Telotristat
Rytelo (imetelstat) is a targeted therapy that works by inhibiting telomerase, an enzyme that helps abnormal blood cells proliferate. It is approved for treating adults with low-to-intermediate-1 risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) who have anemia that has not responded to or has returned after treatment with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents.
Rytelo is a telomerase inhibitor used to treat certain types of MDS in patients with anemia not responding to standard therapies.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 2685242
- Generic
- Rytelo
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Rytelo is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with low-to-intermediate-1 risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) who have red blood cell transfusion-dependent anemia that has not responded to or has relapsed after treatment with an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA).
Rytelo is a lipid-conjugated oligonucleotide that selectively inhibits telomerase activity. Telomerase is an enzyme that maintains telomere length in cells, enabling their continued proliferation. By inhibiting telomerase, Rytelo targets abnormal hematopoiesis in MDS, reducing the burden of malignant clones and potentially improving blood cell production.
Rytelo is administered as an intravenous infusion, typically every 4 weeks. Common side effects include thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, and infusion-related reactions. Patients require regular blood count monitoring during treatment. Treatment should be discontinued if severe cytopenias persist. This medication is generally prescribed by hematologists experienced in managing MDS.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 9, 2026. · Read our editorial policy