What is the other name for Ruxolitinib phosphate? An Overview of Jakafi, Opzelura, and More

October 10, 2025 •

2 min read

First approved by the FDA in 2011, Ruxolitinib phosphate is a medication that has since gained several other names and applications. This targeted therapy is a potent inhibitor of Janus kinases (JAKs), a crucial pathway involved in many inflammatory and proliferative conditions. Depending on its formulation and the condition being treated, it is marketed under different brand names, so understanding what is the other name for Ruxolitinib phosphate? is essential for patients and healthcare providers.

Quick Summary

Ruxolitinib phosphate is known by its brand names, Jakafi (oral tablet) and Opzelura (topical cream), used for different medical conditions like myelofibrosis, polycythemia vera, and vitiligo. It is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor that modulates cytokine signaling.

Key Points

Jakafi is a brand name for Ruxolitinib phosphate: It is an oral tablet primarily used to treat certain blood cancers, such as myelofibrosis and polycythemia vera.
Opzelura is another brand name for Ruxolitinib: This is a topical cream formulation used to treat skin conditions like atopic dermatitis (eczema) and nonsegmental vitiligo.
Ruxolitinib is the generic name: The non-proprietary, active chemical ingredient is called ruxolitinib, with the phosphate salt added for stability and formulation.
Jakavi is the brand name outside the US: In regions like Europe, the oral version of ruxolitinib is sold under the brand name Jakavi.
Both formulations target the JAK-STAT pathway: Regardless of the name or form, the medication works by inhibiting JAK1 and JAK2 enzymes to modulate immune responses and cellular proliferation.
The formulations are used for different conditions: Oral Jakafi treats systemic conditions, while topical Opzelura is for localized skin issues, and they are not interchangeable.

The Primary Brand Name for Oral Tablets: Jakafi

Jakafi is the most recognized brand name for oral Ruxolitinib phosphate, particularly in the United States. This oral tablet functions as a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, prescribed for several types of myeloproliferative neoplasms, which are blood cancers characterized by excessive blood cell production in the bone marrow. Jakafi treats conditions such as Myelofibrosis (MF), Polycythemia Vera (PV), and Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD).

The Topical Cream Brand Name: Opzelura

Ruxolitinib is also available as a topical cream called Opzelura. This cream is used for skin conditions and works by locally inhibiting JAK proteins in the skin to reduce inflammation. Opzelura treats conditions including Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) and Nonsegmental Vitiligo.

Other Names and Codes for Ruxolitinib Phosphate

Apart from its main brand names, Ruxolitinib phosphate has other designations used in clinical and research contexts. Ruxolitinib is the non-proprietary name for the active chemical compound itself. In early development, it was also referred to by experimental code names.

Ruxolitinib: The generic name for the active ingredient.
Jakavi: The brand name for the oral tablet used outside the United States, particularly in Europe.
Experimental Codes: Early names included INCB-018424 or INC424.

Ruxolitinib's Mechanism of Action

Ruxolitinib is a targeted therapy classified as a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, specifically blocking JAK1 and JAK2. These enzymes are part of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, which is vital for cell growth, proliferation, and immune responses. In conditions like myelofibrosis and vitiligo, this pathway is overactive, leading to abnormal cell behavior and inflammation. By inhibiting these kinases, ruxolitinib disrupts the pathway and helps restore normal cellular function, explaining its use in both blood disorders and skin conditions.

Comparison of Ruxolitinib Products

For a detailed comparison of Ruxolitinib products, including primary use, route of administration, active ingredient, formulation, targeted system, FDA approval dates, and developer, you can refer to {Link: Drugs.com https://www.drugs.com/ruxolitinib.html}.

Conclusion

Ruxolitinib phosphate is known by several names, primarily the brand names Jakafi (oral) and Opzelura (topical). The name 'ruxolitinib' refers to the generic active compound, while 'Jakavi' is the international brand name for the oral form. Understanding the specific name and formulation is important due to differing indications, administration routes, and potential side effects, and these formulations are not interchangeable. For determining the appropriate form of ruxolitinib for a specific condition, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional. The full list of uses, dosage information, side effects, and warnings for Ruxolitinib can be found on {Link: Drugs.com https://www.drugs.com/ruxolitinib.html}.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main brand name for the oral tablet formulation of Ruxolitinib phosphate is Jakafi in the United States. In some other countries, it is sold under the brand name Jakavi.

The brand name for the topical cream formulation of ruxolitinib is Opzelura. It is used for dermatological conditions and is applied directly to the skin.

Ruxolitinib is the active chemical ingredient, while ruxolitinib phosphate refers to the phosphate salt form used in the oral tablet formulation (Jakafi). For simplicity, they are often used interchangeably, but technically the salt form is specific to the oral product.

The key differences are the dosage form and the conditions they treat. Jakafi is an oral tablet for blood cancers (like myelofibrosis) and GVHD, while Opzelura is a topical cream for skin conditions (like eczema and vitiligo).

No, currently there is no generic version of the ruxolitinib tablets or cream available in the United States. Jakafi and Opzelura are only available as brand-name prescription medications.

The drug works by inhibiting the Janus kinase (JAK) signaling pathway, which is involved in both blood cell regulation and inflammatory responses in the skin. The specific formulation (oral vs. topical) and dosage allow for targeted treatment of these different conditions.

The addition of phosphate creates a salt form of the active drug, ruxolitinib. This is a common pharmaceutical practice to improve stability, solubility, and absorption of the drug, particularly in oral tablet formulations.