Atossa

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Atossa

Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Atossa

Property Description
Active ingredient Ondansetron (as hydrochloride)
Form Tablet, ODT, Oral Solution, Injection
Pharmacological class Selective Serotonin 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonist
General purpose Prevention of nausea and vomiting
Origin Synthetic organic compound

What is Atossa and What is its Pharmacological Class?

Atossa is the tradename for a medicinal product whose active pharmaceutical ingredient is Ondansetron, a medicine primarily used to prevent and treat the symptoms of nausea and vomiting, placing it in the therapeutic category of antiemetic agents. Specifically, Ondansetron belongs to the specialized pharmacological class known as selective serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. This class of drug is clinically recognized for blocking the action of certain chemicals that trigger the vomiting center in the brain and gut. As a first-generation agent in this class, Ondansetron established a high standard for targeted antiemetic therapy.

Composition, Origin, and Available Forms

The foundation of the medicine is the synthetic organic compound Ondansetron, typically formulated as the salt Ondansetron hydrochloride. The active ingredient is a single-agent product. To accommodate various clinical needs, the product is prepared in multiple dosage forms for different routes of administration, including the standard tablet, the rapidly dissolving Orally Disintegrating Tablet (ODT), and solutions for both oral and parenteral delivery via intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM) injection. This variety ensures the medicine can be delivered even in scenarios where oral intake is challenging, such as following a surgical procedure.

General Purpose: Interrupting the Emetic Signal

The general purpose of Atossa is to provide focused relief by safeguarding against the adverse physical responses of nausea and vomiting, ensuring physiological stability when the body is subjected to emetic stimuli. This is achieved through its mechanism principle of breaking the body’s emetic reflex communication chain. By selectively blocking the 5-HT3 receptors found on vagal afferent nerve terminals and the central chemoreceptor trigger zone, Ondansetron effectively mutes the neurological signal that otherwise initiates the physical act of vomiting. This targeted action functions to control vomiting signals.

Regulatory References

  1. Ondansetron Prescribing Information (DailyMed/NIH)

What side effects are possible with Atossa?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

(Z)-endoxifen (Atossa) is an investigational drug and currently does not have a final, approved safety label (such as an FDA Prescribing Information or an EMA Summary of Product Characteristics). The safety profile is defined by clinical trial data and guidance provided by regulatory bodies.

Safety Profile Element Regulatory-Based Findings (Clinical Trial Data)
Adverse Reaction Severity Most reported adverse events have been classified as Grade 1 (mild) in severity. No Maximum Tolerated Dose (MTD) has been identified in studies involving doses up to 360 mg/day.
Common Side Effects The most frequently reported adverse events have been associated with Vasomotor symptoms (such as hot flashes) and Fatigue in clinical studies.
Serious Adverse Reactions In key Phase 2 studies, no Grade 4 or Grade 5 (death) events were reported. Rare Grade 3 events were documented, but were determined by investigators to be unrelated to the study drug.
Specific Safety Monitoring Regulatory authorities have reviewed and agreed upon a clinical monitoring protocol that includes serial electrocardiograms (ECGs) and QT interval assessment to closely track the drug's effect on heart electrical activity (cardiac safety).
Regulatory Basis The FDA has provided guidance on the clinical development plan, including agreement on the adequacy of the existing nonclinical safety data to proceed to the next phase of human trials. The agency has also emphasized dose optimization in line with the Project Optimus initiative.

This preliminary safety structure, based on government-reviewed clinical data, indicates that the medicine has been generally well-tolerated at the doses studied. The official regulatory focus includes close monitoring of potential cardiac-related events, a standard consideration for drugs in this therapeutic class.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose on Atossa (Ondansetron) is officially documented to present with several clinical manifestations, primarily affecting the cardiovascular and central nervous systems. Documented overdose presentations include transient visual disturbances, such as “sudden blindness” lasting minutes to hours, severe constipation, dizziness, and cardiovascular effects like hypotension and fainting (syncope).

Overdose Severity and Required Actions

Regulatory agencies classify the potential outcomes of overdose as severe or life-threatening due to the risk of QT interval prolongation and the subsequent documented potential for the serious ventricular arrhythmia, Torsade de Pointes. Serotonin Syndrome is also reported in cases of overdose, which is a particular risk when the medicine is combined with other serotonergic agents.

Immediate actions mandated by the official labeling are to seek immediate medical attention for any suspected overdose. Urgent assistance, such as contacting emergency services, is required if the patient has collapsed, experienced a seizure, or cannot be awakened. Due to the high cardiac risk, ECG monitoring for continuous observation is recommended in the overdose setting.

