Rolapitant

Rolapitant image
Brand name: Varubi®
IUPAC: (5S,8S)-8-[[(1R)-1-[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethoxy]methyl]-8-phenyl-1,9-diazaspiro[4.5]decan-2-one
FDA approval: Yes
Usage:

Varubi® (Rolapitant) was approved by the FDA in 2015. It is used in combination with other antiemetic drugs to prevent the delayed nausea and vomiting that is associated with chemotherapy treatment.1

  • 1Rolapitant. MedlinePlus. 2016. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a615041.html
Mechanism:

Rolapitant (Varubi®) is a human substance P/neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor antagonist. In other words, rolapitant prevents the binding of human substance P/neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor with its agonist, inhibiting the activation of the receptors. Activation of NK-1 receptors is associated with the nausea and vomiting induced by certain chemotherapy drugs. Rolapitant works by blocking the actions of neurokinin and substance P, which are natural substances in the brain that produce nausea and vomiting.1

The diagram below shows the 3D molecular structure of Rolapitant. 

 

 

  • 1Rolapitant. MedlinePlus. 2016. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a615041.html
Side effects:

Most common side effects include: neutropenia, hiccups, decreased appetite, and dizziness.1

  • 1Rolapitant. MedlinePlus. 2016. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a615041.html