Ibrance (palbociclib) vs Verzenio/Verzenios (abemaciclib)

Ibrance (palbociclib) vs Verzenio/Verzenios (abemaciclib)

Ibrance (palbociclib) and Verzenio (abemaciclib) are both CDK4/6 inhibitors used in the treatment of certain types of hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer, often in combination with hormonal therapies. Ibrance is typically dosed once daily for 3 weeks followed by a week off, while Verzenio is taken continuously without a break, potentially offering a different dosing convenience. The side effect profiles of these medications differ slightly, with Ibrance often associated with neutropenia (low white blood cell count), while Verzenio may have a higher incidence of diarrhea; therefore, the choice between them may be influenced by patient-specific factors and preferences, as well as the treating physician's clinical judgment.

Difference between Ibrance and Verzenio/Verzenios

Metric Ibrance (palbociclib) Verzenio/Verzenios (abemaciclib)
Generic name Palbociclib Abemaciclib
Indications Hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer HR-positive, HER2-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer
Mechanism of action Inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) 4 and 6 Inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) 4 and 6
Brand names Ibrance Verzenio, Verzenios
Administrative route Oral Oral
Side effects Neutropenia, leukopenia, infections, fatigue Diarrhea, neutropenia, nausea, abdominal pain
Contraindications Known hypersensitivity to palbociclib or any of its excipients Known hypersensitivity to abemaciclib or any of its excipients
Drug class CDK4/6 inhibitor CDK4/6 inhibitor
Manufacturer Pfizer Eli Lilly and Company

Efficacy

Ibrance (Palbociclib) Efficacy in Breast Cancer

Ibrance, known by its generic name palbociclib, is a targeted therapy drug used in the treatment of certain types of breast cancer. Specifically, it is indicated for hormone receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) advanced or metastatic breast cancer. Palbociclib works by inhibiting cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4/6), which are proteins that regulate cell division. By blocking these proteins, Ibrance can help prevent cancer cells from proliferating.

Clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of Ibrance in improving progression-free survival when used in combination with hormone therapy. For instance, the PALOMA-2 trial showed that adding palbociclib to letrozole significantly extended the time patients lived without their disease progressing compared to letrozole alone. However, while Ibrance has been shown to delay the progression of breast cancer, it is important to note that it is not a cure for the disease.

Verzenio/Verzenios (Abemaciclib) Efficacy in Breast Cancer

Verzenio, also known as Verzenios in some regions and by its generic name abemaciclib, is another CDK4/6 inhibitor used in the treatment of HR+, HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer. Abemaciclib can be administered alone or in combination with hormone therapy, depending on the patient's previous treatments and the characteristics of their cancer. Similar to palbociclib, abemaciclib aims to halt the growth and spread of cancer cells by interfering with their cell cycle.

The efficacy of Verzenio has been supported by several clinical trials, including the MONARCH 2 and MONARCH 3 studies. These trials have shown that abemaciclib, when combined with fulvestrant or an aromatase inhibitor, improves progression-free survival in women with advanced breast cancer. Additionally, the MONARCH 1 trial indicated that abemaciclib as a single agent also provided a significant clinical benefit for patients with refractory metastatic breast cancer who had received prior hormone therapy and chemotherapy.

Regulatory Agency Approvals

Ibrance
  • European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA
  • Health Canada
  • Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia
  • Medsafe (NZ)
Verzenio/Verzenios
  • European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA
  • Health Canada
  • Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia

Access Ibrance or Verzenio/Verzenios today

If Ibrance or Verzenio/Verzenios are not approved or available in your country (e.g. due to supply issues), you can access them via Everyone.org.

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