Olaratumab (Lartruvo™) is a fully human IgG1 monoclonal antibody targeted 
against the human platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor α (PDGFRα). It 
was developed by Eli Lilly and Co. (previously ImClone Systems) after PDGFRα was 
identified as a potential therapeutic target in a variety of cancers. Olaratumab 
acts by selectively binding PDGFRα, thereby blocking PDGF ligand binding and 
inhibiting PDGFRα activation and downstream signalling. In October 2016, 
olaratumab received its first global approval, in the USA, for use in 
combination with doxorubicin for the treatment of adult patients with soft 
tissue sarcoma. The approval was granted by the US FDA under its Accelerated 
Approval Program based on the results of the JGDG phase II trial (NCT01185964). 
In addition, the EMA granted conditional approval for olaratumab in this 
indication in November 2016 following a review under the EMA's Accelerated 
Assessment Program. An international, confirmatory phase III trial in patients 
with soft tissue sarcoma is ongoing (ANNOUNCE; NCT02451943). Olaratumab has also 
been investigated in phase II trials in several other cancers. This article 
summarizes the milestones in the development of olaratumab leading to this first 
approval, for use in combination with doxorubicin for the treatment of soft 
tissue sarcoma in adults.