Rubraca (rucaparib) price in pakistan

Rubraca (rucaparib) is an oral medication classified as a poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor. It is primarily used in the treatment of certain types of cancers, including ovarian and prostate cancers. By inhibiting the PARP enzyme, Rubraca interferes with the repair mechanisms of cancer cells, leading to their death.

Mechanism of Action

Rucaparib targets the PARP enzyme, which plays a crucial role in repairing single-strand DNA breaks. In cancer cells with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations, the homologous recombination repair pathway is already compromised. By inhibiting PARP, rucaparib prevents the repair of single-strand breaks, leading to the accumulation of DNA damage, genomic instability, and ultimately cell death. This mechanism is particularly effective in tumors deficient in homologous recombination repair.

Indications

Rubraca is indicated for:

• Ovarian Cancer: Treatment of patients with deleterious BRCA mutation (germline and/or somatic)-associated advanced ovarian cancer who have been treated with two or more chemotherapies.
• Prostate Cancer: Treatment of adults with a deleterious BRCA mutation (germline and/or somatic)-associated metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

Contraindications

Rubraca is contraindicated in patients with:

• Hypersensitivity: Known hypersensitivity to rucaparib or any of its components.
• Pregnancy: Based on findings from animal studies and its mechanism of action, Rubraca can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Rubraca include:

• Hematologic Effects: Anemia, decreased hemoglobin levels, and thrombocytopenia.
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain.
• General Symptoms: Fatigue, decreased appetite, and dysgeusia (altered taste).
• Dermatologic Effects: Photosensitivity reactions; patients are advised to avoid excessive sun exposure and use sun protection measures.
• Hepatic Effects: Elevations in liver enzymes (ALT/AST).

Patients should be monitored regularly for these side effects, and appropriate management strategies should be employed to mitigate them.

Pricing in Different Countries

The cost of Rubraca varies across different countries. Below is a table summarizing the approximate monthly price in select countries:

Prices are approximate and may vary based on pharmacy, insurance coverage, and local regulations.

Availability and Pricing in Pakistan

As of now, specific pricing information for Rubraca in Pakistan is not readily available. Patients in Pakistan interested in Rubraca should consult with their healthcare providers or contact local pharmacies for information on availability and pricing. Additionally, international patient assistance programs may offer options to access medications not yet available locally.

Top Global Brands for PARP Inhibitors

Several pharmaceutical companies have developed PARP inhibitors for cancer treatment. Here are five notable brands:

1. AstraZeneca: Manufacturer of Lynparza (olaparib), used in the treatment of ovarian, breast, pancreatic, and prostate cancers.
2. GlaxoSmithKline: Producer of Zejula (niraparib), indicated for ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancers.
3. Pfizer: Offers Talzenna (talazoparib), used in the treatment of breast cancer.
4. Clovis Oncology: Developer of Rubraca (rucaparib), indicated for ovarian and prostate cancers.
5. Janssen Pharmaceuticals: Provides Niraparib under the brand name Zejula, focusing on ovarian cancer treatment.