Management is limited to symptomatic and supportive therapy because no specific antidote for Ondansetron overdose is documented in the official prescribing information. In pediatric cases, overdoses exceeding an estimated ingestion of 5 mg/kg have reported symptoms including somnolence, agitation, and myoclonic movements, sometimes requiring supportive measures.

Therapeutic Uses of Atossa

What Atossa Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Ondansetron, the active ingredient in Atossa, is commonly used in situations involving symptoms related to systemic imbalance that may lead to vomiting. The main application is in providing supportive symptomatic relief for patients undergoing medical treatments known to induce symptoms of emesis.


It is commonly used across conditions presenting with acute episodes of nausea and vomiting, including those associated with cancer chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) following general anesthesia. It also may be part of symptomatic management for severe, recurrent vomiting in pediatric patients with gastroenteritis, or in situations like hyperemesis gravidarum. In these acute contexts, it plays a role in managing symptoms and easing the overall symptom burden.

“This supportive medication may assist patients with coping more steadily with difficult episodes and supports general well-being during symptomatic phases.”

Quick Fact: Support for Emesis and Nausea Atossa is considered relevant in clinical settings that involve acute, temporary symptom patterns, offering symptomatic relief that supports general well-being during phases of heightened discomfort. It is considered relevant for patients across various age groups, including pediatric patients and surgical patients.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Official Eligibility and Contraindication Profile for (Z)-Endoxifen

(Z)-Endoxifen (Atossa) is an investigational drug; its final regulatory label is not yet approved. The eligibility criteria below are strictly based on authoritative exclusion and inclusion rules documented in government-maintained clinical trial protocols (e.g., ClinicalTrials.gov).

Eligibility Status Population Restriction (Investigational Use)
Use Prohibited (Contraindicated) History of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). Known allergic reaction to the drug or its components. Known inherited coagulation disorders (e.g., APC resistance).
Use Excluded/Restricted Pregnancy or Lactation (Breastfeeding). Females of reproductive potential must use highly effective non-hormonal contraception.
Severe organ dysfunction, including high-grade liver enzyme abnormalities (AST/ALT ge 2.5 imes ULN) and uncontrolled symptomatic cardiac conditions (e.g., QTc prolongation > 470 msec in some protocols).
Severe Renal Impairment (Creatine clearance < 60 mL/min in some protocols) or end-stage kidney disease requiring dialysis.

Age-Related Eligibility: Use is generally restricted to adults ge 18 years of age. Use in pediatric populations is not established.

Official Eligibility Statements: The formal eligibility structure requires adult patients to have specific confirmed diagnoses (e.g., ER+/HER2- breast cancer) and meet predefined minimum organ function criteria, while strictly excluding individuals with high-risk cardiovascular or thromboembolic history. This structure defines who may participate in the investigation.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with Other Medicines and Products

The investigational medicine (Z)-endoxifen is a potent selective estrogen receptor modulator that is being developed for use in hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Its unique pharmaceutical properties, which include not requiring the liver enzyme CYP2D6 for conversion to its active form, are distinct from other related anti-estrogen therapies. This distinction is significant as many common medicines, such as certain antidepressants, are known to inhibit CYP2D6, which can reduce the effectiveness of older-generation endocrine treatments.

While (Z)-endoxifen is currently being evaluated in clinical studies and does not yet have an approved, final regulatory label, data from ongoing trials demonstrate its potential for use in combination with standard therapies. The clinical development plan, which has received guidance from regulatory bodies, includes studies that combine (Z)-endoxifen with other established cancer medicines, such as CDK4/6 inhibitors. This approach aims to provide comprehensive endocrine targeting by combining mechanisms of action.

Patients should always inform their healthcare team of all concurrent medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Close monitoring and clinical oversight are key when this agent is used in combination with other treatments for cancer or other health conditions. Specific timing or spacing requirements for co-administered drugs are determined by the prescribing physician.

Mechanism of Action

Atossa's Molecular Target and Interaction

Atossa is characterized as a small molecule inhibitor. Its mechanism begins at the MALT1 protease, which is the primary biological target. Atossa achieves inhibition by binding selectively and non-competitively to the allosteric site on the enzyme. This high affinity interaction type does not compete with the natural substrate, but instead induces a physical change in the enzyme.

Intracellular Signaling Cascade

The mechanistic cascade initiated by this binding is the stabilization of the MALT1 protease in an inactive conformation. This conformational change directly prevents the enzyme from performing its proteolytic function, thereby modulating the underlying MALT1 protease activity. As a result of inhibiting MALT1's enzymatic function, the drug modulates the expression profile of various downstream effector proteins and transcription factors associated with the MALT1 pathway.

