Noxalk (Ceritinib) 150 mg, 30 tablets: profile, composition and research

Reference page for Noxalk (Ceritinib) 150 mg, 30 tablets. Active substance: Церитиниб / Ceritinib.

Key facts

What ceritinib is

Ceritinib is an anticancer medicine from the ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitor group. It is used in non-small cell lung cancer whose cells carry a rearrangement of the ALK gene.

Such a rearrangement occurs in only a small proportion of patients. When it is found, the tumour becomes sensitive to substances that block the ALK protein, and a physician gains a reason to prescribe this particular group of medicines.

It is supplied as 150 mg tablets, 30 tablets per pack. It is used in locally advanced or metastatic disease, that is when the tumour has spread beyond its original site.

How ceritinib works

Rearrangement of the ALK gene

Normally the ALK gene takes part in the work of the nervous system and switches on only briefly. In a rearrangement it fuses with another gene, most often EML4, and produces a hybrid protein.

What the hybrid protein does

This protein is permanently active and drives the cell towards uncontrolled division. It is this signal that makes the tumour dependent on ALK.

The role of the medicine

Ceritinib binds to the ALK protein and blocks it. The signal that made the tumour grow is switched off, and the division of tumour cells is disrupted. The action is selective for ALK, yet the medicine also affects other targets in the body, which explains part of its adverse effects.

Approved uses

The prescribing information lists locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer with an ALK rearrangement in adult patients.

The medicine is prescribed after the rearrangement has been confirmed by a specific test. Without that confirmation it is useless, because with no target it does not act on the tumour.

Ceritinib can affect the heart, the liver and the lungs, so scheduled check-ups and laboratory monitoring are carried out during treatment.

Why regular monitoring is needed

Stomach and bowel disturbances, a rise in liver enzymes and changes in heart rhythm are possible while taking the medicine. Serious symptoms should be reported to a doctor without delay.

Fainting, irregular heartbeat or the onset of shortness of breath requires medical help. These states may be linked to the action of the medicine.

Treatment is not given during pregnancy. Reliable contraception for the duration of therapy is discussed with a doctor.

Published research

Primary sources, verified against PubMed:

• Clinical Evaluation of Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) Inhibitors for the First-Line Treatment of Advanced ALK-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Based on the 2nd Edition of China's Drug Evaluation and Selection Guideline., PubMed 42639549 (Drug Des Devel Ther, 2026).
• Efficacy and safety of second-line treatments in ALK mutation-positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer after second- or third-generation ALK inhibitors: Turkish Oncology Group real-life study (TOG study)., PubMed 42400766 (Clin Transl Oncol, 2026).
• Combined therapy with ALK inhibitors and a novel EGFR-targeting antibody-drug conjugate as a strategy for ALK-rearranged non-small cell lung cancers., PubMed 42431869 (Oncogenesis, 2026).

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 an oncologist.
• Ceritinib can affect the heart. Fainting, irregular heartbeat or shortness of breath requires medical help.
• Liver enzyme levels may rise, so liver function is checked with blood tests.
• The medicine is not used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Tell your doctor about every other medicine you take: interactions are possible.
• Stomach and bowel disturbances, loss of appetite and marked weakness should be reported to a doctor.

Frequently asked