Alunbrig (brigatinib)
Takeda Oncology · ALK / ROS1 / EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor
What is Alunbrig? Alunbrig (brigatinib) is an ALK and ROS1 inhibitor by Takeda approved for adult patients with ALK-positive metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) — both as first-line therapy and after crizotinib.
About Alunbrig
| Brand Name | Alunbrig |
| Generic / INN | brigatinib |
| Drug Class | ALK / ROS1 / EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor |
| Manufacturer | Takeda Oncology |
| Administration | Oral tablet |
| FDA Approval | 2017 |
FDA-Approved Uses for Alunbrig
Indications are based on FDA approval. Your healthcare provider determines appropriate use based on your specific diagnosis, stage, biomarker status, and overall clinical picture.
- ALK-positive metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) — first-line
- ALK-positive metastatic NSCLC — after crizotinib
How Does Alunbrig Work?
Brigatinib inhibits ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase), ROS1, and several mutant forms of EGFR. It also inhibits EGFR mutations including T790M. Brigatinib has demonstrated activity against several ALK resistance mutations including those arising from prior crizotinib therapy, and has good CNS penetration — important for brain metastases in ALK+ NSCLC.
Dosage & Administration
90 mg orally once daily for the first 7 days (lead-in dose), then 180 mg once daily if tolerated. Tablets can be taken with or without food. Dose reductions to 120 mg or 90 mg for toxicity.
Dosing is individualized by the prescribing clinician. Never adjust your dose without consulting your healthcare provider. This information is educational only and does not replace the official prescribing information.
Warnings, Precautions & Side Effects
General Warning
Early-onset pulmonary events (pneumonitis/ILD) — monitor closely especially during the first week. Hypertension. Bradycardia. Visual disturbances. CPK elevation / myalgia. Pancreatitis. Embryo-fetal toxicity. Photosensitivity.
- Pulmonary toxicity (early-onset within first 7 days)
- Hypertension
- Bradycardia
- Severe visual disturbances
- Pancreatitis
- Embryo-fetal toxicity
Common Side Effects
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Cough
- Headache
- Hypertension
- Myalgia
- CPK elevation
- Visual disturbances
This is not a complete list. Always report new or worsening symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly.
Storage & Handling
Store at room temperature 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Store below 30°C.
BiologicHealthPlus provides temperature-monitored cold-chain specialty delivery for medications requiring refrigeration. Never use a medication if its storage conditions have been compromised.
Insurance Coverage, Prior Authorization & Patient Assistance
🛡️ Commercial Insurance
Alunbrig is covered by most major commercial insurance plans when medically necessary and prior authorized. Coverage tier and cost-sharing vary by plan.
✅ Prior Authorization
Prior authorization is required by virtually all insurance plans for Alunbrig. BiologicHealthPlus handles the complete prior authorization process at no cost to patients or providers.
🏥 Medicare Coverage
Medicare Part D covers this oral specialty medication. Medicaid coverage varies by state.
🆓 Patient Assistance
Manufacturer patient assistance programs may be available for eligible uninsured or underinsured patients. Contact BiologicHealthPlus for a confidential eligibility review.
Prior Authorization Patient Assistance Insurance & Savings Medication Costs
Frequently Asked Questions — Alunbrig
Alunbrig (brigatinib) is an ALK inhibitor by Takeda approved for ALK-positive metastatic NSCLC, as first-line therapy and after crizotinib. It has strong CNS penetration, making it effective against brain metastases.
The 7-day lead-in at 90 mg before escalating to 180 mg helps reduce the risk of early-onset pulmonary toxicity (pneumonitis), which can occur within the first days of treatment.
ALK gene rearrangement must be confirmed by an FDA-approved test (such as FISH, IHC, or NGS) before starting brigatinib.
Alunbrig is covered by most commercial insurance and Medicare Part D with prior authorization and ALK biomarker documentation.
Related Medications & Conditions
Related Medications
Xalkori (crizotinib) · Zykadia (ceritinib) · Alecensa (alectinib) · Lorbrena (lorlatinib)
Related Conditions
ALK-positive NSCLC · Non-small cell lung cancer · NSCLC with brain metastases