The FDA has approved a new drug called Inqovi for adults with certain types of blood cancers. Inqovi is a pill that contains two medicines: decitabine and cedazuridine. It is used to treat myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML). These are conditions where the bone marrow does not make enough healthy blood cells.
Inqovi is for patients with specific subtypes of MDS and CMML, including those who have not been treated before or who have had other treatments. The approval is based on studies showing that the pill works as well as the IV form of decitabine. This means patients may be able to take the medicine at home instead of going to a clinic for an IV infusion.
The recommended dose is one tablet taken on an empty stomach for the first 5 days of each 28-day cycle. Treatment should continue for at least 4 cycles unless the disease gets worse or side effects become too severe.
This approval gives patients a new option, but it is not a cure. If you or a loved one has MDS or CMML, talk to your doctor about whether Inqovi might be right for you. Your doctor can help you understand the benefits and risks based on your specific situation.