Note: Approved medications have two names, a generic (or chemical) name and a brand name associated with the drug company that manufactures it. The generic or chemical name describes the drug itself while the brand name is intended to be catchy and make the drug more familiar. TURALIO is a brand name for the drug Pexidartinib. These names are used synonymously and refer to the same medication.
Turalio (Pexidartinib)
Turalio (Pexidartinib) was approved in 2019 as the only treatment for recurrent and inoperable tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT) in the United States. It was approved for symptomatic TGCT patients associated with severe morbidity (unmanageable symptoms) and functional limitations where surgery would be extremely difficult or the risk, risk of recurrence or risk of complications associated with surgery is higher than the potential benefit (1). This medication is only available in the United States under a FDA Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) Program to reduce the severity and frequency of liver related side effects.
How does It work?
Pexidartinib (Brand name TURALIO) works by inhibiting CSF1 from signaling to TGCT and the surrounding cells. This disrupts the ability for the TGCT to recruit more cells, shrinking the tumor and halting the growth (2). Recently, it has been discovered that Pexidartinib and other CSF1 inhibitors blocks CSF1 at the cell source and target the surrounding immune cells that are recruited (3). By blocking the tumor cells ability to communicate with the joint environment, the tumor shrinks and other associated symptoms such as pain and swelling are decreased (4,5). It is reported that patients' pain and symptoms continue to improve even after years of taking it.
TURALIO is part of a REMS program, meaning only certain providers can prescribe it. Consult with your oncologist or healthcare provider about TURALIO and their REMS program. Healthcare providers who are part of the REMS program who can prescribe TURALIO can be found here.
