Ixempra Approved for Advanced Breast Cancer
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Ixempra (ixabepilone) for patients with metastatic or locally advanced breast cancer which hasn’t responded to other cancer drugs.
In a priority review, the FDA approved Ixempra for use in combination with capecitabine in patients who no longer benefit from chemotherapy treatments including an anthracycline and a taxane. Ixempra was also approved for use alone in patients who no longer benefit from an anthracycline, a taxane and capecitabine.
Side effects of the medication include peripheral neuropathy, bone marrow suppression, constipation, nausea, vomiting, muscle and joint pain, fatigue and general weakness.
Drugs that are strong CYP3A4 inhibitors should be avoided while taking Ixempra. Women who are allergic to Cremophor or its derivatives, who have a low white blood cell or platelet count, or who have liver impairments should not use Ixempra.
Ixempra is distributed by the Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE: BMY) and is administered via intravenous infusion.
“This approval is important because it provides certain patients with a new chemotherapy option in instances where other drugs have failed.”
Douglas C. Throckmorton, MD
FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research
Source: FDA News
Related Links: Reuters; boston.com; Susan G Komen for the Cure Orange County
Related Video:
Related Podcast – Line One: Breast Cancer & the Quiet War from KSKA public radio
Tags: doxorubicin; epirubicin; paclitaxel; docetaxel; microtubules; New Jersey; pharmaceuticals; refractory tumors; oncology
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