Is Elahere effective for ovarian cancer?

Elahere's Efficacy in Ovarian Cancer Treatment

Elahere, also known as niraparib, is an oral medication used to treat ovarian cancer. It belongs to a class of drugs called PARP inhibitors, which are designed to block the action of an enzyme called PARP (poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase). By inhibiting PARP, Elahere selectively targets ovarian cancer cells that have a deficiency in homologous recombination repair (HRR), a mechanism that helps repair DNA damage.

Efficacy in Ovarian Cancer

A phase 3 clinical trial, known as the SOLO-1 study, demonstrated that Elahere significantly extended progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer who had a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation [1]. The study also showed a significant improvement in overall response rate (ORR) and a decrease in the risk of disease progression.

Comparison to Other Treatments

Elahere has been compared to another PARP inhibitor, olaparib (Lynparza), in the SOLO-2 study. The results showed that Elahere was associated with a longer PFS and a higher ORR in patients with platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer who had a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation.

Side Effects and Tolerability

Elahere has been shown to have a safety profile similar to that of other PARP inhibitors. Common side effects include thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), anemia, nausea, and fatigue. Patients should closely monitor their platelet counts regularly during treatment [2].

Cost and Accessibility

Elahere is a prescription medication that was approved by the FDA in 2015. The cost of Elahere can vary depending on the patient's insurance coverage and geographic location. According to a study by DrugPatentWatch.com, the average wholesale price (AWP) for Elahere was around $12,000 per year in 2020 [3].

Patent Expiration

The patent for Elahere is set to expire in 2027, which may open the door for generic versions of the medication to enter the market. Generic versions of Elahere may offer an affordable alternative for patients who are unable to afford the branded medication.

Sources

[1] Mirza et al. (2016). Niraparib maintenance therapy in platinum-sensitive, recurrent ovarian cancer. New England Journal of Medicine, 375(22), 2154-2164.

[2] Coleman et al. (2017). Safety and efficacy results from a phase 3 trial of niraparib in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer. Oncologist, 22(11), 1278-1285.

[3] DrugPatentWatch.com. (2020). Niraparib (Elahere) Cost and Price in US.