Brigatinib (ALUNBRIG™) is a small molecule antineoplastic anaplastic lymphoma 
kinase (ALK) inhibitor being developed by ARIAD Pharmaceuticals (a wholly-owned 
subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company). In April 2017 brigatinib received 
accelerated approval in the USA for the treatment of patients with ALK-positive 
metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have progressed on or are 
intolerant to crizotinib. The development of resistance to crizotinib is a 
therapeutic challenge that has led to the development of second-generation 
ALK-inhibitors such as brigatinib, which have activity against 
treatment-resistant ALK mutants. This article summarizes the milestones in the 
development of brigatinib leading to this first global approval for the 
treatment of patients with ALK-positive metastatic NSCLC who have progressed on 
or are intolerant to crizotinib.