Donafenib (Zepsun)

Mechanism of action

From the NCI Drug Dictionary: An orally available multikinase inhibitor that targets Raf kinase and various receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), with potential antineoplastic activity. Upon oral administration, donafenib binds to and blocks the activity of Raf kinase, and inhibits Raf-mediated signal transduction pathways. This inhibits cell proliferation in Raf-expressing tumor cells. In addition, this agent may inhibit unidentified RTKs, and thus may further block tumor cell proliferation in susceptible tumor cells.

Diseases for which it is established

• Thyroid cancer

Diseases for which it is used

• Hepatocellular carcinoma

History of changes in NMPA indication

• 2021-06: Initial approval for the treatment of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma who have not previously received systemic treatment.

Also known as

• Code name: CM-4307
• Generic name: donafenib tosylate
• Brand name: Zepsun