Cytigem

Cytigem is a generic version of the chemotherapy agent gemcitabine, marketed by Eurolab in South Africa. As a deoxycytidine nucleoside analogue, it functions as an antimetabolite with a dual mechanism of action. Once phosphorylated into its active metabolites, it is incorporated into DNA strands, leading to masked chain termination and inhibition of further DNA synthesis. Additionally, it inhibits the enzyme ribonucleotide reductase, which reduces the pool of deoxynucleotides available for DNA repair and synthesis. Cytigem is administered intravenously and is approved for the treatment of various malignancies, including pancreatic cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and bladder cancer, often used in combination with other agents like cisplatin or paclitaxel.

Brand names

Cytigem

Other names

gemcitabinegemcitabine hydrochloride