The Most Anticipated and Transforming Novel Drugs of 2022
Dr. Shreyjit Kaur
Let’s dive into the global pharmaceutical market and explore some of the most hyped and supposedly revolutionary drugs that debuted with some pressing headlines.
1. Elahere – The first ever drug approved in 8 years for advanced ovarian cancer
Generic name: Mirvetuximab soravtansine-gynx
Mechanism of action: An antibody-drug conjugate that targets folate receptor-alpha (FRα), highly expressed in ovarian cancer.
Uses: Elahere is used to treat patients with folate receptor-alpha positive ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, or primary peritoneal cancer who have not responded or are no longer responding to platinum-based chemotherapy.
Adverse effects: Eye problems (e.g., blurring of vision, dry eyes, etc.), pneumonitis, peripheral neuropathy, ↑LFTs, hypoalbuminemia, hypomagnesemia, etc.
2. Tecvayli – The latest entrant in the already crowded global MM market
Generic name: Teclistamab-cqyv
Mechanism of action: Tecvayli targets BCMA (B-cell maturation antigen) and CD3, the T-cell receptor. It redirects CD3-positive T-cells to BCMA-expressing myeloma cells to induce their killing.
Uses: To treat relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma among adults who have received at least four specific lines of therapy.
Adverse effects: Cytokine release syndrome, neurologic problems (e.g., headache, rigidity, tremors, hearing loss, dysarthria, muscular weakness, etc.), liver problems (e.g., ↑LFTs, jaundice, dark urine), upper respiratory tract infections, pneumonia, allergic reactions, etc.)
3. Imjudo – The drug with one of the most prolonged clinical development periods in recent memory
Generic name: Tremelimumab-actl
Mechanism of action: Imjudo is a human monoclonal antibody that blocks the activity of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4).
Uses: To treat unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.
Adverse effects: Lung problems (e.g., cough, chest pain, dyspnea), intestinal problems (e.g., diarrhea, abdominal pain/tenderness), liver problems (e.g., jaundice, RUQ pain, tea-colored urine, etc.), hormonal gland problems (e.g., diaphoresis, unusual weight gain/loss, changes in mood or behavior, decreased sex drive), kidney problems (e.g., oliguria, edema), skin problems (rash, pruritus, blistering, mucosal ulcers), pancreatic issues, etc.
4. Elucirem – Another milestone achieved
Generic name: Gadopiclenol
Mechanism of action: A macrocyclic gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) with high relaxivity.
Uses: Elucirem is indicated in adult and pediatric patients (> 2 years of age) as a contrast agent in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect and visualize lesions with abnormal vascularity in the central nervous system and other regions of the body, i.e., head and neck, thorax, abdomen, pelvis, and musculoskeletal system.
Adverse effects: Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), hypersensitivity reactions, gadolinium retention, acute kidney injury, injection site reactions, dysgeusia, oral paresthesia, etc.
5. Mounjaro – The first and only FDA-approved once-weekly GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist
Generic name: Tirzepatide
Mechanism of action: It is a GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist.
Uses: To improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Adverse effects: Thyroid tumors, pancreatitis, hypoglycemia, allergic reactions, kidney failure, stomach problems, vision changes, gallbladder problems, diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, etc.
6. Sotyktu – The first in class and a growing race to the top
Generic name: Deucravacitinib
Mechanism of action: A tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitor that reduces psoriasis symptoms by reducing inflammation.
Uses: Moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis
Adverse effects: Allergic reactions, infections (e.g., tuberculosis, pneumonia, COVID-19, upper respiratory tract infections, herpes labialis), rhabdomyolysis, hypertriglyceridemia, ↑LFTs, aphthous ulcers, acne, etc.
7. Relyvrio – FDA approval despite the uncertainty about its effectiveness
Generic name: Sodium phenylbutyrate and taurursodiol
Mechanism of action: This fixed dose combination reduces motor neuron cell death and inflammation and slows down the progression of the disease.
Uses: To treat and decrease the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), aka Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Adverse effects: ↑bilirubin, diarrhea, sodium retention, abdominal pain, upper respiratory tract infections, etc.
REFERENCES:
-From information and reviews updated by Judith Stewart, BPharm on www.drugs.com
-Headlines from the internet