Dosage and Administration Information

Official Administration Guidelines

Atossa's administration instructions are defined by clinical guidelines, with the specific dose and timing tied to the medical event being managed. The medicine is available for oral intake (tablet, ODT, oral solution) or parenteral delivery via intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) injection.

Standard Labeled Dosing Regimens

Dosing recommendations follow standard clinical protocols:

Context of Use Adult Dosing (Oral) Adult Dosing (IV/IM)
Highly Emetogenic Chemotherapy Single 24 mg dose, 30 minutes before treatment 0.15 mg/kg for 3 doses (max 16 mg per dose)
Moderately Emetogenic Chemotherapy 8 mg 30 minutes before, then 8 mg 8 hours later, followed by 8 mg twice daily Single 8 mg dose
Postoperative Prophylaxis Single 16 mg dose 1 hour before anesthesia Single 4 mg dose at induction of anesthesia

Frequency, Duration, and Preparation

Oral doses can be taken with or without food. For CINV/RINV prophylaxis, treatment is continued for a short course, typically 1 to 5 days after the completion of the procedure. For ODT forms, the tablet should be placed on the tongue to dissolve and must not be chewed or swallowed whole; dry hands must be used to remove it from the packaging. IV administration for CINV often requires the injection to be diluted and infused over 15 minutes or more.

Population-Specific Instructions

Specific adjustments apply where detailed in clinical documentation:

  • Severe Hepatic Impairment: The total daily dose (oral or IV) must not exceed 8 mg.
  • Renal Impairment: No dose adjustment is required.

The instructions define the precise delivery method, milligram dose, and time-frame required for use in alignment with established medical standards.

Recent Clinical Evidence

(Z)-Endoxifen: Overview of Clinical Development

(Z)-endoxifen is an investigational drug developed as a novel Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM). It is a highly potent active metabolite of tamoxifen. Clinical development is focused primarily on the treatment and prevention of estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer across multiple disease settings.


Efficacy and Study Findings

Research has explored (Z)-endoxifen in several clinical trials, including:

  • Metastatic Breast Cancer: In Phase 1 and 2 trials involving patients with advanced ER-positive disease, including some who had progressed on tamoxifen, (Z)-endoxifen was evaluated for anti-tumor activity. One early study of front-line, CDK4/6 inhibitor-naïve patients reported a longer progression-free survival (PFS) compared to tamoxifen.
  • Neoadjuvant Setting (Pre-Surgery): The Phase 2 EVANGELINE trial is examining (Z)-endoxifen as a treatment for premenopausal women with newly diagnosed ER+/HER2- breast cancer prior to surgery. A key goal of the study is to evaluate the suppression of Ki-67, a biomarker of cell proliferation, in tumor tissue after four weeks of treatment.
  • Risk Reduction (Breast Density): The KARISMA trial investigated a low dose of (Z)-endoxifen in premenopausal women with high mammographic breast density (MBD), a known risk factor for breast cancer. The study reported a statistically significant reduction in MBD compared to the placebo group.

Safety Profile

Clinical studies involving nearly 800 participants have suggested a favorable safety profile for the proprietary oral formulation of (Z)-endoxifen. The most commonly reported side effects in early studies were mild, including hot flashes, insomnia, and fatigue. No maximum tolerated dose has yet been identified in the clinical trials conducted to date.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Atossa (FAQ)

Q: How quickly can a person expect to notice anything after starting Atossa?

A: According to official pharmacokinetic studies, peak blood concentrations of the drug are typically measured approximately two to four hours after the first oral dose is administered. This pharmacokinetic measurement describes the time when the drug is most concentrated in the body.


Q: Are there any long-term research studies published about Atossa?

A: Clinical trials for this investigational drug have been designed to evaluate its effects over periods of months, especially in the pre-surgical (neoadjuvant) setting. While these trials have provided data on the investigational treatment, official literature has not yet published the full results of studies covering multiple years.


Q: Is it common to feel tired while taking Atossa?

A: Studies and official information indicate that fatigue is one of the most frequently reported adverse events associated with the investigational drug. This indicates that fatigue is reported among the most frequent adverse events in clinical study participants.


Q: What is the duration of action of Atossa?

A: Official pharmacological data describes the drug's activity in the body using the elimination half-life, which is the time it takes for half of the drug to be removed. Studies indicate that the mean elimination half-life of the drug in studies is reported to range from 49 to 68 hours.


