FDA Approves Xocova (ensitrelvir), the First and Only Oral Option to Help Prevent COVID-19 Following Exposure

In continuation of my update on ensitrelvir

Shionogi & Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Osaka, Japan; Chief Executive Officer: Isao Teshirogi, PhD; hereinafter “Shionogi”) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Xocova (ensitrelvir), an oral antiviral, for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) of COVID‑19 in adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older following contact with an individual who has COVID-19.³ This approval introduces the first and only oral option to help prevent COVID-19 after exposure in the current therapeutic landscape, addressing a critical gap in prevention. Xocova is a five-day oral regimen with three tablets taken on day one and one tablet taken on days two through five.³ The approval occurred ahead of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) action date of June 16, 2026.

• Approval is based on SCORPIO-PEP, the only Phase 3 study of an oral antiviral to meet the primary endpoint of preventing symptomatic COVID-19 following exposure to an infected individual*
• Xocova offers a new approach to help prevent COVID-19 by blocking viral replication during the critical window between exposure and COVID-19 symptom onset^1,2

“The FDA approval of Xocova provides an important new approach to preventing COVID-19, which continues to impact lives. COVID-19 can become severe and even when mild or moderate, it can worsen or exacerbate chronic conditions or trigger new ones, including long COVID,” said Frederick Hayden, MD, Richardson Professor Emeritus of Clinical Virology and Professor Emeritus of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine. “Ensitrelvir inhibits viral replication, helping protect people who have been exposed to COVID-19 from developing illness. The PEP strategy has the potential to benefit anyone who does not want to get COVID-19. It could be useful not only in household settings but also in other exposure circumstances, such as outbreaks in nursing homes, chronic or acute care facilities and following travel-related exposures.”

The approval is based on positive results from SCORPIO-PEP, the only Phase 3 study of an oral antiviral to meet the primary endpoint of preventing symptomatic COVID-19 following exposure to an infected individual.* Xocova significantly reduced the risk of symptomatic COVID-19 by 67% in uninfected individuals following exposure to an infected individual through Day 10 compared with placebo (ensitrelvir n=1,030; placebo n=1,011). ^3,4 Overall, Xocova was generally well tolerated, with similar rates of adverse events across groups (15.1% in the Xocova group (n=1,190) and 15.5% in the placebo group (n=1,187)).⁴ The most common adverse events (regardless of causality) occurring in greater than or equal to 1% of the Xocova group and at a greater frequency compared to placebo were headache, diarrhea, and cough. ³ There were no reports of altered taste (dysgeusia) attributed to Xocova in the trial.^4,5 Results from the SCORPIO-PEP trial were published in the New England Journal of Medicine on May 14, 2026.

“The FDA approval of Xocova is an exciting new chapter in the Shionogi antiviral story, which includes innovative medicines that have changed the way we manage other viruses including HIV and influenza,” said Nathan McCutcheon, President and CEO, Shionogi Inc. “Xocova is the first and only oral option clinically proven to help prevent symptomatic COVID-19 after exposure among study participants regardless of vaccination status or baseline immunity from prior infection. With Xocova, people who are exposed to COVID-19 can act early to help protect themselves.”

The impact of this matter on the consolidated financial results for the fiscal year ending March 2027 has already been reflected in the earnings forecast announced on May 12, 2026.

The Ongoing Impact of COVID-19

COVID-19 remains highly transmissible, driven by Omicron and its subvariants, and up to 47% of people living with an infected individual may develop COVID-19.⁶ The U.S. Centers for Disease and Control estimates that between October 1, 2025 and May 23, 2026 there were 3.8-12.4 million new cases in the U.S., resulting in 800,000 – 2.3 million outpatient visits, 120,000 – 240,000 hospitalizations and 13,000 - 42,000 deaths.⁷

Beyond acute infection, COVID-19 can have lasting impacts. People diagnosed with COVID-19 had increased rates of both new and worsening neurologic, cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal conditions during the year following infection.^8-17 COVID-19 also disproportionately affects older adults with greater risk for severe illness and death in close-community settings, such as long-term care facilities.¹⁸

About SCORPIO-PEP

The global, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 3 study, SCORPIO-PEP, assessed the safety and efficacy of Xocova as post-exposure prophylaxis for COVID-19. The study included 2,387 study participants aged 12 years and older with a negative local screening test for SARS-CoV-2 infection and no symptoms at the time of enrollment, who were exposed to a person living in their household with symptomatic COVID-19. The primary analysis included 2,041 household contact participants with a central laboratory-confirmed negative SARS-CoV-2 test at baseline.

The trial was conducted from June 2023–September 2024. More than 99% of household contacts tested positive for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 N (nucleocapsid) or S (spike) proteins, indicating that nearly all had evidence of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination, or both.

Study participants were randomly assigned at a 1:1 ratio to receive Xocova (375 mg on day 1 and 125 mg on days 2-5) or placebo, once daily, and began treatment within 72 hours of when the household member with COVID-19 began showing symptoms. Participants then continued Xocova (125 mg) or placebo for five days. SCORPIO-PEP is the first and only Phase 3 study of an oral antiviral to meet the primary endpoint of preventing COVID-19 following exposure to an infected individual.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ensitrelvir

FDA Approves Xocova (ensitrelvir), the First and Only Oral Option to Help Prevent COVID-19 Following Exposure

FDA Approves Trimbow (beclomethasone/formoterol/glycopyrrolate) Inhaler for the Maintenance Treatment of Asthma

Chiesi USA, Inc. (key-A-zee), a global biopharmaceutical company,   announced   the U.S. Food and Drug Administration   approval of  Trimbow (beclomethasone dipropionate/formoterol fumarate/glycopyrrolate; or BDP/FF/G; 86 mcg/4.9 mcg/10.6 mcg and 172 mcg/4.9 mcg/10.6 mcg) for the maintenance treatment of asthma in adults. Trimbow delivers three active ingredients in a single device, referred to as a single inhaler triple therapy (SITT), presenting an option for adults whose asthma may require more than one inhaled medicine for daily maintenance treatment. Trimbow was the first treatment approved in the single inhaler triple therapy class outside of the U.S. and is commercialized in nearly 50 countries, including those within the European Union, the United Kingdom, and China.

