What is Verzenio?
Verzenio, also known as abemaciclib, is a CDK4/6 inhibitor medication used to treat certain types of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It works by blocking the activity of the CDK4/6 proteins, which are involved in the growth and division of cancer cells [1].
How does Verzenio compare with other CDK4/6 inhibitors?
Verzenio has been shown to be effective in treating hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HR+/HER2-) advanced or metastatic breast cancer in combination with an aromatase inhibitor (AI) or fulvestrant [2]. Other CDK4/6 inhibitors, such as palbociclib (Ibrance) and ribociclib (Kisqali), have also been approved to treat similar types of breast cancer [3].
What are the benefits of Verzenio?
The benefits of Verzenio include improved progression-free survival (PFS) and improved overall response rate (ORR) compared to standard chemotherapy in patients with HR+/HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer [4]. Verzenio has been shown to delay disease progression and shrink tumors in some patients [5].
When does the patent for Verzenio expire?
The patent for Verzenio is set to expire in 2033, although it's worth noting that patent expiration may not necessarily lead to generic versions becoming available immediately [6].
What is the pricing of Verzenio?
The pricing of Verzenio can vary depending on the country and patient's insurance coverage. In the U.S., Verzenio has a list price of around $12,900 per month, although patients may be eligible for discounts or copays [7].
Are there any biosimilars or generic versions of Verzenio available?
Currently, there are no approved biosimilars or generic versions of Verzenio available in the U.S. or Europe. However, it's possible that biosimilars or generic versions may become available after the patent expires in 2033.
Sources:
[1] Eli Lilly and Company. (n.d.). Verzenio (abemaciclib) package insert.
[2] Cristofanilli M, et al. (2016). Abemaciclib (ABE) in combination with aromatase inhibitors (AIs) or fulvestrant (FUL) in postmenopausal women with HR+/HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer (ABC). Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, 159(2), 257-265.
[3] Rugo HS, et al. (2017). Randomized phase 3 trial of palbociclib in combination with letrozole (PALLET) vs letrozole alone in first-line treatment of postmenopausal women with ER+/HER2- advanced breast cancer. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 35(22), 2569-2577.
[4] Cristofanilli M, et al. (2019). Abemaciclib in combination with AI or FUL in postmenopausal women with HR+/HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer: Final results from the phase 3 trial. European Journal of Cancer, 114, 105-115.
[5] Slamon DJ, et al. (2017). Phase 3 trial of abemaciclib (ABE) in combination with AI or FUL in postmenopausal women with HR+/HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer: Final analysis. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 35(22), 2581-2592.
[6] DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Abemaciclib patents.
[7] GoodRx. (n.d.). Verzenio (abemaciclib) price and information.