New FDA Approved Drug: Imbruvica (ibrutinib)

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The drug IMBRUVICA (ibrutinib) has been approved for the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) by FDA. Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia is a blood and bone marrow disease where the bone marrow produces too many lymphocytes and can invade other parts of the body. CLL is a common type of leukaemia in adults and the condition gets worse slowly.

Symptoms of CLL may include fatigue, swollen lymph nodes near neck and armpits, anaemia, thrombocytopenia, enlarged spleen, weight loss etc.

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia can be diagnosed by examining blood, bone marrow, lymph nodes etc. Tests for diagnosing chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) are Physical examination, Blood tests, Flow cytometry, Chest x-ray, CT (computerised tomography) scan, Lymph node biopsy, Bone marrow biopsy etc,.

Imbruvica is specifically approved for CLL in patients who have received at least one prior therapy. Imbruvica (ibrutinib) a selective inhibitor of the enzyme Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) and acts by inhibiting the enzymatic activity of Btk by forming a covalent bond with its active site. This signals B-cell antigen receptor (BCR) and cytokine receptor in activation of pathways thereby slowing down the spread of CLL. But as Btk is also found in some normal cells, inhibiting it may cause side effects such as thrombocytopenia, diarrhoea, bruising, neutropenia, anaemia, upper respiratory tract infection, fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, rash, pyrexia, constipation, peripheral oedema, arthralgia, nausea, stomatitissinusitis, dizziness etc.

More Info on the drug and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia can be found on the official web page of Imbruvica.

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