What is capmatinib?

Capmatinib is a targeted anti-cancer drug developed by Novartis, with the trade name Tabrecta. It is a selective MET inhibitor, specifically developed for tumors with abnormal MET signaling pathways. METMutations or amplifications of the gene may cause a variety of cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Capmatinib effectively blocks the proliferation and spread of cancer cells by inhibiting the activity of MET.

Capmatinib is approved for the treatment of patients with advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer harboring METexon14 skipping mutations. This mutation occurs less frequently in patients with NSCLC but is associated with worse prognosis and resistance to conventional therapies. Capmatinib was originally designed to target these patients, and after confirmation through genetic testing, precise treatment can be carried out.

Capmatinib is a highly selective METtyrosine kinase inhibitor that can reduce the growth, migration and invasion of cancer cells by inhibiting the MET signaling pathway. In addition, it can influence the tumor microenvironment and enhance sensitivity to other treatments. Its mechanism makes capmatinib have high therapeutic specificity and efficacy for tumors with METex14 skip mutations.

Capmatinib demonstrated significant anti-tumor activity in clinical trials. In a pivotal study, the overall response rate (ORR) was more than 40% in patients with NSCLC skip mutations. Common side effects of capmatinib include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, abnormal liver function, and edema. Although there are some adverse effects, it is generally well tolerated.

As the first targeted drug specifically targeting METex14 skipping mutations, capmatinib is a milestone in clinical application. It provides new treatment options for some patients, especially those who are resistant or ineffective with traditional treatments. With the deepening of research on MET, capmatinib may also provide reference for the treatment of more types of cancer.

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References

Novartis official website:https://www.novartis.com