R115777

Drug name

R115777; Tipifarnib

Brand name(s)/Manufacturer(s)

Zarnestra; Manufacturer: Johnson & Johnson

How the Drug is Given

R115777 is an oral medication.

About the Drug

R115777, a farnesyl transferase inhibitor, blocks naturally occuring enzymes from activating harmful proteins, which occurs in roughly 25% of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) patients.

R115777 is currently in clinical studies to determine its safety and effectiveness in treating MDS, especially within the elderly population. In a Phase II study responses were seen in 33% of participants www.bloodjournal.org. A Phase III study has yet to begin.

R115777 is currently in clinical studies for other dieseases as well.

Side effects

Since R115777 is a new drug, investigators are learning about side effects. Common side effects reported during the clinical trials include: myelosuppression (low blood counts), fatigue, rash, nausea, dypenea (labored breathing), purpura (skin hemorrhages), bilirubin increase (jaundice), constipation, diarrhea, bone pain, myalgia (muscle pain), creatinine increase (kidney function), visual changes, confusion, headache.

Patients receiving R115777 should report all side effects to the doctor.

This is NOT a complete list of side effects reported with R115777. Your health care provider can discuss a more complete list of side effects with you. As with any treatment, you should discuss the benefits and side effects of this drug with your doctor to decide on the best course of action.

Special concerns

R115777 is still in clinical studies and therefore issues relating to pregnancy/breastfeeding, patient age, allergies, drug interaction or other specific medical concerns are not known at this time.

More information

Current Clinical Studies
AA&MDSIF Patient Clinical Trials - www.aamds.org

Medical Literature
PUBMED Bibliography: R115777 and MDS - www.pubmed.gov

News Reports Journal of Clinical Oncology: Phase II study of R115777, a farnesyl transferase inhibitor, in myelodysplastic syndrome - www.jco.org
Blood Journal: High risk MDS: first results of international phase 2 study with oral farnesyltransferase inhibitor, R115777 - www.bloodjournal.org
ProfessionalCancerConultants.com: Myelodysplastic Syndrome News - www.professional.cancerconsultants.com