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Zavesca (MIGLUSTAT)

AstraZeneca · FDA-approved approved Small molecule Verified Quality 75/100

Zavesca works by inhibiting the enzyme glucosylceramide synthase, which is involved in the production of a toxic lipid that accumulates in cells of patients with certain lysosomal storage disorders.

Zavesca (MIGLUSTAT) is a small molecule glucosylceramide synthase inhibitor developed by ACTELION PHARMS LTD and currently owned by Actelion. It targets lysosomal alpha-glucosidase and is used to treat various lysosomal storage disorders, including Gaucher's disease, Late-onset Pompe disease, and Niemann-Pick disease type C. Zavesca was FDA-approved in 2003 and is now available as a generic medication. The commercial status of Zavesca is off-patent, with four generic manufacturers available. Key safety considerations include monitoring for gastrointestinal side effects and potential interactions with other medications.

At a glance

Generic nameMIGLUSTAT
SponsorAstraZeneca
Drug classGlucosylceramide Synthase Inhibitor [EPC]
TargetLysosomal alpha-glucosidase
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaMetabolic
PhaseFDA-approved
First approval2003

Mechanism of action

Type Gaucher disease is caused by functional deficiency of glucocerebrosidase, the enzyme that mediates the degradation of the glycosphingolipid glucosylceramide.Miglustat functions as competitive and reversible inhibitor of the enzyme glucosylceramide synthase, the initial enzyme in series of reactions which results in the synthesis of most glycosphingolipids.miglustat helps reduce the rate of glycosphingolipid biosynthesis so that the amount of glycosphingolipid substrate is reduced to level which allows the residual activity of the deficient glucocerebrosidase enzyme to be more effective (substrate reduction therapy). In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that miglustat can reduce the synthesis of glucosylceramide-based glycosphingolipids.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Patents

PatentExpiryType
124199372033-03-07Method of Use
124149852036-12-29Method of Use
122460622038-09-16Method of Use
117536322035-09-30Method of Use
112786012036-12-29Formulation
112785992033-03-07Method of Use
109615222035-09-30Method of Use
108572122037-08-12Method of Use

Primary sources

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SourceUsed for
FDA labelMechanism, indications, dosing, boxed warnings, drug interactions
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results
FDA Orange BookPatents + exclusivity

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