Pharmasyntez-Nord presented a new drug with the INN lapatinib, Brestocare, which is intended for the treatment of adult patients with breast cancer. The drug can be used both as monotherapy for metastatic cancer and in complex treatment regimens in combination with aromatase inhibitors or other targeted drugs, according to the company’s website.
Lapatinib is a reversible and specific tyrosine kinase receptor inhibitor of both ErbB1 and ErbB2. It is one of several molecularly targeted therapies that have recently become available. It has been shown to have activity against ErbB1 and ErbB2 as well as Akt-over expressing human tumor xenografts. Lapatinib is in clinical trials for the treatment of breast cancer and a few other solid tumors. This nonselective inhibition of EGFR may account for a broader spectrum of antitumor activity and improved efficacy. Lapatinib is well tolerated with diarrhea and skin rash being most commonly seen side effects.