                                                      Glycopyrrolate

Trimbow (beclomethasone dipropionate/formoterol fumarate/glycopyrrolate; or BDP/FF/G) is the first U.S. FDA-approved product from Chiesi’s respiratory portfolio, bringing with it more than four decades of global expertise in respiratory leadership.

Formoterol

Beclometasone or beclomethasone

Approval was supported by Phase 3 TRIMARAN and TRIGGER studies, which included lung function as a co-primary endpoint in adults with asthma,1 building on its long-standing use as the first therapy in its class approved outside the U.S.

Approximately 27 million people in the U.S. live with asthma, which remains a significant burden to patients, caregivers, and society.2 Roughly 50% to 91% of people across all asthma disease severities show evidence of Small Airway Disease (SAD), which affects the tiny bronchioles deep within the airway tree.3,4

“The approval of Trimbow marks an important milestone as healthcare professionals continue to expand options for individualized care for the millions of people in the U.S. living with asthma, many of whom still struggle with symptoms,”2 said Nicola Hanania, MD, MS, Director, Airways Clinical Research Center, Professor of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Chief, Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Ben Taub Hospital, Houston, Texas. “This treatment has demonstrated improvement in lung function in Phase 3 clinical trials.”1

The FDA approval is supported by data from two Phase 3, double-blind, parallel-group, randomized, active-controlled clinical trials, TRIMARAN and TRIGGER, that evaluated the safety and efficacy of Trimbow in more than 2,200 adults with uncontrolled asthma.1 Across studies, Trimbow demonstrated improvements in lung function compared with BDP/FF, an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) product. Trimbow demonstrated a safety profile comparable with BDP/FF, with common adverse events, occuring at an incident rate greater than or equal to 1%, including bronchitis, hypertension, back pain, blood pressure increase, dysphonia, upper respiratory tract infection, influenza, anemia, muscle spasms, laryngitis, oropharyngeal pain, and sinusitis.1

“This is an important development for the community at a time when access to treatment and the cost of care remain significant challenges for many individuals living with asthma,” said Lynda Mitchell, MA, CAE, CEO of the Allergy & Asthma Network. “There is no cure for asthma, and the condition presents a major burden to patients, caregivers, and society. Patients benefit when they have more options to treat their asthma – we are eager to see continued progress in innovation to address ongoing unmet needs in asthma care.”

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formoterol

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beclometasone

FDA Approves Trimbow (beclomethasone/formoterol/glycopyrrolate) Inhaler for the Maintenance Treatment of Asthma

FDA Approves First Non-Antipsychotic Drug to Treat Agitation Associated with Dementia

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved an expanded use for Auvelity (dextromethorphan hydrobromide and bupropion hydrochloride) extended-release tablets to treat agitation associated with dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease in adults. The drug is the first FDA-approved treatment for this condition that is not an antipsychotic. FDA initially approved Auvelity in 2022 to treat major depressive disorder in adults.

Bupropion

Dextromethorphan

"This approval represents a significant advancement in our ability to help patients and families dealing with one of the most challenging aspects of Alzheimer's disease," said FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H. "With today’s action, patients and their families have access to an additional important treatment for complications of this devastating disease."

Agitation is a common and distressing symptom in patients with Alzheimer's disease dementia, characterized by excessive motor activity, or verbal or physical aggression. It can significantly impact quality of life for patients and caregivers. 

"Auvelity was found to be efficacious for treating agitation in Alzheimer’s disease in two randomized trials and now represents an additional option to address one of the most difficult sequelae of the disease, especially as it progresses,” said Tracy Beth Hoeg, M.D., Ph.D., Acting Director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. "We hope this approval will provide meaningful benefit to patients, their families, and caregivers."

The first randomized study (NCT 03226522) was a five-week trial in which participants received either Auvelity or a placebo.  The primary endpoint was the change from baseline to week five in the total score of the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI), a survey that assesses the frequency of manifestations of agitated behaviors in elderly patients, based on caregiver reports. Auvelity was significantly superior to placebo in The Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory score improvements.

The second randomized study (NCT 04947553) was a withdrawal study in participants who responded to Auvelity. Upon reaching a sustained clinical response to Auvelity, patients were randomly assigned to continue treatment with Auvelity or switch to placebo. The primary endpoint was time to relapse. Participants who continued Auvelity treatment had a significantly longer time to relapse of agitation symptoms compared to patients receiving the placebo. 

The most common side effects include dizziness, upset stomach, headache, diarrhea, drowsiness, dry mouth, sexual dysfunction, and uncontrolled sweating. Auvelity has a Boxed Warning about increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adolescents and young adults taking antidepressants. Health care providers should monitor patients for clinical worsening and emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially during initial treatment. The medicine can cause seizures, with risk increasing with dose. It can also cause elevated blood pressure and hypertension, and may activate mania or hypomania (irritable mood) in susceptible patients.

Before starting Auvelity, health care providers should assess blood pressure, screen for personal or family history of bipolar disorder, and determine if patients are taking other medications containing bupropion or dextromethorphan. 

