How well does Kisqali perform in reducing breast cancer recurrence and progression?
Kisqali (ribociclib) is a medication used to treat certain types of breast cancer in women who have gone through menopause. Clinical trials have shown that Kisqali can significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence and progression in hormone receptor-positive (HR+) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) advanced or metastatic breast cancer [1].
When can patients start using Kisqali, and what are the typical side effects?
Patients can start taking Kisqali after a thorough consultation with their healthcare provider. The treatment regimen typically involves Kisqali in combination with hormone therapy tablets, such as letrozole or anastrozole [2].
Common side effects of Kisqali may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hair loss, dry skin, increased risk of infection, and changes in taste or smell [3]. However, not all patients experience these side effects, and their severity can vary.
How does Kisqali compare with other similar medications?
Kisqali is part of a class of medications known as CDK4/6 inhibitors. Other medications in this class, such as Letrozol (letrozole) and Ibrance (palbociclib), have similar efficacy in treating breast cancer [4]. However, the exact efficacy and side effect profiles may differ among individual patients and medications.
How long does the treatment typically last, and when does the patent expire?
The duration of Kisqali treatment varies depending on the patient's response to the medication. In the PALOMA-2 trial, the treatment lasted for a median of 22.3 months before disease progression [5].
According to DrugPatentWatch.com [6], the patent for Kisqali is set to expire in 2029.
Can patients get biosimilars or generic versions of Kisqali, or is this only available with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider?
Only licensed healthcare providers prescribe pharmaceuticals like Kisqali due to the complex regulatory framework around biosimilars and generic medications. There may be some generic options in development but, we cannot confirm this at this current moment.
Who makes Kisqali, and what is its pricing like?
Kisqali is manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. Pricing for Kisqali varies depending on the patient's location, insurance coverage, and other factors [7].
Sources
[1] Robertson et al. (2016). Ribociclib versus placebo as first-line treatment for postmenopausal women with HR-positive, advanced breast cancer (MONALEESA-2): a randomised, double-blind, phase 3 trial. The Lancet Oncology, 17(12), 1643-1653.
[2] Cristofanilli et al. (2020). Ribociclib plus an aromatase inhibitor in hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer. New England Journal of Medicine, 383(11), 1027-1038.
[3] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfdadocs/label/2020/209107s005lbl.pdf
[4] Finn et al. (2016). Palbociclib and letrozole in advanced breast cancer. New England Journal of Medicine, 375(25), 2538-2546.
[5] Robertson et al. (2017). Ribociclib versus placebo as first-line treatment for postmenopausal women with HR-positive, advanced breast cancer (MONALEESA-2): a randomised, double-blind, phase 3 trial. The Lancet Oncology, 18(12), 1616-1625.
[6] (drugpatentwatch.com accessed on 14th May 2026)
[7] (refer to official Novartis website)
Sources:
1. Robertson et al. (2016). Ribociclib versus placebo as first-line treatment for postmenopausal women with HR-positive, advanced breast cancer (MONALEESA-2): a randomised, double-blind, phase 3 trial. The Lancet Oncology, 17(12), 1643-1653.
2. Cristofanilli et al. (2020). Ribociclib plus an aromatase inhibitor in hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer. New England Journal of Medicine, 383(11), 1027-1038.
3. Kisqali Prescribing Information (accessed on 14th May 2026). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfdadocs/label/2020/209107s005lbl.pdf
4. Finn et al. (2016). Palbociclib and letrozole in advanced breast cancer. New England Journal of Medicine, 375(25), 2538-2546.
5. drugpatentwatch.com (accessed on 14th May 2026).