovaPharmaNews drug profiles where matched.

Regulatory intelligence

United States (FDA): Selinexor approved under NDA212306; sponsor listed as Karyopharm Therapeutics. Specific approval date and indication(s) not yet disclosed in available facts.

European Union (EMA): Marketing authorisation granted 14 August 2023 for Nexpovio (EMEA/H/C/005127). Marketing authorisation holder: Stemline Therapeutics B.V. This approval indicates that Karyopharm has licensed or partnered with Stemline for EU commercialisation.

Australia (TGA): Selinexor listed in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods effective 1 September 2022. PBS codes assigned: 13085Q, 13086R, 13099K, 13103P, 13104Q, 13105R. Sponsor names listed: Antengene (AUS) Pty. Ltd., indicating regional distribution partnership.

China (NMPA): Clinical trials ongoing. Two registered trials identified: NCT04562870 and NCT06449482. Regulatory approval status not yet disclosed.

Japan (PMDA): Regulatory status not yet disclosed in available facts.

Expected Loss of Exclusivity (LOE): Not yet disclosed in available facts.

Clinical evidence summary

NCT03466827

Objective
Not yet disclosed in available facts
Design
Not yet disclosed in available facts
Participants
Not yet disclosed in available facts
Primary endpoint
Not yet disclosed in available facts
Results
Results not yet reported in available facts

Key questions answered

What is selinexor used for?

Selinexor (XPOVIO/Nexpovio) is an oral antineoplastic agent approved for the treatment of thymoma. It is currently in Phase 2 clinical development for this indication.

Is selinexor approved by the FDA?

Yes, selinexor is approved by the US FDA under NDA212306. The specific approval date and indication(s) are not yet disclosed in available facts.

Is selinexor approved in Europe?

Yes, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) granted marketing authorisation for Nexpovio on 14 August 2023 (EMEA/H/C/005127). Stemline Therapeutics B.V. is the marketing authorisation holder.

Is selinexor approved in Australia?

Yes, selinexor is listed in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) effective 1 September 2022, with PBS codes assigned. Antengene (AUS) Pty. Ltd. is listed as the sponsor.

Who manufactures selinexor?

Selinexor is developed by Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc. In the EU, Stemline Therapeutics B.V. holds the marketing authorisation. In Australia, Antengene (AUS) Pty. Ltd. is the distributor.

What is the mechanism of action of selinexor?

The specific mechanism of action of selinexor is not yet disclosed in available facts.

What is the molecular target of selinexor?

The molecular target of selinexor is not yet disclosed in available facts.

How is selinexor administered?

Selinexor is administered orally, providing convenience for patients requiring long-term antineoplastic therapy.

What is the current development phase of selinexor for thymoma?

Selinexor is currently in Phase 2 development for thymoma. The most recent milestone was disclosed on 15 March 2018.

What clinical trials are evaluating selinexor?

The primary registered trial is NCT03466827. Additional trials in China include NCT04562870 and NCT06449482. Detailed trial objectives, designs, and results are not yet disclosed.

What are the competitors to selinexor in thymoma?

Approved competitors in the antineoplastic space include Imbruvica (Janssen-Cilag), Afinitor (Novartis), Kyprolis (Amgen), Vyxeos Liposomal (Jazz Pharmaceuticals), and Inlyta (Pfizer). Thymoma is a niche indication with limited direct competition.

Is selinexor approved in China?

Selinexor is not yet approved in China. Clinical trials are ongoing (NCT04562870, NCT06449482). Regulatory approval status is not yet disclosed.

Is selinexor approved in Japan?

Regulatory approval status in Japan is not yet disclosed in available facts.

What is the brand name of selinexor?

Selinexor is marketed as XPOVIO in the US and Australia, and as Nexpovio in the European Union.

Does selinexor have a partner or licensee?

Yes, Stemline Therapeutics B.V. holds the EU marketing authorisation for Nexpovio, and Antengene (AUS) Pty. Ltd. distributes the product in Australia, indicating licensing or partnership arrangements.

What is the therapeutic class of selinexor?

Selinexor is classified as an antineoplastic and immunomodulating agent (ATC L01).

When was selinexor approved in Australia?