The FDA granted breakthrough therapy designation and priority review designation for this action. The approval of Auvelity for agitation associated with dementia due to Alzheimer's disease was granted to Axsome Therapeutics.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bupropion

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dextromethorphan

FDA Approves Trimbow (beclomethasone/formoterol/glycopyrrolate) Inhaler for the Maintenance Treatment of Asthma

In continuation of my update on beclomethasone, Formoterol  & Glycopyrrolate

Formoterol

 beclomethasone, 

Glycopyrrolate

Chiesi USA, Inc. (key-A-zee), a global biopharmaceutical company,  announced  the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of  Trimbow (beclomethasone dipropionate/formoterol fumarate/glycopyrrolate; or BDP/FF/G; 86 mcg/4.9 mcg/10.6 mcg and 172 mcg/4.9 mcg/10.6 mcg) for the maintenance treatment of asthma in adults. Trimbow delivers three active ingredients in a single device, referred to as a single inhaler triple therapy (SITT), presenting an option for adults whose asthma may require more than one inhaled medicine for daily maintenance treatment. Trimbow was the first treatment approved in the single inhaler triple therapy class outside of the U.S. and is commercialized in nearly 50 countries, including those within the European Union, the United Kingdom, and China.

• Trimbow (beclomethasone dipropionate/formoterol fumarate/glycopyrrolate; or BDP/FF/G) is the first U.S. FDA-approved product from Chiesi’s respiratory portfolio, bringing with it more than four decades of global expertise in respiratory leadership.
• Approval was supported by Phase 3 TRIMARAN and TRIGGER studies, which included lung function as a co-primary endpoint in adults with asthma,1 building on its long-standing use as the first therapy in its class approved outside the U.S.

Approximately 27 million people in the U.S. live with asthma, which remains a significant burden to patients, caregivers, and society.2 Roughly 50% to 91% of people across all asthma disease severities show evidence of Small Airway Disease (SAD), which affects the tiny bronchioles deep within the airway tree.3,4

“The approval of Trimbow marks an important milestone as healthcare professionals continue to expand options for individualized care for the millions of people in the U.S. living with asthma, many of whom still struggle with symptoms,”2 said Nicola Hanania, MD, MS, Director, Airways Clinical Research Center, Professor of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Chief, Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Ben Taub Hospital, Houston, Texas. “This treatment has demonstrated improvement in lung function in Phase 3 clinical trials.”1

The FDA approval is supported by data from two Phase 3, double-blind, parallel-group, randomized, active-controlled clinical trials, TRIMARAN and TRIGGER, that evaluated the safety and efficacy of Trimbow in more than 2,200 adults with uncontrolled asthma.1 Across studies, Trimbow demonstrated improvements in lung function compared with BDP/FF, an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) product. Trimbow demonstrated a safety profile comparable with BDP/FF, with common adverse events, occuring at an incident rate greater than or equal to 1%, including bronchitis, hypertension, back pain, blood pressure increase, dysphonia, upper respiratory tract infection, influenza, anemia, muscle spasms, laryngitis, oropharyngeal pain, and sinusitis.1

“This is an important development for the community at a time when access to treatment and the cost of care remain significant challenges for many individuals living with asthma,” said Lynda Mitchell, MA, CAE, CEO of the Allergy & Asthma Network. “There is no cure for asthma, and the condition presents a major burden to patients, caregivers, and society. Patients benefit when they have more options to treat their asthma – we are eager to see continued progress in innovation to address ongoing unmet needs in asthma care

FDA Approves Trimbow (beclomethasone/formoterol/glycopyrrolate) Inhaler for the Maintenance Treatment of Asthma

FDA Approves Veppanu (vepdegestrant) for the Treatment of ESR1m, ER+/HER2- Advanced Breast Cancer

Arvinas, Inc. (Nasdaq: ARVN), with its partner Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE), announced  the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)    approval for Veppanu (vepdegestrant) for the treatment of adults with estrogen receptor-positive (ER+)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-), estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1)-mutated advanced or metastatic breast cancer, as detected by an FDA-authorized test, with disease progression following at least one line of endocrine therapy. This approval marks the first time the FDA has approved a PROteolysis TArgeting Chimera (PROTAC), a type of heterobifunctional protein degrader therapy.

Veppanu™ is the first-and-only FDA-approved PROTAC, a type of heterobifunctional protein degrader

Approval received in advance of FDA-assigned PDUFA date of June 5, 2026; Arvinas and Pfizer remain on track to announce selection of a third party

Veppanu offers a new therapeutic option in ER+/HER2-, ESR1-mutated advanced or metastatic breast cancer, where treatment resistance remains a major clinical challenge

“Today’s FDA approval is a transformative moment for Arvinas as we achieve our first approved medicine and the first-ever approved PROTAC therapy based on the technology we’ve pioneered since 2013,” said Randy Teel, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer at Arvinas. “This milestone demonstrates that targeted protein degradation can translate into meaningful clinical impact. It also strengthens our confidence in the breadth and versatility of our exciting clinical pipeline across oncology, neurodegenerative, and neuromuscular diseases. We are especially encouraged by receiving FDA approval ahead of the June 5 PDUFA date and together with Pfizer, we are on track to announce selection of a third party to bring this new treatment option to patients as soon as possible.”

“For patients living with ESR1 mutant, ER+/HER2 advanced breast cancer, there have been minimal second-line treatment options once standard therapies are no longer effective,” said Erika Hamilton, M.D., Chief Development Officer, Late Phase, and Director, Breast Cancer Research, Sarah Cannon Research Institute, as well as a principal investigator of the VERITAC-2 trial. “The introduction of a new, targeted treatment is an encouraging development for this community and highlights meaningful innovation in the way this disease is treated. The approval of vepdegestrant gives clinicians another tool in the breast cancer treatment arsenal and brings renewed hope to individuals who need additional options.”

