Ivosidenib

Allopathic
Indications
  • Approved Indications:
    • Treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with a susceptible IDH1 mutation as detected by an FDA-approved test.
    • Newly diagnosed AML patients with IDH1 mutation who are ≥75 years old or who have comorbidities precluding intensive chemotherapy.
  • Off-label/Clinically Accepted Uses:
    • Investigational use in other IDH1-mutated cancers such as cholangiocarcinoma and glioma (not widely approved).
Dosage & Administration
  • Adult Dose:
    • 500 mg orally once daily with or without food.
  • Pediatrics:
    • Safety and efficacy not established.
  • Elderly:
    • No dosage adjustment necessary solely based on age.
  • Renal Impairment:
    • No adjustment required for mild to moderate impairment; use cautiously in severe impairment.
  • Hepatic Impairment:
    • Mild or moderate impairment: no dose adjustment.
    • Severe impairment: use with caution; limited data.
  • Administration:
    • Oral tablets, swallow whole, do not crush or chew.
  • Duration:
    • Continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Mechanism of Action (MOA)

Ivosidenib is a targeted small-molecule inhibitor of the mutated isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 (IDH1) enzyme. IDH1 mutations cause abnormal production of the oncometabolite 2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG), which impairs cellular differentiation and promotes leukemogenesis. By inhibiting mutant IDH1, ivosidenib reduces 2-HG levels, restores normal cell differentiation, and suppresses leukemia cell proliferation, thereby exerting its antineoplastic effects in AML with IDH1 mutations.

Pharmacokinetics
  • Absorption:
    • Oral absorption with peak plasma concentration (Tmax) around 3 hours post-dose.
  • Bioavailability:
    • High, unaffected significantly by food.
  • Distribution:
    • Volume of distribution approximately 234 L, moderately protein-bound (~92%).
  • Metabolism:
    • Primarily metabolized by CYP3A4 enzymes in the liver.
  • Half-life:
    • Approximately 93 hours (range 56–138 hours).
  • Elimination:
    • Excreted mainly via feces; minimal renal elimination.
Pregnancy Category & Lactation
  • Pregnancy:
    • No well-controlled human studies; likely teratogenic based on animal data. Use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 1 month after last dose.
  • Lactation:
    • Unknown if excreted in human milk; breastfeeding not recommended during treatment and for 1 month after.
Therapeutic Class
  • Primary Class: Antineoplastic agent
  • Subclass: IDH1 mutation inhibitor (targeted therapy)
Contraindications
  • Known hypersensitivity to ivosidenib or any component of the formulation.
Warnings & Precautions
  • Differentiation Syndrome:
    • Potentially fatal; monitor for fever, respiratory distress, rapid weight gain, and hypotension. Treat promptly with corticosteroids.
  • QT Interval Prolongation:
    • Monitor ECG and electrolytes periodically. Avoid concomitant QT-prolonging drugs.
  • Hepatotoxicity:
    • Monitor liver function tests; dose interruption or discontinuation may be necessary.
  • Tumor Lysis Syndrome:
    • Risk at treatment initiation; monitor renal function and electrolytes.
  • Drug Interactions:
    • Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors/inducers may alter ivosidenib levels; dose adjustments may be required.
Side Effects

Common Adverse Effects:

  • Fatigue
  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Arthralgia (joint pain)
  • Prolonged QT interval
  • Elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST)
  • Differentiation syndrome symptoms

Serious/Rare Effects:

  • Differentiation syndrome (may be life-threatening)
  • Severe hepatotoxicity
  • Cardiac arrhythmias
  • Tumor lysis syndrome
Drug Interactions
  • CYP3A4 Inhibitors: (e.g., ketoconazole) may increase ivosidenib plasma concentration → increased toxicity risk.
  • CYP3A4 Inducers: (e.g., rifampin) may decrease efficacy by lowering plasma levels.
  • Drugs that prolong QT interval: additive risk of cardiac arrhythmias.
  • Avoid grapefruit juice (CYP3A4 inhibitor).
Recent Updates or Guidelines
  • The FDA recently expanded approval to include newly diagnosed AML patients with IDH1 mutation unsuitable for intensive chemotherapy.
  • Updated warnings on differentiation syndrome and QT prolongation management emphasized.
  • EMA and NCCN guidelines include ivosidenib as a preferred targeted therapy for IDH1-mutated AML.
Storage Conditions
  • Store tablets at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).
  • Protect from moisture and light.
  • Keep in original container tightly closed.
  • No refrigeration or special handling required.