Olanib 150mg tablets

Olanib is a medication containing the active ingredient Olaparib, a potent PARP (Poly ADP-Ribose Polymerase) inhibitor. It is used primarily in the treatment of various types of cancer, including ovarian, breast, pancreatic, and prostate cancers. Olaparib is particularly effective in patients with specific genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, which impair the body’s ability to repair damaged DNA. Olanib is administered orally in the form of 150mg tablets, and it functions by exploiting the weaknesses in cancer cells’ DNA repair mechanisms, leading to their eventual death.

How It Works

Mechanism of Action

Olaparib works by inhibiting the activity of the PARP enzyme, which is crucial for repairing single-strand breaks in DNA. Cancer cells, especially those with BRCA mutations, rely heavily on PARP for DNA repair and survival. The inhibition of PARP by Olaparib leads to the accumulation of DNA damage in cancer cells, ultimately causing their death. This process is called synthetic lethality. Here’s how Olanib operates at a cellular level:

1. PARP Inhibition:
   • Olanib binds to the PARP enzyme, preventing it from repairing single-strand DNA breaks. In normal cells, such breaks are repaired through other mechanisms, but in cancer cells with BRCA mutations, these alternative pathways are dysfunctional.
2. Accumulation of DNA Damage:
   • Without PARP, single-strand breaks are not repaired and convert into more serious double-strand breaks during cell division.
3. Cell Death:
   • Cancer cells with BRCA mutations are unable to repair these double-strand breaks due to their deficient repair pathways, leading to cell death.
4. Targeted Therapy:
   • Olanib selectively targets cancer cells while sparing normal cells, reducing the impact on healthy tissues.

Side Effects

As with all medications, Olanib may cause side effects. The following lists categorize the common and severe side effects associated with its use:

Common Side Effects

• Fatigue:
  • Many patients experience significant tiredness or fatigue, which can affect daily activities.
• Nausea and Vomiting:
  • Nausea is a common side effect, often managed with antiemetic medications.
• Anemia:
  • A reduction in red blood cells can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and paleness.
• Loss of Appetite:
  • Decreased appetite and subsequent weight loss may occur during treatment.
• Diarrhea:
  • Gastrointestinal upset, including diarrhea, is a frequent side effect.
• Headaches:
  • Some patients report experiencing headaches, which can vary in intensity.

Serious Side Effects

• Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) / Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML):
  • A small number of patients may develop these serious blood disorders, necessitating close monitoring.
• Pneumonitis:
  • Inflammation of the lung tissue is a rare but serious condition requiring immediate medical attention.
• Severe Anemia:
  • Some patients may experience severe anemia, which may require blood transfusions.
• Thrombocytopenia:
  • A significant drop in platelet count can lead to an increased risk of bleeding and bruising.

Indications

Olanib (Olaparib) 150mg tablets are indicated for the treatment of several types of cancer, particularly in patients with specific genetic mutations. The key indications include:

• Ovarian Cancer:
  • Maintenance treatment for adult patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer who are in response to platinum-based chemotherapy.
• Breast Cancer:
  • Treatment of HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer in patients with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations.
• Pancreatic Cancer:
  • Treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer in patients with a germline BRCA mutation.
• Prostate Cancer:
  • Treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer in patients with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations.

Contraindications

Olanib should not be used in certain populations or under certain conditions due to the risk of adverse effects or lack of efficacy. The key contraindications are:

• Hypersensitivity:
  • Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to Olaparib or any of the excipients in Olanib.
• Pregnancy:
  • Olanib can cause harm to a developing fetus and should not be used during pregnancy. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during and after treatment.
• Breastfeeding:
  • Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with Olanib and for a period after the last dose due to potential harm to the infant.
• Severe Renal Impairment:
  • Patients with severe renal impairment should avoid using Olanib due to an increased risk of toxicity.

Pricing Information

The price of Olanib varies across different countries and healthcare systems. Below is a table summarizing the approximate costs in various countries:

Country	Price (per 150 mg tablet)	Reference
United States	$200 – $250	GoodRx
United Kingdom	£150 – £200	NHS
Canada	CAD $250 – $300	Canada Drugs
Australia	AUD $280 – $330	PBS
Germany	€200 – €250	Apotheken Umschau

Top 5 Global Brands

Several pharmaceutical companies are recognized for their significant contributions to oncology, particularly in the development of PARP inhibitors like Olaparib. The top global brands include:

1. AstraZeneca:
   • AstraZeneca is the original developer of Olaparib, marketed under the brand name Lynparza. They are leaders in oncology research and innovation.
2. Roche:
   • Roche is a global pharmaceutical giant known for its extensive portfolio of oncology medications and targeted therapies.
3. Pfizer:
   • Pfizer has a robust presence in the cancer treatment market, offering a wide range of innovative therapies.
4. Novartis:
   • Novartis is a key player in oncology, known for developing cutting-edge treatments for various cancers.
5. Merck & Co.:
   • Merck & Co. is heavily involved in oncology, particularly in the development of targeted therapies and immunotherapies.