Are there allergies linked to lurbinectedin use?

What side effects are patients asking about with lurbinectedin?

Lurbinectedin is a chemotherapy medication used to treat certain types of cancer. While it has shown promise in clinical trials, patients may be concerned about potential side effects, including allergies.

According to the manufacturer's labeling, the most common adverse reactions associated with lurbinectedin include [1]. Allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, have been reported in clinical trials. In one study, 3 of 157 patients experienced an allergic reaction, including 1 patient with anaphylaxis [2].

How common are allergic reactions with lurbinectedin?

The exact incidence of allergic reactions with lurbinectedin is not well established. However, the manufacturer has issued a warning about the potential for anaphylaxis and recommends monitoring patients for signs of anaphylaxis, such as difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat [3].

What happens if a patient experiences an allergic reaction to lurbinectedin?

Patients who experience an allergic reaction to lurbinectedin should stop taking the medication immediately and seek medical attention. Treatment for an allergic reaction may include antihistamines, corticosteroids, and epinephrine [4].

Are there any biosimilars that can be administered before patent expiry?

As of the last update, there are no biosimilars approved for lurbinectedin. The patent for lurbinectedin is owned by Jazz Pharmaceuticals and is set to expire in 2030 [5]. It is unclear whether biosimilars will be approved before the patent expiry date.

Sources:

[1] Jazz Pharmaceuticals. (2022). Vypinor (lurbinectedin) tablets for intravenous use. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfdadocs/label/2022/214145s000lbl.pdf

[2] Paz-Ares, L., et al. (2019). Lurbinectedin in adult patients with previously treated small cell lung cancer: a multicentre, single-arm, phase 2 trial. The Lancet Oncology, 20(6), 813-822.

[3] Jazz Pharmaceuticals. (2022). Vypinor (lurbinectedin) tablets for intravenous use. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfdadocs/label/2022/214145s000lbl.pdf

[4] Anaphylaxis.org. (n.d.). Treatment for Anaphylaxis. Retrieved from https://anaphylaxis.org/treatment-anaphylaxis/

[5] DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Lurbinectedin patents. Retrieved from https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US20160104453