Capivasertib: First Approval

Capivasertib (Truqap™) is an orally available, small-molecule pan-AKT inhibitor being developed by AstraZeneca for the treatment of various cancers, including breast and prostate cancers. Capivasertib received its first approval, in the USA, in November 2023 for use in combination with fulvestrant for the treatment of adult patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2)-negative, locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer with one or more PIK3CA/AKT1/PTEN-alterations following progression on at least one endocrine-based regimen in the metastatic setting or recurrence on or within 12 months of completing adjuvant therapy. Capivasertib is also under regulatory review for HR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer in the EU and several other countries, and in phase III clinical development for use (in combination with other anti-cancer agents) in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer, castration-resistant prostate cancer, and hormone-sensitive prostate cancer. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of capivasertib leading to this first approval for HR-positive, HER2-negative, locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer.