See the DrugPatentWatch profile for olaparib

Olaparib is a medication that plays a significant role in the treatment of breast and ovarian cancers, particularly in cases where patients have specific genetic mutations. Olaparib is a type of drug known as a poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor [1].

PARP inhibitors like olaparib work by preventing cancer cells from repairing their DNA, which can lead to the death of cancer cells [1]. This is especially effective in patients with breast and ovarian cancers that have mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes [1]. These genes are responsible for repairing damaged DNA, and when they are mutated, cancer cells have a more difficult time repairing their DNA, making them more susceptible to PARP inhibitors like olaparib [1].

In 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved olaparib for the treatment of certain types of breast cancer in patients with BRCA mutations [2]. This approval was based on the results of a clinical trial that showed that olaparib significantly reduced the risk of disease progression or death in patients with BRCA-mutated, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer [2].

Olaparib has also been approved for the treatment of ovarian cancer. In 2014, the FDA approved olaparib for the treatment of ovarian cancer in patients with BRCA mutations who have been treated with three or more prior lines of chemotherapy [3]. In 2017, the FDA expanded the approval of olaparib to include the maintenance treatment of recurrent epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer in patients with BRCA mutations who have had a complete or partial response to platinum-based chemotherapy [3].

It is important to note that olaparib is not appropriate for all patients with breast or ovarian cancer. The medication can cause side effects, including anemia, nausea, fatigue, and vomiting [1]. Additionally, the cost of olaparib can be high, with a course of treatment potentially costing tens of thousands of dollars [4].

In summary, olaparib is a PARP inhibitor that plays a significant role in the treatment of breast and ovarian cancers with BRCA mutations. The medication works by preventing cancer cells from repairing their DNA, which can lead to the death of cancer cells. Olaparib has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of certain types of breast and ovarian cancer in patients with BRCA mutations.

Sources:
[1] National Cancer Institute. (2021). Olaparib. Retrieved from <https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/olaparib>
[2] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2018). FDA approves Lynparza for breast cancer. Retrieved from <https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-lynparza-breast-cancer>
[3] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2017). FDA approves Lynparza for maintenance treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer. Retrieved from <https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-lynparza-maintenance-treatment-recurrent-ovarian-cancer>
[4] DrugPatentWatch. (2021). Olaparib (Lynparza) Patent Expiration & Generics. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patents/olaparib-lynparza>