Veletri

acute vasodilator testing, Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Treatment

2 FDA approvals

3 Active Studies for Veletri

What is Veletri

Epoprostenol

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Iloprost is a medication used to treat primary pulmonary hypertension, a rare form of high blood pressure in the lungs. Iloprost is a type of prostaglandin, a substance made in the body, which causes blood vessels to widen and also prevents platelets from sticking together. It works by helping to improve blood flow and reduce the risk of blood clots.

Flolan

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Veletri Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Flolan

Epoprostenol

1995

11

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Epoprostenol, otherwise called Flolan, is approved by the FDA for 2 uses which include Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension .

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Effectiveness

How Veletri Affects Patients

Epoprostenol widens blood vessels, reduces the pressure on the heart, and stops platelets from sticking together. This causes an increase in blood flow and reduced heart rate. It can also help open up airways and reduce stomach acid and the speed of food leaving the stomach. It's not possible to accurately measure the effects of epoprostenol in humans.

How Veletri works in the body

Prostaglandins are molecules found throughout the body that help perform many functions. Epoprostenol (PGI2) is one type of prostaglandin, and it helps prevent the blood from clotting. It does this by activating a series of proteins, which eventually inhibit platelet activation and keep myosin light-chain kinase from becoming active. This process also causes smooth muscle relaxation and vasodilation. PGI2 works as a natural contrast to thromboxane A2, another molecule that can cause blood to clot.

When to interrupt dosage

The endorsed dosage of Veletri is contingent upon the identified affliction. The dose fluctuates as per the method of delivery indicated in the table beneath.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

acute vasodilator testing

, 1.5 mg, 0.5 mg, 0.15 mg/mL, 0.05 mg/mL, 1.5 mg/mL

, Intravenous, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

, 1.5 mg, 0.5 mg, 0.15 mg/mL, 0.05 mg/mL, 1.5 mg/mL

, Intravenous, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous

Warnings

Veletri has one contraindication, and its intake should be avoided while encountering any of the conditions listed in the following table.

Veletri Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction

Do Not Combine

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Veletri.

Common Veletri Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

Abrocitinib

Major

The risk or severity of bleeding and thrombocytopenia can be increased when Epoprostenol is combined with Abrocitinib.

Albutrepenonacog alfa

Major

The therapeutic efficacy of Albutrepenonacog alfa can be decreased when used in combination with Epoprostenol.

Amifostine

Major

Epoprostenol may increase the hypotensive activities of Amifostine.

Andexanet alfa

Major

The therapeutic efficacy of Andexanet alfa can be decreased when used in combination with Epoprostenol.

Anti-inhibitor coagulant complex

Major

The therapeutic efficacy of Anti-inhibitor coagulant complex can be decreased when used in combination with Epoprostenol.

Veletri Toxicity & Overdose Risk

Symptoms of epoprostenol overdose may include redness in the face, headache, low blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If taken in large doses, it can be lethal to mice and rats. Signs of acute poisoning may include sluggishness, lack of coordination, difficulty staying upright, slow breathing, and lower than normal body temperature.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Veletri Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Veletri?

52 active trials are currently in progress to assess the potential of Veletri in treating Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

3 Actively Recruiting

Phase 1, Not Applicable, Phase 4

acute vasodilator testing

0 Actively Recruiting

Veletri Reviews: What are patients saying about Veletri?

5

Patient Review

4/23/2017

Veletri for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

I've been using this medication for three years now, and last December saw my best results yet in terms of a six minute walk. I do experience some side effects like jaw pain andoccasional headaches, but nothing that's unmanageable.

5

Patient Review

2/7/2012

Veletri for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

I believe there are more side effects to this medicine than we currently know. Even still, I found it to be effective and would recommend it.

4.3

Patient Review

7/27/2012

Veletri for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Flolan was a lifesaver when I was first diagnosed with PH in 2005. I continued using it until 2011 when I switched to Veletri. It's been just as effective, but without the ice packs! The only downside is that it comes with the same side effects (jaw pain and foot pain).

4

Patient Review

2/28/2012

Veletri for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

I definitely have more energy and can do more since starting this treatment. It's not the most convenient, but it's worth it to me.

2.7

Patient Review

10/7/2015

Veletri for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

I've been using Veletri for a little over a year and it has helped to bring my pulmonary pressure back down to a normal range. However, the 24/7 infusion pump is really inconvenient, as are the side effects. These include constant nausea, diarrhea, all-over body aches and pains, and jaw pain that starts after just a few bites of food. I would love to find a medication with less side effects.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about veletri

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

How is VELETRI administered?

"VELETRI is administered through a central venous catheter by continuous intravenous infusion using an ambulatory infusion pump. It can also be initiated peripherally. The infusion sets used should have an in-line 0.22 micron filter."

Answered by AI

How long does it take for VELETRI to work?

"People who took epoprostenol for 8 or 12 weeks showed an improvements in their ability to walk long distances within 6 minutes. In some cases, people showed these improvements in as little as 1 week. In addition, these people also reported reduced symptoms, such as fatigue and shortness of breath."

Answered by AI

What happens if you stop VELETRI?

"The symptoms of abruptly stopping VELETRI use include lightheadedness, weakness, and difficulty breathing. Because VELETRI has an effect on blood vessels, an overdose can lead to low blood pressure, loss of consciousness, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, facial flushing, headache, and a fast heart rate."

Answered by AI

What is VELETRI used for?

"VELETRI is administered intravenously and is used to treat adults with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension. This is a condition whereby the blood pressure in the vessels between the heart and lungs is too high."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Veletri

Image of Clinical Physiology Laboratory in Edmonton, Canada.

Sotatercept for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

18+
All Sexes
Edmonton, Canada

The goal of this clinical trial is to determine whether sotatercept is effective in improving diffusing capacity in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. Participants will be asked to: * Take Sotatercept every 21 days (±3 days) * Each participant will be enrolled in the study for 29 Weeks * Visit the clinic 18 times * Have a physical exam * Perform assessments of lung function and exercise tests * Have an ultrasound of their heart * Have blood draws done at regular intervals The main objectives of the study are: Primary objective: To assess whether sotatercept will improve recruitment of diffusing membrane capacity (DM) with exercise. Secondary objective: To identify components of the diffusing capacity that respond to treatment with sotatercept in pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Phase 4
Recruiting

Clinical Physiology Laboratory

Michael Stickland, PhD

Merck Canada Inc.

Image of George E Wahlen VA Medical Center in Salt Lake City, United States.

Vascular Function in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

18+
All Sexes
Salt Lake City, UT

Many control mechanisms exist which successfully match the supply of blood with the metabolic demand of various tissues under wide-ranging conditions. One primary regulator of vasomotion and thus perfusion to the muscle tissue is the host of chemical factors originating from the vascular endothelium and the muscle tissue, which collectively sets the level of vascular tone. With advancing age and in many disease states, deleterious adaptations in the production and sensitivity of these vasodilator and vasoconstrictor substances may be observed, leading to a reduction in skeletal muscle blood flow and compromised perfusion to the muscle tissue. Adequate perfusion is particularly important during exercise to meet the increased metabolic demand of the exercising tissue, and thus any condition that reduces tissue perfusion may limit the capacity for physical activity. As it is now well established that regular physical activity is a key component in maintaining cardiovascular health with advancing age, there is a clear need for further studies in populations where vascular dysfunction is compromised, with the goal of identifying the mechanisms responsible for the dysfunction and exploring whether these maladaptations may be remediable. Thus, to better understand the etiology of these vascular adaptations in health and disease, the current proposal is designed to study changes in vascular function with advancing age, and also examine peripheral vascular changes in patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Sepsis, Pulmonary Hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. While there are clearly a host of vasoactive substances which collectively act to govern vasoconstriction both at rest and during exercise, four specific pathways that may be implicated have been identified in these populations: Angiotensin-II (ANG-II), Endothelin-1 (ET-1), Nitric Oxide (NO), and oxidative stress.

Phase 1
Recruiting

George E Wahlen VA Medical Center

Russell Richardson, Ph.D.