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

FDA Approves Lynavoy (linerixibat) for Cholestatic Pruritus in Patients with Primary Biliary Cholangitis

GSK  announced   the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)  approval of  Lynavoy (linerixibat) for the treatment of cholestatic pruritus in adult patients with PBC. Lynavoy, an ileal bile acid transporter (IBAT) inhibitor that reduces multiple drivers of chronic itch, is the first medicine approved in the US for this indication.5

Lynavoy, an ileal bile acid transporter (IBAT) inhibitor, is the first medicine approved in the US for the treatment of cholestatic pruritus in patients with PBC

Up to 89% of people living with PBC experience cholestatic pruritus, an internal itch with a debilitating impact on quality of life1-4

Approval based on the positive GLISTEN phase III trial with regulatory reviews underway in the EU, UK, Canada and China

GSK previously announced on 9 March a licence agreement under which Alfasigma S.p.A. will acquire worldwide exclusive rights to develop, manufacture and commercialise linerixibat. This transaction is ongoing and is subject to customary conditions, including applicable regulatory agency clearances such as under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act in the US.

Cholestatic pruritus is an internal itch experienced by up to 89% of people living with PBC, a rare autoimmune disease that can lead to liver failure.1-4 It is a serious condition that can be debilitating, with patients experiencing sleep disturbance, fatigue, impaired quality of life and even sometimes requiring liver transplantation in the absence of liver failure

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

FDA Approves Lynavoy (linerixibat) for Cholestatic Pruritus in Patients with Primary Biliary Cholangitis

FDA Approves Rhapsido (remibrutinib) for the Treatment of Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria

Novartis announced today that Rhapsido (remibrutinib) received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval as an oral treatment for adult patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) who remain symptomatic despite H1 antihistamine treatment. Rhapsido is a pill taken twice daily and does not require injections or lab monitoring. It is the first FDA-approved Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor (BTKi) for CSU. Rhapsido helps to inhibit the release of histamine and other proinflammatory mediators by targeting BTK, offering a unique approach to CSU treatment.

"CSU is a serious disease that can cause debilitating symptoms and unpredictable flares. It's difficult to diagnose and manage," said Mark Lebwohl, MD, Dean for Clinical Therapeutics at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and member of the steering committee for the remibrutinib REMIX Phase III clinical trial program. "Remibrutinib represents a new way of treating CSU. By blocking the activity of BTK, remibrutinib stops a key pathway of the immune response in CSU. This is an exciting new option that has the potential to help a broad range of patients get fast relief."

CSU is a mast cell-driven condition thought to be caused by immune dysregulation. In people with CSU, the immune system can become activated through allergic (IgE) or autoimmune (IgG) pathways.4 This causes certain immune cells—mast cells and basophils—to activate the BTK protein. While not fully understood, it is believed that once activated, BTK leads to the release of histamine and other proinflammatory mediators that may cause the red, swollen, and itchy hives commonly seen in CSU.5,6

CSU symptoms are unpredictable, recurring for six weeks or more without an identified cause.7 Diagnosis can take up to 24 months.8 Many CSU patients say their symptoms negatively impact their sleep, work, and mental health.9,10,11 Antihistamines are the first-line treatment, but over half of patients still have symptoms, even at higher doses.2 Injectable treatments exist for those who don't respond to antihistamines, yet fewer than 20% of eligible patients receive them.12

"The approval of remibrutinib is an important development in CSU care. It quickly reduces symptoms, offering patients control of the hives and itching that they experience on a daily basis," said Giselle Mosnaim, MD, MS, an Allergist and Immunologist from Endeavor Health, Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and REMIX trial investigator. "This is significant because it expands beyond existing injectable treatments and gives patients an oral option that can easily be incorporated into their daily lives."

"Many CSU patients feel misunderstood and settle for treatments that don't fully meet their needs," said Lynda Mitchell, CEO of Allergy & Asthma Network. "We support new treatment options that empower patients to choose what works best for them. This convenient new oral therapy offers a promising new way to manage CSU and potentially improve daily life for those living with this challenging condition."

