Tofacitinib Tablet (Jaknat 5mg)

Tofacitinib Tablet (Jaknat 5mg) is an oral medication used to treat certain autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ulcerative colitis. Tofacitinib belongs to a class of medications known as Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, which modulate the immune response by targeting specific signaling pathways involved in inflammation.

How Tofacitinib Works

Mechanism of Action:

Tofacitinib works by inhibiting the activity of Janus kinase (JAK) enzymes, which play a crucial role in the signaling pathways that mediate the immune response. Here’s how it works:

1. JAK Enzyme Inhibition:
   • The JAK family of enzymes (including JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, and TYK2) is involved in the signaling of various cytokines and growth factors that regulate immune function, hematopoiesis (blood cell production), and inflammation.
   • When cytokines bind to their receptors on the cell surface, JAK enzymes are activated, leading to the phosphorylation and activation of signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs). These STATs then move into the cell nucleus to modulate gene expression and drive the inflammatory response.
2. Blocking Inflammatory Pathways:
   • Tofacitinib selectively inhibits JAK1 and JAK3, and to a lesser extent, JAK2. By inhibiting these enzymes, Tofacitinib blocks the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, reducing the production of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ).
   • This inhibition decreases the immune system’s overactivity, reducing inflammation, and alleviating symptoms associated with autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis.
3. Modulating the Immune Response:
   • The downregulation of cytokine signaling helps to modulate the immune response, leading to decreased inflammation, pain, and tissue damage in affected organs and tissues.
   • Tofacitinib is effective in reducing joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis, controlling disease activity in psoriatic arthritis, and maintaining remission in ulcerative colitis.

Combined Effect:

The overall effect of Tofacitinib is the reduction of symptoms such as pain, swelling, stiffness, and gastrointestinal distress in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis. It also helps prevent further disease progression and complications by modulating the immune response.

Side Effects

As with any medication, Tofacitinib can cause side effects, ranging from mild to severe. It is important for patients to be informed of these potential side effects and to consult their healthcare provider if they experience any concerning symptoms.

Common Side Effects:

• Upper Respiratory Infections: Including common cold, sinusitis, and sore throat.
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Increased Blood Pressure
• Elevated Cholesterol Levels
• Nasopharyngitis: Inflammation of the nasal passages and throat.
• Rash

Serious Side Effects:

• Serious Infections: Tofacitinib increases the risk of serious infections, including tuberculosis, bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. Patients should be screened for tuberculosis before starting treatment.
• Blood Clots: Increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), particularly in patients with underlying cardiovascular risk factors.
• Malignancies: Higher risk of developing certain types of cancers, including lymphoma and skin cancer.
• Gastrointestinal Perforations: Rare but serious cases of gastrointestinal perforation have been reported, particularly in patients with a history of diverticulitis.
• Hepatotoxicity: Liver enzyme elevations, and in rare cases, liver injury.
• Cytopenias: Decreased levels of blood cells, including neutropenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia.

Indications

Tofacitinib is approved for the treatment of several autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. It is typically prescribed when patients have not responded adequately to other therapies.

Approved Indications:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis: For the treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to methotrexate.
• Psoriatic Arthritis: For the treatment of adult patients with active psoriatic arthritis who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to methotrexate or other disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
• Ulcerative Colitis: For the induction and maintenance of remission in adult patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis who have not responded adequately to conventional therapies.

Contraindications

Tofacitinib should not be used in certain patient populations due to the potential risks and adverse effects.

Contraindications:

• Hypersensitivity: Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to Tofacitinib or any of its components.
• Active Infections: Patients with active, serious infections, including tuberculosis, should not be treated with Tofacitinib.
• Severe Hepatic Impairment: Not recommended for use in patients with severe liver dysfunction.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Tofacitinib is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to potential risks to the fetus or infant.
• Concurrent Use with Other Biologics: Should not be used in combination with biologic DMARDs or potent immunosuppressants due to increased risk of infection and other serious adverse effects.

Price in Different Countries

The cost of Tofacitinib (Jaknat 5mg) varies across different countries depending on healthcare systems, insurance coverage, and local pricing regulations. Below is a table showing the approximate price in various countries.

Country	Price (Per Unit)	Reference
United States	$40 – $60	GoodRx
United Kingdom	£30 – £50	NHS UK
Canada	CAD $50 – $70	DrugBank
Australia	AUD $60 – $80	PBS Australia
India	₹150 – ₹200	1mg

Top 5 Global Brands

Several pharmaceutical companies produce and market Tofacitinib and other JAK inhibitors. Below are the top five global brands known for their expertise in this therapeutic area:

1. Pfizer

• Pfizer is the original developer and manufacturer of Tofacitinib, marketed under the brand name Xeljanz. Pfizer is a global leader in pharmaceutical research and development, with a broad portfolio of innovative medicines.

2. AbbVie

• AbbVie is a leading biopharmaceutical company known for its treatment options in immunology, including the JAK inhibitor Rinvoq (upadacitinib) and the biologic Humira (adalimumab).

3. Eli Lilly and Company

• Eli Lilly is recognized for its work in immunology and oncology. They produce Olumiant (baricitinib), another JAK inhibitor used for similar indications as Tofacitinib.

4. Galapagos NV

• In partnership with Gilead Sciences, Galapagos developed Filgotinib, a JAK1 inhibitor used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. The company is a rising player in the field of inflammatory disease treatment.

5. Gilead Sciences

• Gilead Sciences is a leader in antiviral drugs and also collaborates with other companies like Galapagos NV to develop treatments for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.