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Comparator: Placebo to aprepitant
Aprepitant is a neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor antagonist that blocks substance P signaling in the chemoreceptor trigger zone and vomiting center to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
Aprepitant is a neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor antagonist that blocks substance P signaling in the chemoreceptor trigger zone and vomiting center to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Used for Prevention of acute and delayed chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in patients receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy, Prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV).
At a glance
| Generic name | Comparator: Placebo to aprepitant |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC |
| Drug class | Neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor antagonist |
| Target | NK1 receptor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Aprepitant crosses the blood-brain barrier and selectively antagonizes NK1 receptors, which are involved in the emetic response to chemotherapy. By blocking substance P, a key neurotransmitter in nausea and vomiting pathways, it provides delayed emesis prevention that complements 5-HT3 antagonists and corticosteroids. This mechanism is particularly effective for highly emetogenic chemotherapy regimens.
Approved indications
- Prevention of acute and delayed chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in patients receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy
- Prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV)
Common side effects
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Hiccups
Key clinical trials
- Study of the Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, Safety and Tolerability of Fosaprepitant for the Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV) in Children (MK-0517-029) (PHASE2)
- A Study of the Safety and Efficacy of Aprepitant for the Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV) in Pediatric Participants (MK-0869-208) (PHASE3)
- A Study to Evaluate Aprepitant for the Prevention of Post-Operative Nausea and Vomiting in Children (MK-0869-219) (PHASE2)
- Efficacy and Safety of Fosaprepitant Dimeglumine in Preventing Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting (MK-0517-031) (PHASE3)
- Aprepitant/MK0869 for Prevention of Chemotherapy Induced Nausea and Vomiting Associated With Cisplatin (0869-169)(COMPLETED) (PHASE3)
- Aprepitant for the Prevention of Chemotherapy Induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV)(0869-130)(COMPLETED) (PHASE3)
- Oral Aprepitant and Lower Dose Dexamethasone Versus Aprepitant Alone for Preventing Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV) After Elective Laparoscopic Surgeries (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Comparator: Placebo to aprepitant CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Comparator: Placebo to aprepitant updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC portfolio CI