Uridine triacetate

Uridine triacetate was approved by the FDA in December 2015 for emergency treatment of adults and children after a fluorouracil or capecitabine overdose regardless of symptoms, or with early-onset severe or life-threatening cardiac, neurological, gastrointestinal or haematological toxicity within 96 hours of the end of administration, on two open-label studies in which 96% of 135 treated patients survived compared with historical mortality of around 84% after overdose. The 96-hour window means it must be given before toxicity is fully manifest; it is not indicated for routine expected toxicity. Patients with DPD deficiency are a key group. Diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting are the main adverse effects. Developed by Wellstat and marketed by BTG, now SERB.