Veliparib

Veliparib skeletal

Veliparib is a pharmaceutical drug that belongs to a class of medications known as PARP inhibitors. It is primarily researched and developed for the treatment of various types of cancer, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and lung cancer. Veliparib works by inhibiting the action of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the repair of DNA damage in cells. By inhibiting PARP, veliparib increases the DNA damage in cancer cells, leading to their death and thus, inhibiting tumor growth.

Mechanism of Action

Veliparib inhibits the PARP enzyme, which is involved in the repair of single-strand breaks in DNA. When PARP is inhibited by veliparib, the repair process is disrupted, leading to the accumulation of DNA damage. In cancer cells, which already have defective DNA repair mechanisms, this accumulation of damage leads to cell death. This mechanism is particularly effective in cancers with mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which are also involved in DNA repair.

Clinical Trials

Veliparib has been evaluated in various clinical trials for its effectiveness and safety in treating different types of cancers. These trials have explored its use as a monotherapy and in combination with other cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The outcomes of these trials have been promising in some cancer types, leading to further research and development.

Side Effects

As with most cancer therapies, veliparib can cause side effects. These may include nausea, fatigue, anemia, and increased risk of infections due to lowered white blood cell counts. The severity and occurrence of side effects vary among individuals and depend on the dosage and duration of treatment.

Current Status

As of the last update, veliparib is still under clinical investigation and has not yet received approval from regulatory bodies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for general medical use. Research is ongoing to determine its efficacy and safety profile in various cancer types and patient populations.

Future Directions

Research on veliparib continues to explore its potential as part of combination therapies, its effectiveness in a broader range of cancers, and its long-term safety profile. There is also interest in identifying biomarkers that can predict which patients are most likely to benefit from treatment with PARP inhibitors like veliparib.