Ibrunat (Ibrutinib) 140 mg, 30 tablets: profile, composition and research

Reference page for Ibrunat (Ibrutinib) 140 mg, 30 tablets. Active substance: Ибрутиниб / Ibrutinib.

Key facts

What ibrutinib is

Ibrutinib is an antineoplastic substance used in certain cancers of the blood. In this pack it comes as 140 mg tablets, 30 in a box. It is made by the Indian company Natco Pharma and sold under the trade name Ibrunat.

This is a targeted agent: it acts on one specific protein that certain tumour cells depend on, rather than on all dividing cells in turn. That approach distinguishes it from classic chemotherapy.

Treatment is supervised by a haematologist; the medicine is prescription-only and not intended for use on one's own.

How it works

The target

Ibrutinib inhibits the enzyme Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK). This enzyme works in the signalling pathway of the B-cell receptor, which decides whether a B lymphocyte will live and divide.

What that achieves

In many B-cell tumours the signal through BTK stays permanently switched on and drives the growth of the cells. Blocking the enzyme interrupts that signal.

Why the approach is called targeted

BTK is needed mainly by cells of the B lineage, so the action is directed rather than aimed at all fast-dividing tissue. That is why the side-effect profile differs from that of classic chemotherapy.

Approved uses

The prescribing information lists B-cell blood cancers, in particular chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, mantle cell lymphoma and certain other lymphoproliferative conditions.

The drug is usually used in adults, including when other treatment options have already been tried. The regimen and the duration of treatment are set by a haematologist based on test results and the patient's general condition.

Blood counts and heart function are monitored during therapy. Any new symptom, bleeding or irregular heartbeat should be reported to a doctor without delay.

Why ibrutinib is called a targeted drug

Classic chemotherapy acts on any rapidly dividing cell, so healthy tissue suffers along with the tumour. Targeted agents work differently: they aim at one specific molecule without which the tumour cell cannot survive. In the case of ibrutinib that molecule is BTK.

That does not mean the treatment is free of side effects: BTK is also active in normal blood cells, so the drug affects clotting and the immune response. That is why therapy is managed by a haematologist who checks the patient's tests regularly.

Published research

Primary sources, verified against PubMed:

• Ibrutinib for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia., PubMed 30916599 (Expert Rev Hematol, 2019).
• Ibrutinib in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia: 5 years on., PubMed 31732977 (Hematol Oncol, 2020).
• Managing Ibrutinib-Intolerant Patients With B-Cell Malignancies., PubMed 36723874 (Oncologist, 2023).

Listed for reference. Publication of a study is not a claim about this particular product.

Precautions

• This is a prescription medicine and is used only under the supervision of a haematologist.
• Ibrutinib raises the risk of bleeding. Any bruising, bleeding gums or blood in secretions should be reported to a doctor.
• Heart-rhythm disturbances are possible, so an irregular heartbeat or shortness of breath needs medical assessment.
• The risk of infection is higher during treatment: a raised temperature should be reported to a doctor without delay.
• Before treatment a doctor assesses liver and kidney function and blood counts, then monitors these values.
• Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is not allowed.
• Tell your doctor about every other medicine you take: interactions are possible.

Frequently asked