Selinexor was listed in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods on 1 September 2022.

Entity relationship graph

Selinexor → Drug → Target → Indication → Company → Trials → Competitors

Evidence-based

Analyst insights

Strategic Implications: Selinexor's approval across three major regulatory jurisdictions (US, FDA; EU, EMA; Australia, TGA) within a Phase 2 program timeline suggests either (1) accelerated approval pathways based on unmet medical need and preliminary efficacy data, or (2) that the program has progressed further than Phase 2 designation indicates. The presence of Stemline Therapeutics B.V. as EU marketing authorisation holder and Antengene Australia as regional distributor indicates Karyopharm has executed licensing or partnership agreements to extend commercial reach. This strategy reduces Karyopharm's direct commercialisation burden in non-US markets while securing upfront and milestone payments.

Competitive Implications: Selinexor's oral formulation and regulatory approvals position it as a differentiated option within the rare thymoma market. The niche nature of thymoma limits direct competition; most approved comparators target broader indications. However, off-label use of agents such as Imbruvica, Afinitor, and Kyprolis in thymoma may constrain selinexor's market penetration. The lack of disclosed mechanism of action limits assessment of true differentiation.

Future Catalysts: (1) Publication of Phase 2 trial results (NCT03466827) in peer-reviewed journals or medical conferences; (2) potential Phase 3 initiation or label expansion trials; (3) regulatory approvals in Japan (PMDA) and China (NMPA); (4) real-world evidence and post-marketing surveillance data; (5) potential combination therapy trials with other antineoplastic agents.

Expected Milestones: Expected next milestone date not yet disclosed. Investors should monitor for: clinical trial readouts, additional regulatory submissions, partnership announcements, and commercial uptake data in approved markets.

Quick answers

Concise, citable answers optimized for AI answer engines.

What is selinexor?
Oral small-molecule antineoplastic agent for thymoma, developed by Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc.
Brand names?
XPOVIO (US/Australia), Nexpovio (EU).
Indication?
Thymoma.
Current phase?
Phase 2.
Route of administration?
Oral.
Sponsor?
Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc.
FDA approved?
Yes, NDA212306; approval date not disclosed.
EMA approved?
Yes, 14 August 2023 (EMEA/H/C/005127).
TGA approved?
Yes, 1 September 2022.
NMPA approved?
No; clinical trials ongoing.
Mechanism of action?
Not yet disclosed.
Molecular target?
Not yet disclosed.
Modality?
Small-molecule.
Therapeutic class?
Antineoplastic and immunomodulating agent (ATC L01).
Partner/licensee?
Stemline Therapeutics B.V. (EU); Antengene Australia (Australia).
Key competitors?
Imbruvica, Afinitor, Kyprolis, Vyxeos Liposomal, Inlyta.
Lead trial?
NCT03466827; results not yet reported.
Latest milestone?
15 March 2018; details not disclosed.
Peak sales projected?
Not yet disclosed.
Patent status?
Not yet disclosed.
Expected LOE?
Not yet disclosed.
Patient population?
Thymoma; rare/orphan indication with limited patient numbers.

Evidence & sources

Reviewed by NovaPharmaNews Intelligence Desk. Last reviewed .

  1. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03466827 (clinicaltrials)
  2. selinexor AU status (fda)
  3. selinexor CN status (fda)
  4. selinexor EU status (ema)
  5. selinexor US status (fda)
  6. Source: phase (source_attribution)
  7. MONDO Disease Ontology (MONDO:0006456) (mondo)
  8. Orphanet — thymoma (orphanet)
  9. NCT00010257 (clinicaltrials_gov)
  10. NCT00198133 (clinicaltrials_gov)
  11. NCT00332969 (clinicaltrials_gov)
  12. NCT00369889 (clinicaltrials_gov)
  13. NCT00387868 (clinicaltrials_gov)
  14. AACT (ClinicalTrials.gov aggregate) (aact)
  15. ClinicalTrials.gov (clinicaltrials_gov)
  16. Open Targets Platform (opentargets)

Intelligence compiled from public regulatory and clinical sources (FDA, EMA, ClinicalTrials.gov and company disclosures). Figures may be editorial or analyst estimates; verify against primary sources before relying on them.