Lorbrena

Generic Name: lorlatinib

Pronunciation: lor-BREN-ah

Drug Class: Targeted Therapy Medications

Company: Pfizer

Approval Status: Approved

Generic Version Available: No

Drug Indication

Lorbrena is an anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitor approved for the treatment of ALK-positive non-small-cell lung cancer.

General Info

Lorbrena interferes with the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) receptor tyrosine kinase, a protein that plays a role in cell growth.

In a Phase I/II study, Lorbrena led to tumor shrinkage in 48% of people with ALK-positive metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer who were previously treated with older ALK inhibitors. The Phase III CROWN trial showed that Lorbrena reduced the risk of progression or death by 72% compared with crizotinib (Xalkori) in patients being treated for the first time.

Dosage

Dosing Info: Talzenna is taken as a once-daily tablet.

Side Effects

Common side effects include swelling, peripheral neuropathy, cognitive and mood effects, shortness of breath, fatigue, weight gain, joint pain and diarrhea. Lorbrena can cause serious liver toxicity when used with other medications that are strong CYP3A inducers. The Lorbrena label includes a warning about central nervous system side effects including seizures, hallucinations, and changes in cognitive function, mood, mental status and sleep. It may also cause elevated blood lipids, heart problems or lung inflammation (pneumonitis).