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, with many tumors driven by estrogen receptor signaling. While endocrine therapy remains a cornerstone of metastatic ER+/HER2- breast cancer treatment, up to 40-50% of patients treated with endocrine therapy and a CDK4/6 inhibitor have ESR1 mutations, resulting in endocrine resistance and poor prognosis. These patients often experience rapid disease progression and face limited options after first-line therapy. The FDA approval of Veppanu addresses a significant unmet need, offering a new treatment option for adults with ESR1-mutant, ER+/HER2- advanced breast cancer by targeting a key biological driver of resistance to current therapies.

“The approval of Veppanu is an important milestone for patients, their caregivers, and physicians,” said Noah Berkowitz, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer at Arvinas. “Veppanu addresses an unmet need for patients with this aggressive form of breast cancer who have progressed on their initial therapy. Today’s approval provides a new oral treatment option that showed improved progression free survival when compared to the current standard of care, fulvestrant, which is administered via an intramuscular injection.”

Veppanu was discovered by Arvinas and jointly developed by Arvinas and Pfizer. FDA approval was granted based on data from VERITAC-2 (NCT05654623), a global, randomized, open-label, pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial evaluating vepdegestrant versus fulvestrant. In the trial, among patients with an ESR1 mutation (n=270), vepdegestrant demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in progression-free survival (PFS), reducing the risk of disease progression or death by 43% compared to fulvestrant. Median PFS was 5 months (95% CI: 3.7, 7.4) in the vepdegestrant arm and 2.1 months (95% CI: 1.9, 3.5) in the fulvestrant arm (hazard ratio 0.57 [95% CI: 0.42, 0.77]; p-value 0.0001). Overall survival was immature with 16% of deaths in this population at the time of the PFS analysis. The majority of adverse events (AEs) with vepdegestrant were low grade (Grade 1-2) and the most common (≥10%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, were decreased white blood cells, increased AST, musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, decreased hemoglobin, decreased neutrophils, increased ALT, increased alkaline phosphatase, nausea, decreased blood potassium, increased bilirubin, decreased appetite, electrocardiogram QT prolonged, decreased platelets, and constipation.

Arvinas and Pfizer intend to jointly identify and select a third-party partner with the capabilities and expertise to maximize the commercial potential of Veppanu. The companies are on track to announce selection of a third party.

Arvinas was originally founded based on pioneering research at Yale University, where Professor Craig Crews, Ph.D., co-authored the first-ever paper on PROTAC protein degraders.

What is Veppanu?

Veppanu is a prescription medicine to treat people with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative, ESR1-mutated advanced breast cancer or breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic), and whose disease has progressed after at least one line of endocrine-based therapy.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vepdegestrant

FDA Approves Veppanu (vepdegestrant) for the Treatment of ESR1m, ER+/HER2- Advanced Breast Cancer

FDA Approves Idvynso (doravirine and islatravir) for the Treatment of HIV-1 Infection in Adults

In continuation of my update on Doravirine

Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of  Idvynso, a new, two-drug single-tablet regimen of 100 mg doravirine and 0.25 mg islatravir, for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults to replace the current antiretroviral regimen in those who are virologically suppressed (HIV-1 RNA less than 50 copies per mL) on a stable antiretroviral regimen with no history of virologic treatment failure and no known substitutions associated with resistance to doravirine. Idvynso is contraindicated when co-administered with drugs that are strong cytochrome P450 (CYP)3A enzyme inducers and lamivudine (3TC) or emtricitabine (FTC). Co-administration with these drugs may decrease the effectiveness of Idvynso. See additional selected safety information on the following pages. Idvynso (pronounced ihd-VIHN-soh) will be available in pharmacies after May 11.

                                                                Islatravir

Doravirine

• Idvynso is approved for adults with virologically suppressed HIV-1 with no history of virologic treatment failure and no known substitutions associated with resistance to doravirine
• Idvynso is the first and only non-INSTI, tenofovir-free, once-daily, complete two-drug regimen to demonstrate non-inferior efficacy in a head-to-head Phase 3 trial versus three-drug regimen Biktarvyi (BIC/FTC/TAF)

“Advances in HIV treatment mean more people living with HIV are living longer — a remarkable achievement,” said Carl Baloney, Jr., president and chief executive officer of AIDS United. “People aging with HIV face additional health challenges, including managing multiple chronic conditions and medications at the same time. It is essential that management of HIV considers these factors in addition to virologic suppression when choosing an HIV treatment regimen.”

“Idvynso combines islatravir, a next-generation NRTI with multiple mechanisms of action, including translocation inhibition, with doravirine, an NNRTI with an established efficacy and safety profile. As the only two-drug, non-INSTI, tenofovir-free regimen, Idvynso expands therapeutic diversity beyond the currently available oral treatment options,” said Dr. Eliav Barr, senior vice president and chief medical officer, Merck Research Laboratories. “As the health needs of adults living with HIV change over time, Idvynso gives clinicians a new choice for HIV treatment. This approval marks an important new chapter in Merck’s long-standing commitment to research and discovery for people living with HIV.”

Idvynso is a complete regimen; co-administration with other antiretroviral medications for treatment of HIV-1 infection is not recommended. Severe skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis, have been reported with doravirine-containing regimens. Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms was reported with Idvynso. Concomitant use of Idvynso and certain other drugs may result in known or potentially significant drug interactions, some of which may lead to loss of therapeutic effect of Idvynso and possible development of resistance, or possible clinically significant adverse reactions from greater exposures of a component of Idvynso. See additional selected safety information on the following pages.

