Irinotecan API Manufacturers & Suppliers
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Irinotecan | CAS No: 97682-44-5 | GMP-certified suppliers
A medication that supports treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer, extensive small cell lung cancer, and advanced pancreatic cancer, with evaluation ongoing in metastatic or recurrent cervical cancer.
Therapeutic categories
Primary indications
- For the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (first-line therapy when administered with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin)
- Also used in combination with cisplatin for the treatment of extensive small cell lung cancer
- Irinotecan is currently under investigation for the treatment of metastatic or recurrent cervical cancer
- Also used in combination with fluorouracil and leucovorin for the treatment of patients with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the pancreas after disease progression following gemcitabine-based therapy
Product Snapshot
- Irinotecan is an injectable small‑molecule cytotoxic API supplied primarily as intravenous solutions or concentrates
- It is used in combination regimens for metastatic colorectal cancer, extensive small cell lung cancer, metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and is under investigation for metastatic or recurrent cervical cancer
- It is approved in the US, Canada, and EU, with additional investigational programs ongoing
Clinical Overview
The pharmacologic activity arises from inhibition of topoisomerase I, an enzyme that induces reversible single‑strand DNA breaks to relieve torsional stress during replication and transcription. Irinotecan and its active metabolite SN‑38 bind the topoisomerase I–DNA cleavable complex and prevent religation of the nicked DNA strand. When replication forks encounter this stabilized ternary complex, irreversible double‑strand DNA breaks occur. Mammalian cells repair these lesions inefficiently, leading to S‑phase–specific cytotoxicity and apoptosis. The relative contribution of SN‑38 to clinical activity remains incompletely defined.
After intravenous administration, irinotecan undergoes hepatic conversion by carboxylesterases to SN‑38, followed by glucuronidation primarily via UGT1A1. The drug is a substrate for CYP3A isoforms and several transporters including P‑glycoprotein and OATP1B1. Clearance exhibits substantial interpatient variability, partly influenced by UGT1A1 polymorphisms. Elimination occurs through biliary and renal pathways.
Key safety considerations include dose‑limiting neutropenia and late‑onset diarrhea, both associated with elevated SN‑38 exposure. Patients with reduced UGT1A1 activity may experience increased toxicity. Additional concerns include cholinergic symptoms, hepatobiliary effects, and drug–drug interactions involving CYP3A or transporter modulation.
For API procurement, sourcing should ensure control of stereochemistry, lactone–carboxylate equilibrium, and impurity profiles characteristic of camptothecin derivatives. Compliance with region‑specific monographs, reproducible particle characteristics, and validated stability data is essential for formulation and regulatory use.
Identification & chemistry
| Generic name | Irinotecan |
|---|---|
| Molecule type | Small molecule |
| CAS | 97682-44-5 |
| UNII | 7673326042 |
| DrugBank ID | DB00762 |
Pharmacology
| Summary | Irinotecan is a camptothecin‑derived antineoplastic agent that targets DNA topoisomerase I, a nuclear enzyme that manages DNA topology during replication and transcription. Irinotecan and its active metabolite SN‑38 stabilize the topoisomerase I–DNA cleavable complex, preventing religation of single‑strand breaks and leading to replication‑associated double‑strand DNA damage. This S‑phase–specific mechanism results in loss of DNA integrity and subsequent apoptotic cell death. |
|---|---|
| Mechanism of action | Irinotecan inhibits the action of topoisomerase I. Irinotecan prevents religation of the DNA strand by binding to topoisomerase I-DNA complex. The formation of this ternary complex interferes with the moving replication fork, which induces replication arrest and lethal double-stranded breaks in DNA. As a result, DNA damage is not efficiently repaired and apoptosis (programmed cell death) occurs. |
| Pharmacodynamics | Irinotecan is an antineoplastic enzyme inhibitor primarily used in the treatment of colorectal cancer. Irinotecan is a semisynthetic derivative of camptothecin. Camptothecins interact specifically with topoisomerase I, an enzyme in the cell nucleus that regulates DNA topology and facilitates nuclear processes such as DNA replication, recombination, and repair. During these processes, topoisomerase I relieves torsional strain in DNA by inducing reversible single-strand breaks, allowing single DNA strands to pass through the break. The 3'-DNA terminus of the broken DNA strands bind covalently with the topoisomerase enzyme to form a catalytic intermediate called a cleavable complex. After the DNA is sufficiently relaxed and the strand passage reaction is complete, DNA topoisomerase reattaches the broken DNA strands to form the chemically unaltered topoisomers that allow transcription to proceed. Irinotecan and its active metabolite SN-38 bind to the topoisomerase I-DNA complex and prevent religation of these single-strand breaks. Current research suggests that the cytotoxicity of irinotecan is due to double-strand DNA damage produced during DNA synthesis when replication enzymes interact with the ternary complex formed by topoisomerase I, DNA, and either Irinotecan or SN-38. Mammalian cells cannot efficiently repair these double-strand breaks. The precise contribution of SN-38 to the activity of irinotecan in humans is not known. Irinotecan is cell cycle phase-specific (S-phase). |
