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EMEND
EMEND (aprepitant) blocks substance P neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone and vomiting center to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
EMEND (aprepitant) blocks substance P neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptors 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 | EMEND |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Aprepitant, MK-0869 |
| Sponsor | Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC |
| Drug class | Neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor antagonist |
| Target | NK1 receptor (neurokinin-1 receptor) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Aprepitant is a selective antagonist of human neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptors, which are involved in the emetic reflex. By crossing the blood-brain barrier and binding to NK1 receptors in the central nervous system, it blocks the effects of substance P, a key neurotransmitter in nausea and vomiting pathways. This mechanism is complementary to 5-HT3 antagonists and corticosteroids, allowing for enhanced antiemetic efficacy in 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
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Hiccups
- Anorexia
Key clinical trials
- To Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of QLM2010 for Prevention of Chemotherapy-induced Nausea and Vomiting After Highly Emetogenic Chemotherapy. (PHASE3)
- Aprepitant in the Management of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Pruritus in Solid Cancer Patients (PHASE1)
- Olanzapine With or Without Fosaprepitant Dimeglumine in Preventing Chemotherapy Induced Nausea and Vomiting in Cancer Patients Receiving Highly Emetogenic Chemotherapy (PHASE3)
- Triple Therapy of Dexamethasone, Palonosetron, and Fosaprepitant As PONV Prevention (NA)
- Safety of a Three-Day Fosaprepitant Regimen for the Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting in Pediatric Participants (MK-0517-045) (PHASE4)
- Aprepitant- and Olanzapine- Containing Anti-emetic Regimens With High Dose Melphalan (PHASE3)
- Comparison of Adding EMEND to PONV/PDNV Treatment Regimen (NA)
- An Relative Bioavailability Study of BH006 for Injection in Healthy Subjects (EARLY_PHASE1)
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:
- EMEND CI brief — competitive landscape report
- EMEND updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC portfolio CI