AG3340
Trade Name:
Prinometstat
Type of Drug:
AG3340 is a matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor used in molecular targeted therapy.
How Drug Works:
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are enzymes that provide structure between cells. In cancer, MMPs help the tumor grow, invade surrounding tissue, and develop blood vessels that help the cancer cells spread to distant tissues. Matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors (MMPIs) prevent the action of these enzymes, so that the tumor does not grow or spread to other tissues.
How Drug Is Given:
AG 3340 is given by mouth, twice a day, without regard to meals. The dose depends on your size. Since this drug is still being studied, the specific dose, how it is given, and schedule will be determined by the clinical trial. Keep the medicine in a tightly closed container, away from heat and moisture, and out of the reach of children and pets.
How Should I Take This Drug?
Take this drug exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or nurse to explain them to you. This drug can be given at different strengths depending on the type of cancer being treated. Dosage may vary depending on your body weight and the type of cancer being treated.
Read the following information. If you do not understand it or if any of it causes you special concern, check with your doctor.

Before taking this drug, tell your doctor:

  • If you are trying to become pregnant, are pregnant, or breastfeeding. This drug may cause birth defects if either the male or female is taking it at the time of conception or during pregnancy. Men and women who are taking this drug need to use some kind of birth control. However, do not use oral contraceptives (“the pill”) without checking with your doctor.

  • If you think you may want to have children in the future. Many chemotherapy drugs can cause sterility.

  • If you have any of the following medical problems: chickenpox or exposure to chickenpox, gout, heart disease, congestive heart failure, shingles, kidney stones, liver disease, or other forms of cancer.

  • If you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter drugs, including vitamins and herbals.
Should I avoid any other medicines, foods, alcohol, and/or activities?
Your prescription and nonprescription medicines may interact with other drugs, causing harm. Certain foods or alcohol can also interact with drug products. Never begin taking a new medicine—prescription or nonprescription—without asking your doctor or nurse if it will interact with alcohol, food, or other medicines. Some drug products can cause drowsiness and affect activities such as driving.
Precautions:
Taking this drug may increase the levels of some other drugs if they are given together. These drugs include codeine, rifampin, steroid medicines, and phenobarbitol. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking.
This can be given with chemotherapy to increase the effect on the cancer. This does not increase side effects of the chemotherapy.
AG3340 interferes with normal MMPs that help provide structure around joints and tendons. Most side effects are related to this action. Symptoms begin within the first 4 weeks of therapy, are mild, and affect the shoulders and hands first. By 8 weeks, the achiness may increase and affect other joints. The discomfort goes away within 3 to 5 weeks after the drug is stopped. Tell your doctor or nurse if the joint aches are uncomfortable.
Tell all the doctors, dentists, and pharmacists you visit that you are taking this drug.
  • Most of the following side effects probably will not occur.
  • Your doctor or nurse will want to discuss specific care instructions with you.
  • They can help you understand these side effects and help you deal with them.
Side Effects:
More Common Side Effects
  • Arthralgias (joint pain) of shoulders, hands, knees, hips, ankles, elbows, neck, jaw, and back
Less Common Side Effects
  • Bone pain
  • Pain in other areas
  • Myalgia (muscle aches)
  • Dermatitis (skin inflammation)
  • Weakness
Rare Side Effects
  • Swelling of fingers
  • Thickening of finger joints, palms, fingertips
  • Nodules of the hand and wrist
  • Contractures of finger tendons
  • Changes in sense of smell and taste
  • Numbness and sensation of pins and needles in fingers and toes
  • Mild to moderate nausea and/or vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Decreased appetite
  • Swelling of the ankles
  • Calf tenderness and warmth of lower leg caused by blood clot in legs
Other side effects not listed above can also occur in some patients. Tell your doctor or nurse if you develop any problems.
FDA Approval: This drug is being studied for cancer treatment.