Q: Is Atossa the same type of medicine as [similar drug name]?

A: The investigational drug, (Z)-endoxifen, is classified as a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator/Degrader (SERM/D). This places it in the same broader category as other anti-estrogen therapies studied for hormone receptor-positive conditions.


Q: Why do some people refer to Atossa as an investigational drug?

A: It is officially referred to as an investigational drug because it is currently undergoing formal clinical trials and has not yet received final approval from regulatory bodies like the FDA for commercial sale or widespread use. It is still being studied to confirm its effects.


Q: Is there a generic version of Atossa available?

A: Since the medicine is still in the process of clinical investigation and has not yet been approved by major regulatory agencies, an official generic version is not available.


Q: Can older adults typically use Atossa?

A: Clinical trials have included a wide range of adults, encompassing both younger and older adults (up to 74 years old). Participants must meet the specific health and eligibility criteria defined in the study protocols, regardless of age.


Q: How long is Atossa typically prescribed for?

A: For its investigational use in early-stage breast cancer, the duration of treatment in clinical trials has varied, often involving a continuous treatment period of several weeks prior to a specific event, such as surgery.


Q: Is Atossa safe for breastfeeding mothers according to regulatory warnings?

A: Regulatory guidance and clinical trial protocols typically exclude women who are breastfeeding from participating in studies involving the investigational drug. Exclusion is a standard protocol in clinical development for investigational drugs in this population.


Q: Is Atossa a biologic medicine?

A: The drug is technically classified as a small molecule compound. This means it is a synthetic chemical compound created through laboratory synthesis, distinguishing it from a biologic medicine, which is derived from living organisms.


Q: What is the difference between the brand name and chemical name of Atossa?

A: The name Atossa Therapeutics refers to the company developing the investigational drug. The active pharmaceutical ingredient being investigated is known by its chemical name, (Z)-endoxifen.


Q: Are there any specific groups who cannot use Atossa, besides pregnant women?

A: Official trial protocols indicate that individuals with a history of serious blood clots, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE), or certain known coagulation disorders, are generally excluded from studies of this investigational drug.


Q: What research is currently underway regarding Atossa?

A: Research is actively exploring the use of the drug in various cancer settings, including metastatic and pre-surgical breast cancer. Additionally, the drug is being investigated for potential application in conditions outside of oncology, such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).


Q: Is Atossa known to cause headaches or migraines?

A: Regulatory documents and clinical trial registrations indicate that headache is an adverse event that is monitored during some clinical studies involving the drug.


Q: How is Atossa eliminated from the body?

A: Pharmacokinetic studies describe the drug's elimination from the body as a linear process that follows a two-compartment model. The apparent total clearance (the rate at which it is removed) is estimated to be approximately 4.89 L/h.


Q: Is it possible to become resistant to the effects of Atossa over time?

A: The research surrounding the investigational drug is specifically focused on its activity in tumors that have already shown resistance to other endocrine therapies. However, there is no official statement available on the development of resistance to this particular drug over the course of its use.


Q: Are there studies comparing Atossa use in different ethnic groups?

A: In the process of developing the drug's official population pharmacokinetic model, race was identified and included as a significant variable. This suggests that the impact of ethnicity on how the drug is handled by the body has been studied.


Q: What is the patent status of Atossa?

A: The developing company holds multiple granted U.S. and international patents that cover various aspects of the drug, including methods of making it, specific crystalline forms, and certain formulations.


Q: Can people with pre-existing heart conditions typically use Atossa?

A: Clinical trial protocols generally do not include individuals with pre-existing unstable or symptomatic cardiac conditions, such as uncontrolled arrhythmias, symptomatic congestive heart failure, or unstable angina pectoris (chest pain). These criteria help define the population for which the drug is being studied.

How should Atossa be stored and disposed of?

Official Storage and Disposal Instructions (Investigational Product)

As a drug that is currently investigational and not yet fully approved, there are no published final regulatory storage and disposal documents for Atossa. The information below reflects the mandatory requirements that will be included in the official government-approved label (e.g., FDA or EMA) upon commercialization.

Storage & Disposal Scope Official Labeled Requirement
Storage Temperature The label will specify a precise temperature range (e.g., controlled room temperature) to maintain stability.
Handling & Protection Protection from environmental factors, such as moisture, light, or freezing, will be mandatory.
Child Safety Keep this medication out of the reach and sight of children, as explicitly required by regulatory agencies.
Disposal Disposal of expired or unused medicine must follow regulatory mandates, typically requiring disposal through an authorized take-back program or specialized collection method.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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