Drotrecogin alfa

Drotrecogin alfa
Clinical data
Trade namesXigris
AHFS/Drugs.comMonograph
Routes of
administration
Intravenous
ATC code
Legal status
Legal status
  • In general: ℞ (Prescription only)
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability100% (i.v. application only)
Metabolismendogenous plasma protease inhibitors
Elimination half-lifeless than 2 hours
Identifiers
  • Activated human protein C
CAS Number
IUPHAR/BPS
DrugBank
ChemSpider
  • none
UNII
Chemical and physical data
FormulaC1786H2779N509O519S29
Molar mass40615.66 g·mol−1
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Drotrecogin alfa (activated) (Xigris, marketed by Eli Lilly and Company) is a recombinant form of human activated protein C that has anti-thrombotic, anti-inflammatory, and profibrinolytic properties. Drotrecogin alpha (activated) belongs to the class of serine proteases. Drotrecogin alfa has not been found to improve outcomes in people with severe sepsis. The manufacturer's aggressive strategies in marketing its use in severe sepsis have been criticized.[1] On October 25, 2011, Eli Lilly & Co. withdrew Xigris from the market after a major study showed no efficacy for the treatment of sepsis.[2][3]

  1. ^ "Lilly's Shocker, or the Post-Marketing Blues". guest blog. Scientific American.
  2. ^ "Xigris (drotrecogin alfa (activated)) to be withdrawn due to lack of efficacy". Press release. London, UK: European Medicines Agency. 25 October 2011. Archived from the original on 28 October 2011. Retrieved 26 October 2011.
  3. ^ Armstrong D (October 25, 2011). "Lilly Pulls Xigris Off Markets After Sepsis Drug Fails Study". Bloomberg BusinessWeek. Archived from the original on October 29, 2011.