Last reviewed · How we verify

Trifluridine and Tipiracil

Amgen · FDA-approved active Small molecule

Trifluridine is a nucleoside analog that inhibits thymidylate synthase and gets incorporated into DNA to damage cancer cells, while tipiracil is a thymidine phosphorylase inhibitor that enhances trifluridine bioavailability.

Trifluridine is a nucleoside analog that inhibits thymidylate synthase and gets incorporated into DNA to damage cancer cells, while tipiracil is a thymidine phosphorylase inhibitor that enhances trifluridine bioavailability. Used for Metastatic colorectal cancer (previously treated), Metastatic gastric cancer (previously treated).

At a glance

Generic nameTrifluridine and Tipiracil
Also known asLonsurf
SponsorAmgen
Drug classAntimetabolite combination; thymidylate synthase inhibitor
TargetThymidylate synthase; thymidine phosphorylase
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaOncology
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Trifluridine acts as a thymidylate synthase inhibitor and antimetabolite that incorporates into DNA, causing strand breaks and cell death in rapidly dividing cancer cells. Tipiracil inhibits thymidine phosphorylase, which normally degrades trifluridine, thereby increasing systemic exposure and efficacy of the active drug. This combination allows lower doses of trifluridine to achieve therapeutic effect while reducing toxicity.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial 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: