What type of drug is Zejula?
Medically reviewed by Judith Stewart, BPharm. Last updated on Oct 8, 2020.
Official Answer
by Drugs.comZejula (niraparib) is an oral, once-daily poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor (PARP inhibitor).
PARP, or poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, is a protein that helps repair damaged DNA. PARP inhibitors are targeted therapies that are used in the treatment of certain cancers.
PARP inhibitors work by stopping the repair of the damaged DNA in cancer cells, resulting in the death of the cancer cells.
Zejula was the third PARP Inhibitor to be approved by the FDA.
| PARP Inhibitor | Indications |
|---|---|
| Lynparza (olaparib) |
|
| Rubraca (rucaparib) |
|
| Zejula (niraparib) |
|
| Talzenna (talazoparib) |
|
Zejula is used for the:
- maintenance treatment of adults with advanced ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, or primary peritoneal cancer. Zejula is used after the cancer has responded (complete or partial response) to treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy.
- maintenance treatment of adults with recurrent ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, or primary peritoneal cancer. Zejula is used after the cancer has responded (complete or partial response) to treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy.
- treatment of adults with advanced ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, or primary peritoneal cancer who have been treated with three or more prior types of chemotherapy and who have tumors with:
- a certain BRCA gene mutation, or
- gene mutation problems and who have progressed more than 6 months after their last treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy.
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Drug Information
- Zejula Information for Consumers
- Zejula Information for Healthcare Professionals (includes dosage details)
- Side Effects of Zejula (detailed)
