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Xofigo (RADIUM RA 223 DICHLORIDE)

Bayer · FDA-approved approved Small molecule Quality 50/100

Xofigo works by emitting alpha particles that selectively target and kill cancer cells in the prostate.

Xofigo (Radium Ra 223 Dichloride) is a small molecule drug developed by Bayer Healthcare, currently owned by the same company. It is a radionuclide therapy used to treat malignant tumors of the prostate. Xofigo was FDA-approved in 2013 and is still a patented product. It is administered intravenously and has a targeted mechanism of action. Key safety considerations include myelosuppression and renal toxicity.

At a glance

Generic nameRADIUM RA 223 DICHLORIDE
SponsorBayer
Drug classradium Ra 223 dichloride
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaOncology
PhaseFDA-approved
First approval2013
Annual revenue400

Mechanism of action

The active moiety of Xofigo is the alpha particle-emitting isotope radium-223 (as radium Ra 223 dichloride), which mimics calcium and forms complexes with the bone mineral hydroxyapatite at areas of increased bone turnover, such as bone metastases (see Table 2). The high linear energy transfer of alpha particles (80 keV/micrometer) leads to high frequency of double-strand DNA breaks in adjacent cells including tumor cells, osteoblasts and osteoclasts, resulting in an anti-tumor effect on bone metastases. The alpha particle range from radium-223 dichloride is less than 100 micrometers (less than 10 cell diameters) which limits damage to the surrounding normal tissue.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

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SourceUsed for
FDA labelMechanism, indications, dosing, boxed warnings, drug interactions
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results
SEC EDGARRevenue + earnings

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