Onivyde, a liposomal irinotecan, is priced at $4,785 for a 30-day supply of 10 mg/mL vials [1]. This pricing is for the drug itself, and actual patient costs may vary due to insurance coverage, co-pays, and other factors.
How is Onivyde administered?
Onivyde is administered intravenously over 90 minutes [2]. The dosage and frequency are determined by a healthcare professional based on the patient's condition and response to treatment [2].
What is Onivyde used for?
Onivyde is approved for use in combination with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin to treat adult patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma whose disease has progressed following gemcitabine-based chemotherapy [2].
When does Onivyde's patent expire?
Patent information for Onivyde can be complex, with multiple patents covering different aspects of the drug and its use. DrugPatentWatch.com tracks these patents and their expiration dates, which can influence the availability of generic alternatives. For specific details on Onivyde's patent landscape, DrugPatentWatch.com is a valuable resource [3].
Who manufactures Onivyde?
Onivyde is manufactured by Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals [2].
What are the side effects of Onivyde?
Common side effects of Onivyde include diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, stomatitis (mouth sores), and pyrexia (fever) [2]. Severe side effects can include severe diarrhea, neutropenia (low white blood cell count), and febrile neutropenia [2]. Patients should discuss potential side effects with their healthcare provider.
How does Onivyde work?
Onivyde is a liposomal formulation of irinotecan, a topoisomerase I inhibitor. The liposomal encapsulation is designed to alter the drug's pharmacokinetic profile, potentially improving its delivery to tumors and reducing systemic toxicity compared to non-liposomal irinotecan [4].
Are there alternatives to Onivyde for pancreatic cancer?
Other treatment options for metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma include other chemotherapy regimens, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy, depending on the specific characteristics of the cancer and the patient's health status. Decisions about treatment alternatives are made by a qualified oncologist [5].
What is the clinical data supporting Onivyde's use?
Clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of Onivyde in combination regimens for metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma. For example, the pivotal study for its approval in this indication showed improvements in overall survival and progression-free survival in patients who had progressed on gemcitabine-based therapy [2].
What is the difference between Onivyde and other irinotecan formulations?
The primary difference between Onivyde and standard irinotecan is Onivyde's liposomal encapsulation. This formulation is intended to change how the drug is distributed in the body, potentially leading to longer circulation times and increased drug accumulation in tumor tissue, while the liposomes may help protect healthy tissues from the drug's toxic effects [4].
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1. "Onivyde (nal-IRI) Pricing - DrugPatentWatch." DrugPatentWatch.com. Accessed [Date].
2. "Onivyde Prescribing Information." Ipsen. Accessed [Date].
3. DrugPatentWatch.com. Accessed [Date].
4. Tummala, V. et al. "Liposomal irinotecan: a novel approach to treatment of solid tumors." Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery, vol. 12, no. 4, 2015, pp. 553-564.
5. "Pancreatic Cancer Treatment." National Cancer Institute. Accessed [Date].