What are the medical uses of Bortezomib Injection

Bortezomib specifically is a dipeptide boronic acid analogue with antineoplastic activity. It reversibly inhibits the 26S proteasome, a large protease complex that degrades ubiquitinated proteins. In order to block targeted proteolysis generally performed by the proteasome, bortezomib injection disrupts the various cell signaling pathways, leading to cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and inhibition of the angiogenesis. Specifically, the agent inhibits NF-kappaB, a kind of protein, constitutively activated in a few cancers, thereby interfering with the NF kappaB mediated cell survival, tumor growth, and angiogenesis. In vivo, bortezomib resists the growth of tumors and boosts the cytotoxic effects of radiation & chemotherapy.

Bortezomib is a proteasome inhibitor and antineoplastic agent, used for the treatment of refractory multiple myeloma and certain lymphomas. It is linked with a reduced rate of serum enzyme elevations during treatment and to rare instances of clinically apparent, acute liver injury.

Approval: Falls under the class of medications known as proteasome inhibitors, bortezomib acts in order to inhibit proteasomes, cellular complexes that are involved in breaking down proteins.

In the year of 2013, Bortezomib was approved for medical use in the United States and in the year of 2004, it was approved in the European Union.

Dosage Form: Bortezomib comes in the form of injection generically and under the brand name Velcade. The recommended starting dose of bortezomib is 1.3 mg/m2. It may be administered intravenously at a concentration of 1mg/mL, or subcutaneously at a concentration of 2.5mg/mL.

The bortezomib 2mg/3.5mg retreatment may be considered for patients with multiple myeloma who had previously responded to treatment with bortezomib and who have relapsed at least 6 months following finishing prior bortezomib treatment. Treatment may be initiated at the last tolerated dose. When administered intravenously, it is administered as a 3 to 5 second bolus intravenous injection.

Bortezomib is for intravenous or subcutaneous use only. It should not be administered by any other route.

Side Effects: Side effects of bortezomib are usually mild and not life threatening. The commonly reported side effects may include nausea, diarrhea, tiredness, low platelets, fever, numbness, rash, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, and low white blood cells.

Cost: The bortezomib price in India may vary depending on the wholesaler/pharmacy and of course the brand you choose. The cost of bortezomib ranges from around 2,400 INR to 54,350 INR for a supply of vial of 1 injection.