Clinical data supporting approval

The FDA approval of Rhapsido in CSU is based on results from the Phase III REMIX-1 (NCT05030311) and REMIX-2 (NCT05032157) clinical trials in patients who remained symptomatic on second-generation H1 antihistamines. Rhapsido demonstrated superiority in change from baseline versus placebo in itch (ISS7), hives (HSS7), and weekly urticaria activity (UAS7) at Week 12.13 Significantly more patients treated with Rhapsido versus placebo achieved well-controlled disease (UAS7≤6) as early as Week 2 and at Week 12, and about one-third of patients achieved complete absence of itch and hives at Week 12.13 Rhapsido has a demonstrated safety profile that requires no lab monitoring.13 The most common adverse events (incidence ≥3%) were nasal congestion, sore throat, and runny nose (nasopharyngitis), bleeding, headache, nausea, and abdominal pain.13

Novartis has completed regulatory submissions for Rhapsido for the treatment of CSU across many countries, including in the European Union, Japan, and China, with priority review granted in China.

Transforming care in Immunology

"This approval of Rhapsido as the first and only BTK inhibitor in CSU is an important milestone in our journey to reshape care for overlooked immune-related conditions and offer more patients the potential to find fast relief," said Victor Bultó, President, US, Novartis. "Building on our legacy in advancing the treatment of allergic, dermatologic, and rheumatologic conditions, we are deeply committed to further investing in innovative, patient-focused therapies across immunology."

Discovered and developed by Novartis to target the BTK pathway as a driver of inflammation, remibrutinib is being investigated in ongoing clinical trials across a variety of immune-related conditions, including chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU), hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), and food allergy.

Rhapsido (remibrutinib) Indication

Rhapsido is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) who continue to have symptoms that are not controlled with antihistamine treatment. Rhapsido should not be used to treat any other forms of hives (urticaria). It is not known if Rhapsido is safe and effective in children.

Rhapsido Important Safety Information

Before taking Rhapsido, patients should tell their health care provider about all of their medical conditions, including if they:

Have had a recent surgery or plan to have surgery. Health care providers may tell patients to stop taking Rhapsido for at least 3 to 7 days before and after any planned medical or surgical procedures

Have bleeding problems or are taking a blood thinner medicine

Have liver problems

Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if Rhapsido will harm an unborn baby. If patients become pregnant during treatment with Rhapsido, they should talk to their health care provider about registering in the pregnancy exposure registry for Rhapsido

Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if Rhapsido passes into breast milk

Have recently received or are scheduled to receive an immunization (vaccine). Patients should talk to their health care provider about receiving any immunizations before taking Rhapsido. They should not receive live or live-attenuated vaccines during treatment with Rhapsido

Patients should tell their health care provider about all the medicines they take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Taking Rhapsido with certain other medications may affect how Rhapsido or other medications work, and can cause side effects.

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

FDA Approves Rhapsido (remibrutinib) for the Treatment of Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria

FDA Approves Foundayo (orforglipron), the Only GLP-1 Pill for Weight Loss That Can be Taken Any Time of Day Without Food or Water Restrictions

Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY)  announced the FDA approval of   Foundayo™ (orforglipron) for adults with obesity, or overweight with weight-related medical problems. When used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, Foundayo helps individuals lose excess body weight and keep the weight off. Foundayo will be available via LillyDirect®, with prescriptions accepted immediately and shipping beginning April 6, followed shortly after by broad availability through U.S. retail pharmacies and telehealth providers.

Adults taking Foundayo lost an average of 27 pounds on the highest dose in the ATTAIN-1 clinical trial1

Foundayo, Lilly's second FDA-approved obesity medicine, will be available via LillyDirect® with free home delivery, starting at $25 per month with commercial coverage and $149 for self-pay

"People living with obesity need treatment options that meet them where they are – and for many, a once-daily pill that can be taken with no food or water restrictions can offer them greater flexibility in how they approach their treatment," said Deborah Horn, DO, director of the Center for Obesity Medicine at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. "With Foundayo, we now have an oral option that delivered an average of 12.4% weight loss at the highest dose in clinical trials – addressing both the clinical realities of obesity and the practical challenges patients face every day."

