Efficacy

Venclyxto/Venclexta (Venetoclax) for Leukemia

Venclyxto, known as Venclexta in the United States, is a targeted therapy drug containing the active substance venetoclax. It is primarily used in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and certain types of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Venetoclax is a BCL-2 inhibitor that works by blocking the action of the BCL-2 protein, which cancer cells rely on to survive. By inhibiting this protein, venetoclax helps to initiate the process of apoptosis, leading to the death of cancer cells.

In clinical trials, venetoclax has demonstrated significant efficacy in patients with CLL, particularly when used in combination with other agents such as rituximab or obinutuzumab. The combination therapy has been shown to improve overall survival and progression-free survival compared to traditional chemotherapy regimens. Venetoclax is also used in AML treatment, often in combination with hypomethylating agents or low-dose cytarabine, showing promising results in patients who are ineligible for intensive chemotherapy.

Onureg (Azacitidine) for Leukemia

Onureg is the brand name for azacitidine in tablet form, which is approved for the continued treatment of adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who achieved first complete remission (CR) or complete remission with incomplete blood count recovery (CRi) following intensive induction chemotherapy and are not able to complete intensive curative therapy. Azacitidine is a hypomethylating agent that works by inhibiting DNA methyltransferases, leading to the hypomethylation of DNA and the reactivation of tumor suppressor genes, which can induce cellular differentiation or apoptosis in malignant cells.

The efficacy of Onureg has been evaluated in clinical trials where it was administered as maintenance therapy in AML patients in remission. Results have indicated that azacitidine tablets can significantly prolong overall survival and relapse-free survival in comparison to placebo. This has provided a new oral maintenance option for patients with AML who are in remission but are not candidates for stem cell transplant, offering a more convenient administration route compared to the injectable form of azacitidine.