See the DrugPatentWatch profile for ruxolitinib

Ruxolitinib, approved by Apotex Corp. for the US market, offers patients a treatment option for certain conditions related to the immune system and cancer. Specifically, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved ruxolitinib for the treatment of:

1. Polycythemia vera (PV): A type of blood cancer where the body makes too many red blood cells. Ruxolitinib is used to treat PV in adults who are not able to tolerate or who have an inadequate response to hydroxyurea [1].

2. Myelofibrosis: A type of blood cancer where the body makes too many white blood cells, leading to scarring in the bone marrow, and can cause anemia, fatigue, and an enlarged spleen. Ruxolitinib is used to treat intermediate or high-risk myelofibrosis in adults [1].

Ruxolitinib, a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, works by blocking the action of certain enzymes, which helps to reduce the production of abnormal blood cells and decrease the size of the spleen [1].

According to DrugPatentWatch.com, ruxolitinib was first approved by the FDA in 2011 and is currently available under the brand names Jakafi and Jakavi [2]. Apotex Corp. received approval from the FDA to market a generic version of ruxolitinib in 2021 [3].

In summary, ruxolitinib offers patients with polycythemia vera and myelofibrosis a treatment option that can help reduce the production of abnormal blood cells, decrease the size of the spleen, and alleviate symptoms associated with these conditions.

Sources:
[1] US Food and Drug Administration. (2021). Ruxolitinib. <https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/ruxolitinib-creams-jakafi-jakavi>
[2] DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Ruxolitinib. <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/ruxolitinib>
[3] US Food and Drug Administration. (2021). FDA approves first generic of Jakafi to treat certain blood cancers. <https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-generic-jakafi-treat-certain-blood-cancers>