Supported by the rigorous ATTAIN clinical trial program, Foundayo was proven to help people lose weight and keep it off. In the ATTAIN-1 trial, individuals taking the highest dose of Foundayo and who stayed on treatment lost an average of 27.3 pounds (12.4%) compared to 2.2 pounds (0.9%) with placebo.1 Participants taking Foundayo, regardless of trial completion, lost an average of 25 pounds (11.1%), compared to 5.3 pounds (2.1%) with placebo.2 In the ATTAIN program, Foundayo also led to reductions in many markers of cardiovascular risk, including waist circumference, non-HDL cholesterol, triglycerides and systolic blood pressure across all doses.

"Today, fewer than 1 in 10 people who could benefit from a GLP-1 are taking one, held back by access, stigma, perceived complexity or the belief that their condition isn't serious enough for treatment. We believe Foundayo can help level the playing field for those living with obesity or who are overweight and living with weight-related complications," said David A. Ricks, chair and CEO of Eli Lilly and Company. "As a convenient, once-daily oral pill that delivers meaningful weight loss, this is obesity care designed for the real world."

Lilly is committed to making Foundayo accessible and affordable. Eligible people with commercial insurance may pay as little as $25 per month with the Foundayo savings card.3 Individuals opting for self-pay can access Foundayo starting at $149 per month for the lowest dose. Additionally, eligible Medicare Part D individuals may be able to get Foundayo for $50 per month, beginning as soon as July 1, 2026.

Use of Foundayo with other GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines is not recommended. It is not known whether Foundayo is safe and effective for use in children. Foundayo may cause tumors in the thyroid, including thyroid cancer. Watch for possible symptoms, such as a lump or swelling in the neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing or shortness of breath. If you have any of these symptoms, tell your health care provider. The most common side effects of Foundayo include nausea, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, indigestion, stomach (abdominal) pain, headache, swollen belly, feeling tired, belching, heartburn, gas, and hair loss. These are not all the possible side effects of Foundayo.

"There is no single path that works for everyone living with overweight or obesity," said Joe Nadglowski, president and CEO of the Obesity Action Coalition. "New treatment options expand choice and help more people find care that fits their lives, their goals and where they are in their journey – whether they're just starting to explore treatment or looking for a different long-term approach."

Lilly has submitted orforglipron for weight management and/or type 2 diabetes in more than 40 countries and plans to launch in each country shortly after approval

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

More: 

FDA Approves Foundayo (orforglipron), the Only GLP-1 Pill for Weight Loss That Can be Taken Any Time of Day Without Food or Water Restrictions

FDA Approves Jascayd (nerandomilast) to Treat Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Boehringer Ingelheim’s Jascayd (nerandomilast) tablets has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an oral treatment option for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in adult patients.2 Jascayd is the first and only preferential inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B) to be approved in this indication. This represents a novel mechanism of action that exerts both antifibrotic and immunomodulatory effects, thereby slowing the decline in lung function in IPF patients.2,3

“This milestone represents a new era in the treatment of IPF, a rare and debilitating chronic condition that worsens lung function. Nerandomilast has proven to slow lung function decline in IPF,” said Toby Maher, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Clinical Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, USC Los Angeles. “Nerandomilast is a welcome new treatment option with a well-tolerated safety profile for physicians to consider for appropriate patients.”

The FDA approval is based on data from two clinical trials: FIBRONEER™-IPF (NCT05321069) and Trial 2 (NCT04419506). The primary endpoint in FIBRONEER™-IPF was the absolute change from baseline in Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), a measure of lung function,4 in mL at week 52.2,3 Nerandomilast demonstrated a significantly smaller FVC decline compared to placebo.2,3 Specifically, the adjusted mean decline in patients receiving 18 mg or 9 mg nerandomilast was -106 mL and -122 mL, respectively, versus -170 mL in the placebo group.2 Additionally, a treatment effect was shown as early as week two with nerandomilast 18 mg compared to placebo, with changes from baseline in FVC continuing to diverge over time to week 52.2,3

“The FDA approval of nerandomilast is a pivotal moment for people living with IPF as this marks the first time in over 10 years that the treatment landscape is evolving,” said Shashank Deshpande, Chairman of the Board of Managing Directors and Head of Human Pharma at Boehringer Ingelheim. “This new step forward, driven by the compelling results of the FIBRONEER™-IPF trial, underscores our unwavering commitment to change the way we treat IPF by delivering innovative therapies like nerandomilast.”

