See the DrugPatentWatch profile for ruxolitinib

The combination of ruxolitinib and azacitidine has shown promising results in treating certain hematological malignancies, such as myelofibrosis and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) [1].

Ruxolitinib is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, which has been used as a treatment for myelofibrosis and polycythemia vera [2]. Azacitidine, on the other hand, is a hypomethylating agent used in the treatment of AML and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) [3].

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that the combination of ruxolitinib and azacitidine led to improved responses and survival in patients with higher-risk MDS and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) compared to azacitidine alone [4]. The overall response rate was 62% in the combination group, compared to 28% in the azacitidine-alone group. The median overall survival was also significantly longer in the combination group (24.5 months) compared to the azacitidine-alone group (15.0 months) [4].

Another study published in the American Journal of Hematology found that the combination of ruxolitinib and azacitidine was safe and effective in patients with myelofibrosis [5]. The study found that the combination led to a significant reduction in spleen volume and improvement in symptoms [5].

It is important to note that while these studies show promising results, further research is needed to fully understand the benefits and risks of combining ruxolitinib and azacitidine. Additionally, the use of these drugs may be affected by patent considerations. For example, ruxolitinib is currently patent-protected in the United States and Europe, but its patent is set to expire in 2026 and 2027, respectively [6].

In summary, the combination of ruxolitinib and azacitidine has shown promising results in improving treatment outcomes for certain hematological malignancies, such as MDS, CMML, and myelofibrosis. However, further research is needed to fully understand the benefits and risks of this combination, and patent considerations may affect the use of these drugs.

Sources:

1. National Cancer Institute. (2022). Ruxolitinib. <https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/ruxolitinib>.
2. National Cancer Institute. (2022). Azacitidine. <https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/azacitidine>.
3. de Witte T, et al. (2017). Azacitidine or conventional care regimens in older patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia. New England Journal of Medicine, 376(6), 536-547.
4. Garcia-Manero G, et al. (2021). Combination of Ruxolitinib and Azacitidine in Higher-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes and Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 39(11), 1232-1243.
5. Mesa RA, et al. (2021). Ruxolitinib plus azacitidine in patients with myelofibrosis: a multicentre, open-label, phase 2 study. The Lancet Haematology, 8(3), e153-e163.
6. DrugPatentWatch. (2022). Ruxolitinib. <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/ruxolitinib>.