Targets
| Target | Organism | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| DNA topoisomerase I, mitochondrial | Humans | inhibitor |
| DNA topoisomerase 1 | Humans | inhibitor |
ADME / PK
| Absorption | The maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) when a dose of 125 mg/m^2 is given to patients with solid tumours is 1660 ng/mL. The AUC (0-24) is 10,200 ng·h/mL. The Cmax when a dose of 340 mg/m^2 is given to patients with solid tumours is 3392 ng/mL. The AUC (0-24) is 20,604 ng·h/mL. |
|---|---|
| Half-life | The half life of irinotecan is about 6 - 12 hours. The terminal elimination half-life of the active metabolite, SN-38 is 10 - 20 hours. |
| Protein binding | 30%-68% protein bound, mainly to albumin. |
| Metabolism | Hepatic. The metabolic conversion of irinotecan to the active metabolite SN-38 is mediated by carboxylesterase enzymes and primarily occurs in the liver. SN-38 is subsequently conjugated predominantly by the enzyme UDP-glucuronosyl transferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) to form a glucuronide metabolite. |
| Route of elimination | The cumulative biliary and urinary excretion of irinotecan and its metabolites (SN-38 and SN-38 glucuronide) over a period of 48 hours following administration of irinotecan in two patients ranged from approximately 25% (100 mg/m2) to 50% (300 mg/m2). |
| Volume of distribution | The volume of distribution of terminal elimination phase is 110 L/m^2 when a dose of 125 mg/m^2 is given to patients with solid tumours. The volume of distribution of terminal elimination phase is 234 L/m^2 when a dose of 340 mg/m^2 is given to patients with solid tumours. |
| Clearance | * 13.3 L/h/m^2 [Dose of 125 mg/m^2, patients with solid tumours] * 13.9 L/h/m^2 [Dose of 340 mg/m^2, patients with solid tumours] |
Formulation & handling
- Irinotecan is formulated exclusively for parenteral use, with low aqueous solubility requiring solubilizers to maintain the active lactone form in injectable solutions.
- The camptothecin lactone ring is hydrolysis‑sensitive, so handling and dilution conditions should minimize pH‑dependent conversion to the inactive carboxylate.
- Solution concentrates are typically stored and shipped under controlled temperatures to preserve stability and prevent lactone degradation during handling.
Regulatory status
| Lifecycle | The API is largely in a post‑patent‑expiry phase, with Canadian and most U.S. protections already lapsed and the final U.S. patent expiring in 2025. In the US, Canada, and EU markets, this positions the product in a mature stage with increasing potential for generic competition. |
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| Markets | US, Canada, EU |
|---|
Supply Chain
| Supply chain summary | Irinotecan’s market traces back to a single originator brand (Camptosar), with subsequent supply now dominated by numerous multinational generic manufacturers and packagers. Branded and generic products are established across the US, Canada, and EU, supported by a broad global injectable‑focused manufacturing base. Most key patents have already expired, with the final US protection ending in 2025, indicating an environment of existing and continuing generic competition. |
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Safety
| Toxicity | Gastrointestinal complications, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, and infection. |
|---|
- Known to cause significant gastrointestinal irritation
- Handling should minimize exposure to materials that may aerosolize or generate contact with mucosal surfaces
- Processes should account for the compound’s potential to induce severe diarrhea and related infectious complications, requiring appropriate containment and waste management controls
Certificate of Analysis
A CoA is a document issued by a companies’ QA/QC-department that confirms that a product meets its product specification and is part of the quality control of a product batch. The CoA commonly contains results obtained from laboratory tests of an individual batch of a product. There are different international standards to which a product can be tested, for example: Ph. Eur. | EP – (European Pharmacopoeia) USP – (United States Pharmacopeia)
Irinotecan is a type of Antineoplastics
Antineoplastics are a crucial category of pharmaceutical active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) primarily used in the treatment of cancer. These powerful substances inhibit or destroy the growth of cancer cells, thus impeding the progression of malignancies.
