Current and future role of fedratinib in the treatment of myelofibrosis

Abstract

Fedratinib (INREBIC ^® [fedratinib] capsules, Impact Biomedicines, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Celgene Corporation), is a potent JAK2 inhibitor that has been approved for use in myelofibrosis, both as a first-line agent and also in second line following ruxolitinib (Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Basel, Switzerland) failure or intolerance. Within this article, we will review relevant preclinical and early/late clinical trial data concerning the use of fedratinib to treat myeloproliferative neoplasms. Moreover, we will review in detail the assumed safety issues that led to temporary cessation of all programs with the agent in 2013 which subsequently re-entered the clinical arena in 2017. We will discuss how physicians may safely transition a patient across from ruxolitinib to fedratinib following intolerance or lack of efficacy. At last, we will discuss potential future applications of this agent within the field.