Olanib (Olaparib) 50 mg Capsule

Olanib is a pharmaceutical product containing the active ingredient Olaparib, a targeted therapy used primarily in the treatment of specific types of cancers, including ovarian, breast, pancreatic, and prostate cancers. Olaparib belongs to a class of drugs known as PARP inhibitors, which interfere with the repair mechanisms of cancer cells, ultimately leading to their death. Olanib is administered orally in capsule form and is often prescribed for patients with certain genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, which predispose them to developing cancer.

How It Works

Mechanism of Action

Olaparib, the active component of Olanib, exerts its effects by inhibiting the enzyme Poly (ADP-Ribose) Polymerase (PARP), which plays a critical role in the DNA repair process. Cancer cells, particularly those with BRCA mutations, are highly dependent on PARP for repairing their DNA and maintaining their survival. Here’s how Olanib works:

1. Inhibition of PARP:
   • Olaparib binds to the PARP enzyme, inhibiting its activity. PARP is responsible for repairing single-strand breaks in DNA. When PARP is inhibited, these single-strand breaks accumulate and eventually lead to double-strand breaks.
2. Synthetic Lethality:
   • In cancer cells with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations, the cells are already compromised in their ability to repair double-strand breaks through homologous recombination. By inhibiting PARP, Olaparib creates a situation of synthetic lethality, where the cancer cells are unable to repair their DNA and thus die.
3. Inducing Cell Death:
   • The accumulation of DNA damage in the absence of effective repair mechanisms leads to genomic instability and eventually causes the cancer cells to undergo apoptosis, or programmed cell death.
4. Selective Targeting:
   • Olaparib is particularly effective in targeting cancer cells while sparing normal cells, as normal cells have intact DNA repair mechanisms and are less reliant on PARP for survival.

Side Effects

Like all medications, Olanib can cause side effects. The severity and occurrence of these side effects can vary depending on the individual patient and the dosage.

Common Side Effects

• Fatigue:
  • Many patients experience significant tiredness or fatigue during treatment.
• Nausea:
  • Nausea is a frequent side effect, often accompanied by vomiting in some patients.
• Anemia:
  • A decrease in red blood cells, leading to anemia, is common. This can result in symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness, and pale skin.
• Decreased Appetite:
  • Loss of appetite and subsequent weight loss can occur during treatment.
• Diarrhea:
  • Gastrointestinal disturbances, including diarrhea, are also common.
• Headache:
  • Some patients report frequent headaches while taking Olanib.

Serious Side Effects

• Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) / Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML):
  • A small percentage of patients may develop MDS or AML, which are serious blood disorders.
• Pneumonitis:
  • Inflammation of the lung tissue, or pneumonitis, is a rare but serious side effect that requires immediate medical attention.
• Severe Anemia:
  • In rare cases, patients may develop severe anemia, requiring blood transfusions.
• Thrombocytopenia:
  • A decrease in platelets can occur, leading to an increased risk of bleeding and bruising.

Indications

Olanib (Olaparib) is indicated for the treatment of various types of cancers, particularly in patients with specific genetic mutations. These include:

• Ovarian Cancer:
  • Olanib is indicated as 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:
  • It is used in the treatment of HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer in patients with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations.
• Pancreatic Cancer:
  • Olanib is indicated for the treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer in patients with a germline BRCA mutation.
• Prostate Cancer:
  • It is also used in the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer in patients with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations.

Contraindications

Olanib should not be used in certain situations due to the potential for serious adverse effects or lack of efficacy. Contraindications include:

• Hypersensitivity:
  • Olanib is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to Olaparib or any of its excipients.
• Pregnancy:
  • Olanib can cause harm to a developing fetus and is contraindicated during pregnancy. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for some time after the last dose.
• Lactation:
  • Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with Olanib and for some time after the last dose due to the potential for serious adverse effects in the nursing infant.
• Severe Renal Impairment:
  • Patients with severe renal impairment should not use Olanib due to the increased risk of toxicity.

Pricing Information

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

Country	Price (per 50 mg capsule)	Reference
United States	$100 – $150	GoodRx
United Kingdom	£85 – £120	NHS
Canada	CAD $130 – $170	Canada Drugs
Australia	AUD $140 – $180	PBS
Germany	€90 – €130	Apotheken Umschau

Top 5 Global Brands

Several pharmaceutical companies are known for their contributions to oncology, particularly in the development of PARP inhibitors like Olaparib. Here are five of the top global brands in this field:

1. AstraZeneca:
   • AstraZeneca is the manufacturer of Olaparib (marketed as Lynparza) and is a leader in oncology research and development.
2. Roche:
   • Roche is a global leader in cancer treatment, offering a broad range of oncology medications.
3. Pfizer:
   • Pfizer has a significant presence in the oncology market, providing innovative treatments across various cancer types.
4. Novartis:
   • Novartis is known for its extensive portfolio of cancer therapies, including targeted treatments like PARP inhibitors.
5. Merck & Co.:
   • Merck is another major player in the oncology space, with a focus on innovative cancer treatments and immunotherapies.