Antineoplastics exert their therapeutic effects through various mechanisms. Some APIs interfere with DNA replication, inhibiting the division and proliferation of cancer cells. Others target specific proteins or enzymes involved in tumor growth, effectively blocking their function. Additionally, certain antineoplastic agents induce programmed cell death, known as apoptosis, in cancer cells.
These APIs find application in a wide range of cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy. They are often administered in combination with other drugs to optimize therapeutic outcomes and minimize drug resistance.
Antineoplastics are typically synthesized through complex chemical processes, ensuring high purity and potency. Stringent quality control measures are implemented throughout manufacturing to meet regulatory standards and ensure patient safety.
Although antineoplastics offer significant benefits in treating cancer, they can also cause adverse effects due to their cytotoxic nature. Common side effects include bone marrow suppression, gastrointestinal disturbances, hair loss, and immune system suppression. Close monitoring and supportive care are essential to manage these side effects effectively.
In conclusion, antineoplastics are a vital category of pharmaceutical APIs used in the treatment of cancer. Through their diverse mechanisms of action, these compounds play a critical role in combating malignancies and improving patient outcomes.
Irinotecan API manufacturers & distributors
Compare qualified Irinotecan API suppliers worldwide. We currently have 19 companies offering Irinotecan API, with manufacturing taking place in 5 different countries. Use the table below to review supplier type, countries of origin, certifications, product portfolio and GMP audit availability.
| Supplier | Type | Country | Product origin | Certifications | Portfolio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arch Pharmalabs | Producer | India | India | CoA, USDMF | 19 products |
| AXXO GmbH | Distributor | Germany | World | CoA, GMP, GDP, MSDS, USDMF | 243 products |
| Cipla | Producer | India | India | CEP, CoA, GMP, USDMF, WC | 164 products |
| Emcure Pharma | Producer | India | India | CoA, GMP, USDMF, WC | 80 products |
| Fermion | Producer | Finland | Finland | BSE/TSE, CEP, CoA, GDP, GMP, JDMF, Other, MSDS, USDMF | 29 products |
| Hetero Labs | Producer | India | India | CoA, GMP, USDMF, WC | 90 products |
| Hubei Haosun Pharma | Producer | China | China | CoA, USDMF | 8 products |
| Humble Healthcaare | Producer | India | India | CoA | 30 products |
| Laurus Labs | Producer | India | India | CoA, GMP, USDMF, WC | 50 products |
| LGM Pharma | Distributor | United States | World | BSE/TSE, CEP, CoA, GMP, MSDS, USDMF | 441 products |
| Mac Chem Products | Producer | India | India | CoA, GMP, USDMF, WC | 25 products |
| Polymed Therapeutics | Producer | United States | United States | CoA, USDMF | 11 products |
| Shanghai Desano Chem. | Producer | China | China | CoA, JDMF | 22 products |
| Shanghai Jinhe Bio-Pharma | Producer | China | China | CoA | 12 products |
| Shaoxing Hantai Pharma | Distributor | China | China | CoA | 162 products |
| Shilpa Medicare Ltd | Producer | India | India | BSE/TSE, CEP, CoA, GMP, ISO9001, MSDS, WC | 54 products |
| Sinoway industrial Co.,Lt... | Distributor | China | China | CEP, CoA, GMP, ISO9001, USDMF | 757 products |
| Sun Pharma | Producer | India | India | CoA, USDMF | 219 products |
| Zhejiang Hisun Pharma | Producer | China | China | CoA, USDMF | 69 products |
When sending a request, specify which Irinotecan API quality you need: for example EP (Ph. Eur.), USP, JP, BP, or another pharmacopoeial standard, as well as the required grade (base, salt, micronised, specific purity, etc.).
Use the list above to find high-quality Irinotecan API suppliers. For example, you can select GMP, FDA or ISO certified suppliers. Visit our help page to learn more about sourcing APIs via Pharmaoffer.
