Pfizer has changed the form of Ibrance (palbociclib), a CDK4/6 inhibitor, from capsules to tablets, making it easier for cancer patients to take the medication.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety approved Ibrance Tab. 75 mg, 100 mg, and 125 mg on Monday.

Ibrance is used as the standard treatment, along with endocrine therapy, in advanced or metastatic hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer. It was developed first among CDK4/6 inhibitors.

Ibrance is used in combination with an aromatase inhibitor in the primary treatment in postmenopausal women and in combination with fulvestrant in the second-line treatment to lower the risk of disease progression and mortality and extend survival in stage-four breast cancer patients,

Ibrance tablets contain the same biologically active ingredient as the existing capsules, and patients can take the tablets regardless of their meals.

The tablet is coated with a film that can be used with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) or an antacid to control gastrointestinal disorders and diarrhea, often seen in cancer patients.

As Ibrance tablets are classified as a new drug, Pfizer has to go through a reimbursement review procedure to set the drug price. Thus, the company said that patients would be able to use health insurance-covered Ibrance Tab. around next year.