“Idvynso is the first non-INSTI, tenofovir-free, two-drug regimen to demonstrate non-inferior efficacy to standard oral antiretroviral regimens, including Biktarvy. This makes Idvynso a potential alternative for people with virologically suppressed HIV who may need to switch their treatment,” said Dr. Amy Colson, director of research at Community Resource Initiative, Boston, Massachusetts.

Phase 3 studies supporting approval of Idvynso

The efficacy and safety of Idvynso is supported by Week 48 data from two randomized, active-controlled, non-inferiority trials [Trial 052 (NCT05630755) and Trial 051 (NCT05631093)] in virologically-suppressed (HIV-1 RNA less than 50 copies per mL) adults living with HIV. Participants must have been stably suppressed on their baseline regimen for at least 3 months prior to trial entry and had no history of treatment failure. Across the two trials, a total of 708 participants received once-daily Idvynso; of these, 81 (11%) participants were aged 65 years and older, including 10 (1%) aged 75 years and older.

In the double-blind Trial 052, participants were switched from Biktarvy [bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (BIC/FTC/TAF)] to Idvynso. A total of 513 participants were randomized (2:1) and were switched to once-daily Idvynso (n=342) or remained on BIC/FTC/TAF (n=171). At baseline, participants had a mean age of 48 years (range: 19 to 77), 21% of participants were female, 61% were White, 31% were Black/African American, and 6% were Asian. A total of 23% identified as Hispanic/Latino.

In the open-label Trial 051, participants were switched from an oral ART (antiretroviral therapy) regimen to Idvynso. A total of 551 participants were randomized (2:1) and were switched to once-daily Idvynso (n=366) or remained on their baseline ART (bART) (n=185). Randomization was stratified by bART. At baseline, participants had a mean age of 50 years (range: 18 to 83), 40% of participants were female, 39% were White, 45% were Black/African American, and 5% were Asian. A total of 15% identified as Hispanic/Latino. At enrollment, 64% of the participants were receiving integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI)-based regimens, 5% protease inhibitor (PI)-based regimens (including combinations with INSTI), and 30% were receiving other regimens.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islatravir

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doravirine

FDA Approves Idvynso (doravirine and islatravir) for the Treatment of HIV-1 Infection in Adults

FDA Approves Revtorpyk (gedatolisib) for the Treatment of HR+/HER2-, PIK3CA Wild-Type Locally Advanced or Metastatic Breast Cancer

Celcuity Inc. (Nasdaq: CELC), a biotechnology company focused on developing and commercializing targeted therapies for multiple solid tumor indications,   announced  the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) approval of  Revtorpyk (gedatolisib) for the treatment of patients with hormone receptor positive (“HR+”), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative (“HER2-”), locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer without a PIK3CA mutation detected following progression on or after treatment with at least one line of endocrine therapy in the metastatic setting. Revtorpyk is the only inhibitor of class I PI3K isoforms (α, β, δ, γ) and mTOR complexes mTORC1 and mTORC2 to receive FDA approval.

• Revtorpyk is the first and only FDA-approved therapy that inhibits all class I PI3K isoforms (α, β, δ, γ) and mTOR complexes mTORC1 and mTORC2
• In the Phase 3 VIKTORIA-1 trial, Revtorpyk combined with palbociclib and fulvestrant and Revtorpyk combined with fulvestrant reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 76% and 67%, respectively, compared to fulvestrant among patients with PIK3CA wild-type advanced or metastatic breast cancer

“The PI3K/AKT/mTOR, or PAM, pathway is one of the most important targets in cancer, but comprehensively inhibiting it has stymied researchers and drug developers for nearly two decades,” said Brian Sullivan, CEO and co-founder of Celcuity. “Revtorpyk addressed this 20-year challenge by becoming the first pan-PI3K, mTORC1/2 inhibitor approved by the FDA. We are thankful for the opportunity to make this important new therapy available to patients with HR+/HER2- locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer.”

HR+/HER2- breast cancer is the most common subtype of breast cancer, accounting for approximately 70% of all breast cancers.1 Among this breast cancer subtype, approximately 60% have PIK3CA wild-type disease.2

“For patients with HR+/HER2- locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer, there is an urgent need for new treatment options that can meaningfully increase the likelihood of survival without disease progression or death,” said Sara Hurvitz, MD, Senior Vice President, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Smith Family Endowed Chair in Women’s Health and Professor and Head, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Washington, School of Medicine and co-principal investigator for the VIKTORIA-1 trial. “With the approval of Revtorpyk, oncologists now have an effective new treatment option for these patients.”

The approval of Revtorpyk is based on positive clinical results from the PIK3CA wild-type cohort of the Phase 3 VIKTORIA-1 trial, an open-label, global, randomized clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of Revtorpyk plus fulvestrant, with or without palbociclib, for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic HR+/HER2- breast cancer following progression on or after CDK4/6 therapy and an aromatase inhibitor. In the VIKTORIA-1 trial, median progression free survival (“PFS”) with the Revtorpyk triplet (Revtorpyk plus palbociclib and fulvestrant) was 9.3 months versus 2.0 months with fulvestrant, an incremental improvement of 7.3 months (HR=0.24; 95% CI: 0.17-0.35; p<0.0001). The objective response rate (“ORR”) of the Revtorpyk triplet was 32% compared to 1% with fulvestrant and the median duration of response (“DOR”) was 17.5 months. For the Revtorpyk doublet (Revtorpyk plus fulvestrant), the median PFS was 7.4 months versus 2.0 months with fulvestrant, an incremental improvement of 5.4 months (HR=0.33; 95% CI: 0.24-0.48; p<0.0001). The ORR of the Revtorpyk doublet was 28% and the median DOR was 12.0 months. The median DOR was not determinable for fulvestrant because there was only one objective response.

