Inqovi is a brand name for decitabine and cedazuridine, a combination drug approved in Canada for treating myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) [1].
What is Inqovi used for?
Inqovi is indicated for adult patients with myelodysplastic syndromes, including previously treated and untreated, de novo or secondary MDS with all French-American-British (FAB) subtypes [1]. MDS are a group of blood cancers where immature blood cells do not mature, leading to a shortage of healthy blood cells [2].
How does Inqovi work?
Inqovi combines decitabine, a hypomethylating agent, with cedazuridine, an inhibitor of cytidine deaminase [1]. Decitabine works by inhibiting DNA methyltransferase, which can lead to the re-expression of tumor suppressor genes [3]. Cedazuridine is added to increase the oral bioavailability of decitabine, as decitabine is rapidly degraded by cytidine deaminase in the gastrointestinal tract [1][3]. This combination allows for oral administration of decitabine [3].
When did Inqovi become available in Canada?
Inqovi was approved by Health Canada in January 2021 [1].
What is the difference between Inqovi and other decitabine treatments?
The primary difference lies in the administration method and the addition of cedazuridine. Older formulations of decitabine, like Dacogen, are administered intravenously. Inqovi offers an oral formulation, which can improve patient convenience [3]. The inclusion of cedazuridine is crucial for this oral bioavailability [1][3].
What are the potential side effects of Inqovi?
Common side effects reported in clinical trials include neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, and pneumonia [1]. Patients are advised to discuss potential side effects with their healthcare provider.
What is the drug status of Inqovi in Canada?
Inqovi is an approved and available prescription medication in Canada for eligible patients diagnosed with MDS [1].
Who manufactures Inqovi?
Inqovi is manufactured by Otsuka Pharmaceutical [1].
Are there any patents related to Inqovi?
Information regarding specific patents for Inqovi in Canada would be available through specialized patent tracking services. For instance, DrugPatentWatch.com tracks pharmaceutical patents and their expiry dates, which can be a resource for detailed patent information [4].