Koselugo (selumetinib)
Company: AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals
Approval Status: Approved on 4/10/2020
Specific treatment: Neurofibromatosis type 1
Mechanism of Action:
Selumetinib is an inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinases 1 and 2 (MEK1/2). MEK1/2 proteins are upstream regulators of the extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) pathway. Both MEK and ERK are critical components of the RAS-regulated RAF-MEK-ERK pathway, which is often activated in different types of cancers. In genetically modified mouse models of NF1 that generate neurofibromas that recapitulate the genotype and phenotype of human NF1, oral dosing of selumetinib inhibited ERK phosphorylation, and reduced neurofibroma numbers, volume, and proliferation.
Dosage form/Route:
Capsules: 10 mg and 25 mg.
Side effects:
Most common adverse reactions (≥ 40%) are: vomiting, rash (all), abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, dry skin, fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, pyrexia, acneiform rash, stomatitis, headache, paronychia, and pruritus.