Inqovi, also known as decitabine and cedazuridine, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on July 23, 2020 [1]. The drug is indicated for the treatment of adults with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), including chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) [1].
What is Inqovi approved for?
Inqovi is approved for adults with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). This includes subtypes like CMML [1]. MDS is a group of blood cancers where immature blood cells in the bone marrow do not mature or become healthy blood cells [2].
How does Inqovi work?
Inqovi is an oral combination of decitabine and cedazuridine. Decitabine is a hypomethylating agent that works by decreasing DNA methylation in cancer cells, which can restore tumor suppressor gene function and lead to cancer cell differentiation or apoptosis. Cedazuridine is an inhibitor of the enzyme cytidine deaminase, which is present in the gut and liver. By inhibiting this enzyme, cedazuridine is intended to increase the bioavailability of oral decitabine [1].
When did Inqovi become available to patients?
Following its FDA approval on July 23, 2020, Inqovi became available to patients shortly thereafter. Pharmaceutical companies typically work to make approved medications accessible to pharmacies and healthcare providers within a few weeks or months of regulatory clearance [1].
What is the active ingredient in Inqovi?
The active ingredients in Inqovi are decitabine and cedazuridine [1]. Decitabine is the chemotherapy agent, and cedazuridine is an enhancer that helps the decitabine be absorbed more effectively when taken orally [1].
How is Inqovi administered?
Inqovi is an oral medication, meaning it is taken by mouth in pill form. This is a significant difference from intravenous decitabine, which requires infusion in a clinical setting [1].
What are the side effects of Inqovi?
Common side effects reported in clinical trials for Inqovi include neutropenia (low white blood cell count), thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), anemia (low red blood cell count), and fatigue [1]. Serious side effects can include febrile neutropenia, infections, and potential fetal harm [1].
What is the difference between Inqovi and Vidaza?
Vidaza (azacitidine) is another hypomethylating agent used to treat MDS. While both Vidaza and Inqovi are in the same drug class and target similar diseases, they have different active ingredients and administration routes. Vidaza is typically administered via injection, whereas Inqovi is an oral medication [1]. The development of Inqovi aimed to provide an oral option with improved bioavailability due to the addition of cedazuridine [1].
Are there any patent expirations for Inqovi?
Information regarding specific patent expiration dates for Inqovi is available through resources like DrugPatentWatch.com, which tracks pharmaceutical patents and exclusivity periods. These patents protect the drug from generic competition for a defined period [3].
Who manufactures Inqovi?
Inqovi is manufactured by Astex Pharmaceuticals [1].