Selexipag
Selexipag, sold under the brand name Uptravi, is a medication developed by Actelion for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).[1] Selexipag and its active metabolite, ACT-333679 (or MRE-269, the free carboxylic acid), are agonists of the prostacyclin receptor, which leads to vasodilation in the pulmonary circulation.[2] It is taken by mouth or administered intravenously.[1][3]
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Trade names | Uptravi |
Other names | ACT-293987, NS-304 |
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Routes of administration | By mouth, intravenous |
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ECHA InfoCard | 100.237.916 |
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Formula | C26H32N4O4S |
Molar mass | 496.63 g·mol−1 |
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Contraindications
In Europe, use of selexipag together with strong inhibitors of the liver enzyme CYP2C8, such as gemfibrozil, is contraindicated because it increases concentrations of selexipag twofold, and its active metabolite 11-fold, potentially leading to more adverse effects.[4]
Adverse effects
The adverse effects of selexipag are similar to those of intravenous prostacyclins used for pulmonary arterial hypertension. Common side effects include headache and jaw pain. An increased risk for hyperthyroidism has also been noted in people taking selexipag.
Mechanism of action
Selexipag acts on the prostacyclin receptor of lung tissue. It is selective for the prostacyclin receptor. The binding of selexipag to this receptor leads to three major effects: increased vasodilation of the arteries, decreased cell proliferation and inhibition of platelet aggregation,[5] all beneficial in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension.
History
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted selexipag orphan drug status for PAH.[6] It was approved by the FDA on 22 December 2015.[6]
In Europe, the drug was approved in May 2016.[5]
Society and culture
References
- "Uptravi- selexipag tablet, coated Uptravi Titration Pack- selexipag kit". DailyMed. Retrieved 30 July 2021.
- Sitbon O, Morrell N (December 2012). "Pathways in pulmonary arterial hypertension: the future is here". European Respiratory Review. 21 (126): 321–7. doi:10.1183/09059180.00004812. PMID 23204120.
- "Uptravi (selexipag) Receives FDA Approval for Intravenous Use in Adult Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)". Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies (Press release). 30 July 2021. Retrieved 30 July 2021.
- Information des Bundesamtes für Sicherheit im Gesundheitswesen zu Uptravi (in German), Österreichisches Bundesamt für Sicherheit im Gesundheitswesen, 2017-06-07
- "Uptravi: Authorisation details". European Medicines Agency. 2016-05-12.
- New Drug Approved for Rare Lung Disorder. PPN. 23 Dec 2015 Has link to GRIPHON study results
- "Actelion sees Uptravi price of $160,000-170,000/patient". Reuters. 2016-01-05. Retrieved 2016-01-06.
External links
- "Selexipag". Drug Information Portal. U.S. National Library of Medicine.
- Clinical trial number NCT03187678 for "Safety Study of the Switch From Oral Selexipag to Intravenous Selexipag in Subjects With Stable Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension" at ClinicalTrials.gov