JAK inhibitors, also known as Janus kinase inhibitors, are a type of medication that works by targeting specific "messengers" inside your immune system. These messengers, called JAK proteins (JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, TYK2), help control how your immune system functions. By blocking the activity of these JAK proteins, JAK inhibitors can help regulate the immune system and potentially treat certain conditions.
The FDA has approved the use of JAK inhibitors for multiple diseases, including myelofibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, polycythemia vera, psoriatic arthritis, atopic dermatitis, ulcerative colitis, and graft-versus-host disease.
Ruxolitinib (Jakafi) is the most commonly used JAK inhibitor when treating myelofibrosis. However, while existing treatment options primarily manage symptoms, new therapies are showing promise in potentially altering the course of the disease. Next-generation JAK inhibitors target specific immune system pathways and aim to be more effective with potentially fewer side effects.
Newly FDA-approved JAK inhibitors, such as fedratinib (Inrebic), momelotinib (Ojjaara), and pacritinib (Vonjo), are now being prescribed for patients with myelofibrosis.
Fedratinib, momelotinib, and pacritinib are all relatively new medications, and long-term data is still emerging. Clinical trials are ongoing to further evaluate the benefit and safety of these newer JAK inhibitors in myelofibrosis and other myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). Here's a breakdown of some promising advantages:
In addition, each of these agents can be particularly beneficial for specific myelofibrosis patients, for example:
While new JAK inhibitors offer promising benefits for myelofibrosis treatment, it's important to be aware of potential side effects. Some of the most common ones are:
Fedratinib may interfere with the body's ability to absorb thiamine (vitamin B1), increasing the risk of Wernicke encephalopathy, a serious brain condition caused by thiamine deficiency. Symptoms can include confusion, vision problems, and unsteady walking.
Every case of myelofibrosis is different. Because of this, doctors need to tailor treatment plans to each patient's specific symptoms and genetic makeup. Ideally, we'd have treatments that stop the disease from getting worse and prevent serious complications like bone marrow failure or leukemia. While most therapeutic options primarily manage symptoms, newer JAK inhibitors show promise in potentially altering the course of the disease.
Myelofibrosis research is moving fast, and there is hope for even better treatments in the future! Stay up-to-date with HealthTree for Myelofibrosis by creating your free account.
Sources:
JAK inhibitors, also known as Janus kinase inhibitors, are a type of medication that works by targeting specific "messengers" inside your immune system. These messengers, called JAK proteins (JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, TYK2), help control how your immune system functions. By blocking the activity of these JAK proteins, JAK inhibitors can help regulate the immune system and potentially treat certain conditions.
The FDA has approved the use of JAK inhibitors for multiple diseases, including myelofibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, polycythemia vera, psoriatic arthritis, atopic dermatitis, ulcerative colitis, and graft-versus-host disease.
Ruxolitinib (Jakafi) is the most commonly used JAK inhibitor when treating myelofibrosis. However, while existing treatment options primarily manage symptoms, new therapies are showing promise in potentially altering the course of the disease. Next-generation JAK inhibitors target specific immune system pathways and aim to be more effective with potentially fewer side effects.
Newly FDA-approved JAK inhibitors, such as fedratinib (Inrebic), momelotinib (Ojjaara), and pacritinib (Vonjo), are now being prescribed for patients with myelofibrosis.
Fedratinib, momelotinib, and pacritinib are all relatively new medications, and long-term data is still emerging. Clinical trials are ongoing to further evaluate the benefit and safety of these newer JAK inhibitors in myelofibrosis and other myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). Here's a breakdown of some promising advantages:
In addition, each of these agents can be particularly beneficial for specific myelofibrosis patients, for example:
While new JAK inhibitors offer promising benefits for myelofibrosis treatment, it's important to be aware of potential side effects. Some of the most common ones are:
Fedratinib may interfere with the body's ability to absorb thiamine (vitamin B1), increasing the risk of Wernicke encephalopathy, a serious brain condition caused by thiamine deficiency. Symptoms can include confusion, vision problems, and unsteady walking.
Every case of myelofibrosis is different. Because of this, doctors need to tailor treatment plans to each patient's specific symptoms and genetic makeup. Ideally, we'd have treatments that stop the disease from getting worse and prevent serious complications like bone marrow failure or leukemia. While most therapeutic options primarily manage symptoms, newer JAK inhibitors show promise in potentially altering the course of the disease.
Myelofibrosis research is moving fast, and there is hope for even better treatments in the future! Stay up-to-date with HealthTree for Myelofibrosis by creating your free account.
Sources:
about the author
Lisa Foster
Lisa Foster is a mom of 3 daughters, a puzzle lover, writer and HealthTree advocate. She believes in the mission of the foundation and the team that builds it forward. She calls Houston, Texas home.
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