Rytelo: a novel option for transfusion-dependent anemia in myelodysplastic syndromes

Authors

  • Muhammad Hamza Shuja Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Saddar, Karachi, Pakistan
  • Abeera F. Abbasi Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Saddar, Karachi, Pakistan
  • Firzah Shakil Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Saddar, Karachi, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2454-2156.IntJSciRep20241996

Keywords:

Rytelo, FDA, MDS

Abstract

Rytelo (Imetelstat), approved by the FDA in June 2024, offers a groundbreaking treatment for patients with transfusion-dependent anemia due to lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Rytelo is a first-in-class telomerase inhibitor that targets telomerase, an enzyme that cancer cells use to maintain their telomeres and continue proliferating. By inhibiting telomerase, Rytelo induces apoptosis in malignant cells in the bone marrow, thus reducing the need for frequent blood transfusions. Administered intravenously every four weeks, clinical trials have shown Rytelo effectively lowers transfusion requirements and enhances patients' quality of life. However, common side effects such as neutropenia and thrombocytopenia require careful monitoring and dose adjustments to manage. Despite these challenges, Rytelo represents a significant advancement in treating transfusion-dependent anemia in MDS, providing a novel therapeutic option that addresses the underlying cause of the disease and improves patient outcomes.

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References

FDA approves imetelstat for low- to intermediate-1 risk myelodysplastic syndromes with transfusion-dependent anemia. FDA. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/resources-information-approved-drugs/fda-approves-imetelstat-low-intermediate-1-risk-myelodysplastic-syndromes-transfusion-dependent. Accessed on 9 June 2024.

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FDA Approves Imetelstat for Lower-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes With Transfusion-Dependent Anemia. Available at: https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/fda-approves-imetelstat-for-lower-risk-myelodysplastic-syndromes-with-transfusion-dependent-anemia. Accessed on 9 June 2024.

Imetelstat for the Treatment of Transfusion-Dependent Anemia in Adults with Low to Intermediate-1 Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes (LR MDS). Available at: https://www.fda.gov/ media/177021/download. Accessed on 9 June 2024.

González-Sales M, Lennox AL, Huang F, Pamulapati C, Wan Y, Sun L, et al. Population pharmacokinetics of imetelstat, a first-in-class oligonucleotide telomerase inhibitor. CPT Pharmacometrics Syst Pharmacol. 2024;13(7):1264-77.

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Published

2024-07-25

How to Cite

Shuja, M. H., Abbasi, A. F., & Shakil, F. (2024). Rytelo: a novel option for transfusion-dependent anemia in myelodysplastic syndromes. International Journal of Scientific Reports, 10(8), 305–307. https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2454-2156.IntJSciRep20241996

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Section

New Drug Update