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New Products
- Patisiran (Onpattro) is a double-stranded small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) that targets a genetically conserved sequence in the 3' untranslated region of a number of variant and wild-type transthyretin (TTR) mRNA. Patisiran is formulated as lipid nanoparticles to deliver the siRNA to hepatocytes, the primary source of TTR protein in the circulation. Through a process called RNA interference, patisiran causes the catalytic degradation of TTR mRNA in the liver, resulting in a reduction of serum TTR protein. Onpattro is indicated for the treatment of hereditary TTR-mediated amyloidosis in adult patients with stage 1 or stage 2 polyneuropathy. Onpattro concentrate for infusion contains patisiran 10 mg/5 mL and is available in packs of 1 vial.
- PrabotulinumtoxinA (Nuceiva) blocks peripheral acetylcholine release at presynaptic cholinergic nerve terminals by cleaving SNAP-25, a protein integral to the docking and release of acetylcholine from vesicles situated within the nerve terminals. Nuceiva is indicated for the temporary improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe glabellar lines in adult patients. Nuceiva is contraindicated in individuals with known hypersensitivity to any botulinum toxin preparation; in the presence of infection or inflammation at the proposed injection sites; and in patients with generalised disorders of muscle activity (e.g. myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton syndrome, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). Nuceiva powder for solution for injection contains prabotulinumtoxinA 100 units and is available in packs of 1 vial.
- Selumetinib (as sulfate) (Koselugo) is an inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinases 1 and 2 (MEK1/2) that is not competitive with respect to ATP. MEK1/2 proteins are critical components of the RAS-regulated RAF-MEK-ERK pathway, which is often activated in different types of cancers. Selumetinib blocks MEK activity and inhibits growth of RAF-MEK-ERK pathway activated cell lines. Therefore, MEK inhibition can block the proliferation and survival of tumour cells in which the RAF-MEK-ERK pathway is activated. Koselugo is indicated for the treatment of paediatric patients aged 2 years and above, with neurofibromatosis type 1 who have symptomatic, inoperable plexiform neurofibromas. Koselugo is contraindicated in severe hepatic impairment. Koselugo capsules contain selumetinib 10 mg or 25 mg and are available in packs of 60.
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New Presentation
- Elexacaftor + tezacaftor + ivacaftor and ivacaftor (Trikafta) is now available as granules in a composite pack containing either 28 elexacaftor 80 mg + tezacaftor 40 mg + ivacaftor 60 mg morning dose sachets and 28 ivacaftor 59.5 mg evening dose sachets or 28 elexacaftor 100 mg + tezacaftor 50 mg + ivacaftor 75 mg morning dose sachets and 28 ivacaftor 75 mg evening dose sachets.
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New Indication
- Azelastine and fluticasone propionate (Dymista 125/50) is now also indicated for symptomatic treatment of moderate to severe allergic rhinitis and rhinoconjunctivitis in children 6 years and older where use of a combination (intranasal antihistamine and glucocorticoid) is appropriate. Safety of Dymista 125/50 use in children aged 6 to 11 years for longer than 3 months has not been assessed.
- Respiratory syncytial virus pre-fusion F protein vaccine, recombinant (Abrysvo) is now available. In addition to being indicated for active immunisation of individuals 60 years of age and above for prevention of lower respiratory tract disease caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), it is also indicated for active immunisation of pregnant women between 24-36 weeks of gestation for prevention of lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV in infants from birth through 6 months of age.
- Elexacaftor + tezacaftor + ivacaftor and ivacaftor (Trikafta) is now also indicated for the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) in patients aged 2 years and older who have at least one F508del mutation in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator gene.
- Pembrolizumab (rch) (Keytruda) is now also indicated in combination with fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy for the first-line treatment of patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GOJ) adenocarcinoma that is not HER2-positive; and in combination with trastuzumab, fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy for the first-line treatment of patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or GOJ adenocarcinoma, whose tumours express PD-L1 [Combined Positive Score ≥ 1] as determined by a validated test.
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New Contraindications
- Bee (Apis mellifera), Yellow Jacket (Vespula spp.) and Paper Wasp (Polistes spp.) venom (Albey Venom) is now contraindicated in patients with unusual reactions (renal, muscular, articular, cutaneous, neurological, or haematological) after a sting; in active or poorly controlled autoimmune disorder; in severe or uncontrolled asthma (FEV1 < 70% of predicted value); and in children under the age of 2 years. The initiation of venom immunotherapy is contraindicated during pregnancy.
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This list is a summary of only some of the changes that have occurred over the last month.
Before prescribing, always refer to the full product information.
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