Transforming cancer treatment with Olaparib

Research by the Jackson Group into DNA repair led to the development of Olaparib, a novel cancer therapy now approved for treating ovarian, breast, pancreatic, and prostate cancers.
Olaparib has significantly impacted patient outcomes, with over 140,000 patients treated in 73 countries, reducing disease progression and death by up to 66%.
Olaparib targets cancers with specific genetic mutations, particularly in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which are crucial for DNA repair. By inhibiting the PARP enzyme, Olaparib exploits the concept of “synthetic lethality” – selectively killing cancer cells with defective DNA repair mechanisms while sparing healthy cells.
The development of Olaparib began with Professor Steve Jackson’s research into DNA repair mechanisms at the University of Cambridge. Seeing the therapeutic potential of targeting DNA repair pathways, Jackson founded KuDOS Pharmaceuticals to develop drugs based on this new approach. KuDOS Pharmaceuticals successfully developed and formulated Olaparib, taking it into the first clinical studies.
In 2005, AstraZeneca acquired KuDOS Pharmaceuticals, recognising the potential of Olaparib. AstraZeneca, in collaboration with Merck, sponsored clinical trials that demonstrated Olaparib’s effectiveness in treating cancers with BRCA1/2 mutations. This acquisition enabled the development and global distribution of Olaparib, making this drug available to patients worldwide.
Since its introduction, Olaparib has been an important treatment for cancers associated with BRCA mutations. It offers a new treatment option for patients who have limited alternatives. Clinical trials have shown that Olaparib nearly doubles life expectancy without disease progression for patients with BRCA-mutated metastatic pancreatic cancer and significantly reduces the risk of disease progression in HRR gene-mutated prostate cancer.
The success of Olaparib has also encouraged further research into DNA repair inhibitors and new drug discovery efforts, opening avenues for cancer therapy development. By focusing on the underlying genetic causes of cancer, therapies like Olaparib represent a shift towards more personalised and effective treatments, providing new options for cancer patients worldwide.