Generic Name: larotrectinib
Drug Class: Targeted Therapy Medications
Company: Bayer
Approval Status: Approved
Generic Version Available: No
Experimental Code: LOXO-101
Drug Indication
Vitrakvi is a TRK inhibitor that works against cancers anywhere in the body with NTRK gene fusions.
General Info
Vitrakvi is the first drug developed to treat cancer with a specific genetic feature regardless of its location in the body. Vitrakvi targets cancers with fusions in NTRK (neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase) genes, which produce (tropomyosin receptor kinase) proteins. When a TRK-producing gene in a cancer cell fuses with another gene, it acts as an ignition switch to accelerate tumor growth. By blocking TRK proteins, larotrectinib halts cancer progression. Although these fusions occur in only around 1% of cancers overall, they’re more common in some rare cancers.
In the NAVIGATE trial and two other studies, which together included 55 adults and children with 17 cancer types, the overall response rate was 75%. After one year, 70% of responses were ongoing and 55% of participants were still alive without disease progression. Vitrakvi was approved on November 26, 2018.
Dosage
Dosing Info:
Vitrakvi is taken as a capsule and is available as a liquid oral solution for children.
Side Effects
Common side effects include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, constipation, diarrhea and elevated liver enzyme levels. More serious side effects may include neurotoxicity and liver problems. Vitrakvi may cause birth defects if used during pregnancy.
For More Info: https://www.vitrakvi-us.com/
Patient Assistance Program Info: https://www.vitrakvi-us.com/patient-assistance-program
Last Reviewed: August 15, 2019
