vorasidenib

Vorasidenib

Generic Name

Vorasidenib

Mechanism

  • Selective dual inhibitor of mutant IDH1 and IDH2 enzymes.
  • Blocks conversion of isocitrate to 2‑hydroxyglutarate, the oncometabolite that impairs cellular differentiation.
  • Reduces intracellular D‑2‑hydroxyglutarate (D‑2‑HG) levels, enabling leukemic blasts to undergo differentiation and apoptosis.
  • Does not inhibit wild‑type IDH, minimizing off‑target effects on normal cells.

Pharmacokinetics

ParameterKey Points
AdministrationOral tablet, 4 mg once daily (may be taken with or without food; food modestly increases Cmax by ~30 %)
AbsorptionRapid, Tmax ≈ 2–3 h; bioavailability ≈ 40 % (CYP3A4‑mediated first‑pass)
DistributionHigh volume (Vd ≈ 5 L/kg), extensive tissue penetration, CSF levels ~10 % of plasma
MetabolismPredominantly via CYP3A4 (also CYP2B6); glucuronidation contributes minimally
EliminationPrimarily fecal (≈ 70 %); renal clearance ~15 % unchanged drug
Half‑life~20–24 h (steady‑state achieved ≥ 2–3 weeks)
Drug InteractionsCYP3A4 inhibitors ↑ vorasidenib exposure; CYP3A4 inducers ↓ exposure; avoid strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole) without dose adjustment

Indications

  • Relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with confirmed IDH1 or IDH2 mutation (FDA‑approved).
  • Under investigation in phase III for newly diagnosed IDH‑mutated AML when combined with standard induction or maintenance regimens.
  • Trial use in solid tumors (e.g., cholangiocarcinoma) harboring IDH1 mutations (clinical studies only).

Contraindications

CategoryNotes
ContraindicationsHypersensitivity to vorasidenib or any excipient.
WarningsDifferentiation syndrome (fever, dyspnea, weight gain, hypo‑albuminemia); QT‑interval prolongation; hepatic dysfunction; myelosuppression leading to severe cytopenias; pregnancy (Category D – teratogenic in animal studies).
PrecautionsCardiovascular disease, active infection, uncontrolled diabetes, concurrent use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors/inducers.

Dosing

  • Adults & Adolescents ≥12 y: 4 mg PO once daily (take with water; meal optional).
  • Renal impairment (CrCl > 30 mL/min): No dose adjustment.
  • Impaired hepatic function (Child‑Pugh A/B): same dose; monitor LFTs.
  • Patients on CYP3A4 inhibitors: Reduce dose to 2 mg once daily if concomitant use is unavoidable.
  • Patients on CYP3A4 inducers: No adjustment needed; monitor therapeutic response.
  • Administration during infusion: Not indicated; oral dosing only.

Adverse Effects

  • Common (≥ 15 %) | Incidence |
Nausea, vomiting, anorexia18–25 %
Fatigue15–20 %
Myelosuppression (neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia)12–18 %
Elevated serum transaminases10–12 %

Serious (≥ 5 %) | Incidence |

Differentiation syndrome8–10 %
QT‑interval prolongation5–7 %
Severe hepatotoxicity (ALT>5× ULN)4–6 %
Tumor lysis syndrome< 3 %

Other noteworthy
• Neurotoxicity (rare)
• Hyperglycemia (observed in a subset of patients)

Monitoring

  • Baseline | CBC, CMP, electrolytes, ECG, D‑2‑HG plasma level.
  • Weekly (first 4 weeks) | CBC, CMP, electrolytes, ECG; assess for differentiation syndrome signs.
  • Bi‑weekly (weeks 5–12) | CBC, CMP, ECG, tumor imaging, D‑2‑HG.
  • Every 3 months | CBC, CMP, ECG, tumor assessment.
  • During differentiation syndrome | Admit for close monitoring; check arterial blood gases, chest imaging.

Clinical Pearls

  • Differentiation syndrome is a hallmark of IDH inhibition—initiate low‑dose dexamethasone (4 mg PO BID) prophylactically if patients have high leukocyte counts or symptomatic disease.
  • Dose adjustment for CYP3A4 interactions is pivotal; avoid strong inducers (e.g., rifampin) which can render therapy ineffective.
  • Cardiac monitoring: Baseline QTc  480 ms or if adding other QT‑prolonging agents.
  • Avoid concomitant use with high‑dose vitamin A and other agents that may synergistically increase differentiation syndrome risk.
  • Patient education on early recognition of differentiation syndrome (fever, dyspnea, pulmonary infiltrates) and prompt reporting to the care team.

--
Keywords for SEO: *vorasidenib*, *IDH1 inhibitor*, *IDH2 inhibitor*, *acute myeloid leukemia*, *differentiation syndrome*, *oral IDH inhibitor*, *CYP3A4 drug interactions*, *vorasidenib dosing*, *vorasidenib adverse effects*.

Medical & AI Content Disclaimers
Medical Disclaimer: Medical definitions are provided for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

AI Content Disclaimer: Some definitions may be AI-generated and may contain inaccuracies. Always verify with authoritative medical references.

Scroll to Top