“Today’s approval of Revtorpyk addresses a significant unmet need for the thousands of patients affected each year by HR+/HER2-, PIK3CA wild-type locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer whose disease has progressed after endocrine therapy,” said Igor Gorbatchevsky, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Celcuity. “We are deeply grateful to the patients and their caregivers, investigators and clinical study teams, and Celcuity team members who made this advancement possible.”

Celcuity anticipates commercial launch in late Q3 2026. Based on the company’s commitment to ensuring broad, affordable, and unrestricted patient access to Revtorpyk, we have designed a comprehensive patient support program. To make Revtorpyk available to patients prior to commercial launch, those who are eligible will be able to enroll in Celcuity’s expanded access program.

Celcuity plans to submit in Q3 2026 a supplemental New Drug Application (“sNDA”) to the FDA for Revtorpyk for the treatment of HR+/HER2-, PIK3CA mutated, locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer, following at least one line of endocrine therapy based on results from the mutant cohort of the Phase 3 VIKTORIA-1 trial. Results for this study were recently presented in a late-breaking abstract oral session at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting. Following the sNDA submission, Celcuity intends to submit VIKTORIA-1 data for marketing authorization of gedatolisib to other regulatory authorities around the world.

Revtorpyk is also being studied in the ongoing Phase 3 VIKTORIA-2 clinical trial incorporating two independent studies evaluating two separate patient cohorts with HR+/HER2- locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer who are treatment-naive in the advanced setting.

About Revtorpyk (gedatolisib)

Revtorpyk is a kinase inhibitor of class I PI3K isoforms (α, β, δ, γ) and mTOR complexes mTORC1 and mTORC2, resulting in downstream inhibition of multiple effectors, including AKT.3.4.5

Revtorpyk is in development for the first-line treatment of HR+/HER2- locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer and for the second-line treatment of metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer.

Indication Statement

Revtorpyk (gedatolisib) is a kinase inhibitor indicated in combination with fulvestrant, with or without palbociclib, for the treatment of adult patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer without a PIK3CA mutation detected following progression on or after treatment with at least one line of endocrine therapy in the metastatic setting.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gedatolisib

FDA Approves Revtorpyk (gedatolisib) for the Treatment of HR+/HER2-, PIK3CA Wild-Type Locally Advanced or Metastatic Breast Cancer

FDA Approves Nereus (tradipitant) for the Prevention of Motion Sickness

Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Vanda) (Nasdaq: VNDA) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Nereus (tradipitant), an oral neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor antagonist, for the prevention of vomiting induced by motion. This approval marks the first new pharmacologic treatment in motion sickness in over four decades, representing a significant advancement in the understanding and management of this debilitating physiologic response that affects a substantial portion of the population and has long been recognized as a factor affecting military operational readiness.

"This approval underscores the strong scientific evidence in the antiemetic effects of Nereus in motion sickness," said Mihael H. Polymeropoulos, M.D., President, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Vanda Pharmaceuticals. "For the first time in over 40 years, patients have access to a novel therapy grounded in modern neuropharmacology, offering effective prevention without the limitations of existing options. We are proud of this historic milestone and grateful to the Vanda researchers, patients, investigators, and regulators who contributed to this achievement."

The efficacy of Nereus is supported by robust data from three pivotal clinical trials—two Phase 3 real-world provocation studies conducted on boats (Motion Syros and Motion Serifos) and one additional supporting study—with participants who had documented histories of motion sickness. In Motion Syros (n=365), vomiting incidence was 18.3–19.5% with Nereus versus 44.3% with placebo (p<0.0001).1 In Motion Serifos (n=316), vomiting rates were 10.4–18.3% with Nereus versus 37.7% with placebo (p≤0.0014), representing risk reductions of over 50–70%.2 Across the pivotal program, Nereus consistently demonstrated significant reductions in vomiting and a favorable safety profile consistent with acute use.

Motion sickness has been recognized as a critical factor in military operations since World War II, most notably during the D-Day invasion of Normandy in 1944, where severe seasickness impaired the effectiveness of troops, including paratroopers of the 101st Airborne Division deployed in rough Channel crossings and airborne drops. The condition was elevated to a strategic imperative, prompting early research into antiemetic therapies to ensure operational readiness during large-scale troop deployments by sea, air, and land.

Today, motion sickness remains prevalent in civilian life, with approximately 25–30% of adults3 —roughly 65–78 million people in the U.S.—experiencing symptoms during common travel modes such as cars, planes, or boats. Globally, up to one-third of individuals are highly susceptible.4 While most cases are mild, an estimated 5–15% of the population experiences severe, recurrent symptoms that can significantly impact quality of life. This severe segment comprises two key groups: those whose illness is inadequately controlled by existing therapeutic options, leaving them with persistent debilitating symptoms despite treatment, and those whose illness is so severe that it leads to avoidance of engaging in motionprovoking activities altogether, resulting in altered travel plans, missed opportunities, or complete abstention from certain modes of transportation or experiences. Tens of millions seek pharmacologic treatment annually, primarily through over-the-counter options, though many patients opt for prescription therapies when escalating care. Motion sickness arises from a sensory conflict between visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive inputs, triggering the release of substance P and activation of NK-1 receptors in the central nervous system, leading to nausea and vomiting. Nereus's mechanism of action—potent and selective antagonism of NK-1 receptors—directly addresses this pathway.

The approval of Nereus for the prevention of vomiting induced by motion validates its pharmacological profile and paves the way for further exploration of NK-1 antagonism in related vomit-inducing conditions. Vanda is advancing tradipitant in clinical development for gastroparesis, a chronic disorder characterized by delayed gastric emptying and persistent nausea/vomiting, as well as for the prevention of nausea and vomiting induced by GLP-1 receptor agonists—a common side effect impacting adherence in the rapidly growing obesity and diabetes treatment landscape.

