Ponatinib (Iclusig)

General information

Class/mechanism: Tyrosine kinase inhibitor with multiple targets, including Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase, the constitutively active tyrosine kinase resulting from the Philadelphia chromosome abnormality in CML, as well as VEGFR, PDGFR, FGFR, the SRC kinases, KIT, EPH receptors, RET, TIE2, and FLT3. Ponatinib is active against the Bcr-Abl T315I mutation.
Route: PO
Extravasation: n/a

For conciseness and simplicity, HemOnc.org currently will focus on treatment regimens and not list information such as: renal/hepatic dose adjustments, metabolism (including CYP450), excretion, monitoring parameters (although this will be considered for checklists), or manufacturer. Instead, for the most current information, please refer to your preferred pharmacopeias such as Micromedex, Lexicomp, UpToDate (courtesy of Lexicomp), or the prescribing information.

Diseases for which it is used

• Chronic myelogenous leukemia
• Ph+ B-cell ALL

Patient drug information

• Patient counseling information can be found on pages 16-17 of the Ponatinib (Iclusig) package insert

History of changes in FDA indication

• 12/14/2012: FDA approved for the treatment of adult patients with:
  • Chronic phase, accelerated phase, or blast phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) that is resistant or intolerant to prior tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy
  • Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL) that is resistant or intolerant to prior tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy.
• 10/31/2013: Suspended by FDA because of the risk of life-threatening blood clots and severe narrowing of blood vessels.
• 12/20/2013: REMS program put in place and medication is once again available.
• 11/29/2016: FDA granted full approval for the treatment of adult patients with:
  • Chronic-phase, accelerated-phase, or blast-phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) or Philadelphia chromosome–positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) for whom no other tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy is indicated
  • T315I­–positive CML (chronic phase, accelerated phase, or blast phase)
  • T315I­-positive, Philadelphia chromosome–positive ALL.

Also known as

• Code name: AP24534
• Generic name: ponatinib hydrochloride
• Brand name: Iclusig