Abemaciclib (Verzenios, Eli Lilly) is indicated for the treatment of hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative, locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer in combination with an aromatase inhibitor, as initial endocrine-based therapy. In pre- or perimenopausal women, the endocrine therapy should be combined with a luteinising hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist.
The recommended dose is 150 mg taken orally, twice daily, alongside treatment with an aromatase inhibitor. Treatment should be continued as long as the patient is having clinical benefit or until unacceptable toxicity occurs. Some adverse reactions may need to be managed by temporary dose reductions, dose interruptions, or permanently stopping the treatment.
£2,950 for 56×150 mg tablets (excluding VAT; MIMS online, accessed December 2018). The company has a commercial arrangement. This makes abemaciclib available to the NHS with a discount. The size of the discount is commercial in confidence. It is the company's responsibility to let relevant NHS organisations know details of the discount.