Ibrance vs Kisqali

Side-by-side comparison of Ibrance and Kisqali — mechanism, indications, safety, trials, sponsor, and pricing.

At a glance

IbranceKisqali
Generic namePalbociclibribociclib
SponsorPfizerNovartis
Drug classCDK4/6 inhibitorCDK4/6 inhibitor; aromatase inhibitor
Molecular targetCyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4/6)Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4 and 6; aromatase enzyme
ModalitySmall molecule
PhaseFDA-approvedFDA-approved
Therapeutic areaOncologyOncology
First approval20152017

Mechanism of action

IbrancePalbociclib inhibits CDK4/6 to block G1/S cell cycle progression in ER-positive breast cancer.
KisqaliRibociclib inhibits CDK4/6 kinases to arrest G1 cell cycle phase; letrozole inhibits aromatase to reduce estrogen biosynthesis.

Approved indications

Ibrance

  • Hormone receptor positive malignant neoplasm of breast
  • Human epidermal growth factor 2 negative carcinoma of breast

Kisqali

  • Hormone receptor positive malignant neoplasm of breast

Common side effects

Ibrance

  • Neutrophil count decreased
  • Fatigue
  • Diarrhea
  • Platelet count decreased
  • Nausea
  • Neutropenia
  • Headache
  • Aspartate aminotransferase increased

Kisqali

  • Neutropenia
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Alanine aminotransferase increased
  • Aspartate aminotransferase increased
  • Leukopenia
  • Arthralgia
  • Headache

Further reading