Tagrisso is the brand name for the drug osimertinib [1].
What is Osimertinib used to treat?
Osimertinib is a medication used to treat certain types of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) [1]. Specifically, it is indicated for patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 19 deletions or EGFR exon 21 (L858R) substitutions as their first-line treatment [2]. It is also used for patients with EGFR T790M mutation-positive advanced NSCLC whose disease has progressed on or after prior EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy [2].
When did Tagrisso become available?
Tagrisso was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in November 2015 [3].
What are the potential side effects of Tagrisso?
Common side effects of Tagrisso include diarrhea, rash, dry skin, and stomatitis (mouth sores) [4]. More serious side effects can include interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis (inflammation of the lungs), heart problems such as QT prolongation and cardiomyopathy, and vision problems [4].
How does Tagrisso work?
Tagrisso is a type of targeted therapy known as an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) [1]. It works by blocking the signals that cancer cells use to grow and divide, particularly those driven by specific mutations in the EGFR gene [1][2].
What is the difference between Tagrisso and other EGFR inhibitors?
Tagrisso is a third-generation EGFR TKI that is designed to be effective against both the primary EGFR mutations (like exon 19 deletions and L858R substitutions) and the T790M resistance mutation [2]. Earlier generations of EGFR inhibitors were primarily effective against the initial activating mutations but often saw resistance develop due to the T790M mutation [2]. Tagrisso can target both tumor cells with common EGFR mutations and those with the T790M mutation [2].
When does the patent for Tagrisso expire?
Information on specific patent expiry dates for Tagrisso can be found through specialized databases that track drug patents. DrugPatentWatch.com provides resources for this type of information [5].
Who manufactures Tagrisso?
Tagrisso is manufactured by AstraZeneca [1].
What is the current research on Tagrisso?
Ongoing research continues to explore Tagrisso's efficacy in different stages and subtypes of NSCLC, as well as its use in combination with other therapies. Clinical trials are evaluating its role in earlier stages of the disease and in patients with different genetic profiles [6].
Are there alternative treatments for EGFR-mutated lung cancer?
Yes, there are other treatments available for EGFR-mutated lung cancer, including other EGFR TKIs (like gefitinib, erlotinib, afatinib, and dacomitinib) and chemotherapy. The choice of treatment depends on the specific EGFR mutation, the stage of the cancer, and prior treatment history [7].