Vanda anticipates launching Nereus for the prevention of vomiting induced by motion in the coming months and remains committed to expanding its therapeutic potential across indications driven by substance P-mediated pathways.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tradipitant

FDA Approves Nereus (tradipitant) for the Prevention of Motion Sickness

FDA Approves Zycubo (copper histidinate) for Children With Menkes Disease

Sentynl Therapeutics Inc. (“Sentynl”), a U.S.-based biopharmaceutical company wholly-owned by Zydus Lifesciences Limited (“Zydus Group”), announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) has approved Zycubo® (copper histidinate) for the treatment of Menkes disease in pediatric patients. This is the first and only treatment approved for Menkes disease, a rare and fatal genetic condition, in the United States. Zycubo® is not indicated for the treatment of Occipital Horn Syndrome.

“Approval is a pivotal step towards achieving our goal of making a meaningful impact on patients, caregivers, and the rare disease community,” said Dr. Sharvil P. Patel, Managing Director, Zydus Lifesciences Limited. “This milestone marks a transformative moment for the Zydus Group and for families affected by Menkes disease. For the first time, patients have access to an approved therapy, offering hope where no options existed. We are proud to advance patient care and deliver innovative solutions to those who need them most.”

Menkes disease is a rare X-linked recessive pediatric disease caused by mutations of the copper transporter ATP7A encoded by the ATP7A gene. Patients with Menkes disease are born with the inability to absorb dietary copper and subsequently have impaired copper transport across the blood-brain barrier, and, until now, there has been no approved treatment in the United States. Zycubo® is a subcutaneous injectable formulation of copper histidinate that restores copper homeostasis and maintains copper levels in patients with Menkes disease.

“Menkes disease presents significant challenges for patients and their families. With no known cure, most untreated patients do not survive beyond three years of age,” said Matt Heck, CEO, Sentynl. “FDA’s approval serves as compelling affirmation that a safe and effective therapy is now available for patients living with this devastating disease.”

The approval is supported by positive topline clinical efficacy results for Zycubo, demonstrating statistically significant improvement in overall survival for Menkes disease subjects who received early treatment (“ET”) with Zycubo, compared to an untreated contemporaneous external control cohort, with a nearly 80% reduction in the risk of death. Median overall survival (“OS”) was 177.1 months for Zycubo ET cohort compared to 17.6 months for the untreated contemporaneous external control cohort.

The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥7%) were pneumonia, viral infection, respiratory failure, seizure, bacterial infection, hemorrhage, hypotension, vomiting, tachycardia, pyrexia, volume depletion, fracture, dyspnea, transaminases elevation, diarrhea, fungal infection, anemia, and local administration reaction.

“This milestone represents the culmination of decades of research into better understanding and ultimately finding an effective treatment for Menkes disease,” said Dr. Stephen Kaler, a clinical genetics and genomics specialist at the Columbia University Medical Center. “Increased awareness of Menkes disease and rapid testing upon suspicion are critical, as beginning copper histidinate therapy in affected neonates has been shown to reduce symptoms and prolong life.”

Acquired from Cyprium Therapeutics in 2023, Sentynl has advanced Zycubo through the final stages of development with the FDA based on positive results from pivotal studies, receiving Breakthrough Therapy, Fast Track, Rare Pediatric Disease, and the FDA Orphan Drug Designations. Copper histidinate has also been granted Orphan Designation by the European Medicines Agency.

ttps://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ae/Copper_histidinate_v2.svg/250px-Copper_histidinate_v2.svg.png

FDA Approves Zycubo (copper histidinate) for Children With Menkes Disease

FDA Approves Zycubo (copper histidinate) for Children With Menkes Disease

Sentynl Therapeutics Inc. (“Sentynl”), a U.S.-based biopharmaceutical company wholly-owned by Zydus Lifesciences Limited (“Zydus Group”), announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) has approved Zycubo® (copper histidinate) for the treatment of Menkes disease in pediatric patients. This is the first and only treatment approved for Menkes disease, a rare and fatal genetic condition, in the United States. Zycubo® is not indicated for the treatment of Occipital Horn Syndrome.

“Approval is a pivotal step towards achieving our goal of making a meaningful impact on patients, caregivers, and the rare disease community,” said Dr. Sharvil P. Patel, Managing Director, Zydus Lifesciences Limited. “This milestone marks a transformative moment for the Zydus Group and for families affected by Menkes disease. For the first time, patients have access to an approved therapy, offering hope where no options existed. We are proud to advance patient care and deliver innovative solutions to those who need them most.”

Menkes disease is a rare X-linked recessive pediatric disease caused by mutations of the copper transporter ATP7A encoded by the ATP7A gene. Patients with Menkes disease are born with the inability to absorb dietary copper and subsequently have impaired copper transport across the blood-brain barrier, and, until now, there has been no approved treatment in the United States. Zycubo® is a subcutaneous injectable formulation of copper histidinate that restores copper homeostasis and maintains copper levels in patients with Menkes disease.

“Menkes disease presents significant challenges for patients and their families. With no known cure, most untreated patients do not survive beyond three years of age,” said Matt Heck, CEO, Sentynl. “FDA’s approval serves as compelling affirmation that a safe and effective therapy is now available for patients living with this devastating disease.”

The approval is supported by positive topline clinical efficacy results for Zycubo, demonstrating statistically significant improvement in overall survival for Menkes disease subjects who received early treatment (“ET”) with Zycubo, compared to an untreated contemporaneous external control cohort, with a nearly 80% reduction in the risk of death. Median overall survival (“OS”) was 177.1 months for Zycubo ET cohort compared to 17.6 months for the untreated contemporaneous external control cohort.

