Momelotinib is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor recently cleared...

Momelotinib is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor recently cleared by the US FDA for use in the treatment of the anaemia seen in myelofibrosis. JAK inhibitors as a class have significant side effects according to the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration website (see links below for further information).

From the TGA website:

(quote)

To minimise the risk of these side effects, JAK inhibitors should not be prescribed for chronic inflammatory conditions in people:

• with a history of cardiovascular disease (eg. heart attack or stroke)
• at increased risk of cardiovascular problems (eg. current or past long-time smokers)
• at increased risk of cancer
• aged 65 years and over

unless there are no suitable alternative treatments. (end quote)


Pharmaxis’ enzyme inhibitor PXS-5505, designed to address deleterious effects of myelofibrosis pathophysiology appears to operate on a different family of enzymes, and as such may prove to be free of the side effects attributed to the use of JAK inhibitors. So by my reckoning the game has only just started.



https://www.tga.gov.au/news/safety-updates/important-safety-information-janus-kinase-jak-inhibitors

https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/media/pre...ated-for-myelofibrosis-patients-with-anaemia/