The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥7%) were pneumonia, viral infection, respiratory failure, seizure, bacterial infection, hemorrhage, hypotension, vomiting, tachycardia, pyrexia, volume depletion, fracture, dyspnea, transaminases elevation, diarrhea, fungal infection, anemia, and local administration reaction.

“This milestone represents the culmination of decades of research into better understanding and ultimately finding an effective treatment for Menkes disease,” said Dr. Stephen Kaler, a clinical genetics and genomics specialist at the Columbia University Medical Center. “Increased awareness of Menkes disease and rapid testing upon suspicion are critical, as beginning copper histidinate therapy in affected neonates has been shown to reduce symptoms and prolong life.”

Acquired from Cyprium Therapeutics in 2023, Sentynl has advanced Zycubo through the final stages of development with the FDA based on positive results from pivotal studies, receiving Breakthrough Therapy, Fast Track, Rare Pediatric Disease, and the FDA Orphan Drug Designations. Copper histidinate has also been granted Orphan Designation by the European Medicines Agency.

FDA Approves Zycubo (copper histidinate) for Children With Menkes Disease

FDA Approves Yuvezzi (carbachol and brimonidine tartrate) Ophthalmic Solution to Treat Presbyopia

Tenpoint Therapeutics, Ltd., a global, commercial biotechnology company focused on developing groundbreaking treatments to improve vision in the aging eye, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Yuvezzi (carbachol and brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution) 2.75%/0.1%, previously known as Brimochol™ PF, the first and only dual-agent eye drop for the treatment of presbyopia in adults. Presbyopia, the gradual loss of near vision that typically begins around age 45, affects about two billion people globally and 128 million people in the U.S.3,4,5 Yuvezzi is expected to be broadly commercially available in the U.S. in Q2 2026.

Carbachol

brimonidine 

Yuvezzi (carbachol and brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution) 2.75%/0.1% isthe only dual-agent presbyopia-correcting eye drop intentionally designed to deliver durability, tolerability, and safety

Yuvezzi was studied in two pivotal Phase 3 trials enrolling more than 800 patients, including the world’s largest and longest safety study for presbyopia eye drops1,2

Yuvezzi achieves miosis from 30-minutes up to 10 hours with one drop daily1

The FDA approval of Yuvezzi is based on positive data from two Phase 3 studies. The Phase 3 BRIO I study demonstrated a superior benefit of the combination therapy over the individual actives – a requirement for FDA approval of a fixed-dose combination.1 In the second Phase 3 study, BRIO II, which was vehicle-controlled, Yuvezzi achieved all primary near vision improvement endpoints with statistically significant three-lines or greater improvement in binocular uncorrected near visual acuity (BUNVA) over 8 hours, without the loss of one line or more in binocular uncorrected distance visual acuity (BUDVA).2 In addition, Yuvezzi was well-tolerated with no treatment-related serious adverse events observed in the more than 72,000 treatment days monitored in BRIO II, the longest safety study (12 months) conducted in presbyopia to-date.2 The most common side effects of Yuvezzi are headache, impaired vision and temporary eye pain or eye irritation.6

Eye redness was not a commonly reported side effect in clinical trials of Yuvezzi. In BRIO I and BRIO II the reports of adverse events of ocular hyperemia (eye redness) were low.1,2 In BRIO II, the rate of reported adverse events of ocular hyperemia (eye redness) was lower in subjects receiving Yuvezzi (2.8%) than carbochol alone (10.7%).2

“The FDA approval of Yuvezzi represents a significant milestone for the millions of people in the U.S. living with presbyopia and its daily frustrations and challenges,” said Henric Bjarke, Chief Executive Officer of Tenpoint Therapeutics. “As the first FDA-approved dual-agent eye drop for presbyopia, Yuvezzi leverages the mechanisms of carbachol and brimonidine tartrate to deliver sharp near vision with favorable tolerability. People deserve treatments that not only work but also can fit conveniently into their daily lives, and Yuvezzi brings an innovative new option to the presbyopia category. This approval marks the first groundbreaking therapy for Tenpoint Therapeutics aimed at advancing our mission to bring innovation to the aging eye.”

“The impact of presbyopia is often underestimated, and current solutions like glasses, contacts or surgery have fallen short in meeting the real-world needs of people who struggle with close-up tasks,” said John Hovanesian, M.D., FACS, of Harvard Eye Associates in Laguna Hills, California. “Yuvezzi introduces a novel approach by combining carbachol and brimonidine tartrate in a single daily eye drop that sharpens near vision and maintains tolerability throughout the day. Yuvezzi was intentionally designed to deliver both efficacy and tolerability, which represents an important step forward in delivering a complete, noninvasive option for people with presbyopia.”

“Presbyopia remains a universal and progressive condition that requires individualized management strategies,” said Mile Brujic, OD, FAAO, of Premier Vision Group in Bowling Green, Ohio. “I’m excited that I will be able to offer my patients YuvezziTM, the first-of-its-kind eye drop well-suited for long-term use. For people seeking a reliable, lifestyle-friendly solution to manage their near vision challenges in aging eyes, Yuvezzi is a valuable and practical advancement.”

“We’ve been working diligently to bring Yuvezzi to the eye care community and to the millions of adults looking for the optimal solution to address their frustration with presbyopia,” said Carol Kearney, Chief Commercial Officer of Tenpoint Therapeutics. “It was important to us that we provide an option that fits seamlessly into active, social and professional lifestyles, and we intentionally designed Yuvezzi to offer the right balance of efficacy, tolerability and ease of use.”

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbachol

https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00484

FDA Approves Yuvezzi (carbachol and brimonidine tartrate) Ophthalmic Solution to Treat Presbyopia