The most common (≥5%) adverse reactions reported in patients treated with nerandomilast and more frequently than the placebo group were as follows for nerandomilast 18 mg, 9 mg and placebo, respectively: diarrhea (42%, 31%, 17%), COVID-19 (13%, 16%, 12%), upper respiratory tract infection (13%, 11%, 10%), depression (12%, 11%, 10%), weight decreased (11%, 10%, 8%), decreased appetite (9%, 9%, 5%), nausea (8%, 9%, 7%), fatigue (7%, 8%, 6%), headache (7%, 6%, 5%), vomiting (6%, 5%, 5%), back pain (6%, 5%, 4%) and dizziness (5%, 6%, 5%).2

Discontinuation due to adverse reactions occurred more frequently in patients treated with nerandomilast (with or without background antifibrotic treatment) 18 mg (15%) and 9 mg (12%) compared to placebo (11%).2 The most frequent adverse reaction leading to discontinuation of nerandomilast 18 mg and 9 mg was diarrhea (6% and 2%, respectively).2

There is no ‘Warnings and Precautions’ section in the FDA approved product label.2

“The FDA approval of nerandomilast is exciting news for people living with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and their caregivers,” said Scott Staszak, President and CEO of the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. “There has been a long-standing need for new treatment options for IPF within our community and nerandomilast provides an important addition to the care landscape.”

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

FDA Approves Jascayd (nerandomilast) to Treat Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

FDA Approves Ferabright (ferumoxytol injection) Contrast Agent for Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Brain

Azurity Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)  approval of  Ferabright (ferumoxytol injection), the first and only iron-based contrast agent indicated for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain in adults with known or suspected malignant neoplasms in the brain to visualize lesions with a disrupted blood-brain barrier.1

“Ferabright is an advanced superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle contrast agent engineered for high relaxivity,” said Ronald Scarboro, CEO of Azurity Pharmaceuticals. “It significantly enhances image contrast and precision in brain tumor delineation compared to non-contrast MRI, offering clinicians a new tool for diagnostic imaging and improved patient care.”

In a clinical trial, Ferabright-enhanced MRI significantly improved visualization of primary and secondary brain neoplasms compared with pre-contrast imaging.1 In addition to improved imaging, Ferabright offers an extended imaging window due to its long half-life, which may support flexible MRI protocols without the need for multiple contrast administrations.1 As an iron-based agent, Ferabright is processed through the body’s natural iron metabolism pathways,3,6,7 potentially reducing concerns related to long-term retention associated with other contrast agents.2,8 And unlike many other agents, Ferabright is suitable for patients with renal insufficiency,2,3,4 enabling access to contrast-enhanced MRI while reducing exposure to heavy metals found in other contrast agents.5

“Ferumoxytol expands our MRI toolkit and provides an option for patients who are either contraindicated for or decline gadolinium,” said Csanad Varallyay, MD, PhD, Neuroradiologist based in Portland, Oregon, with longstanding research experience in ferumoxytol-enhanced MRI.

Ferabright will be supplied in single-dose vials of 300 mg elemental iron per 10 mL (30 mg/mL) and 510 mg elemental iron per 17 mL (30 mg/mL) for intravenous infusion over at least 15 minutes.1 Ferabright is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to ferumoxytol, any of Ferabright’s components, or any other intravenous iron products. Reactions have included anaphylaxis.1

https://www.chemicalbook.com/ChemicalProductProperty_EN_CB92493638.htm

FDA Approves Ferabright (ferumoxytol injection) Contrast Agent for Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Brain

FDA Approves Tepylute (thiotepa) Ready-to-Dilute Injectable Formulation to Treat Breast Cancer and Ovarian Cancer

Shorla Oncology (‘Shorla’), a U.S.-Ireland specialty pharmaceutical company, announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the company’s New Drug Application (NDA) for Tepylute, a ready-to-dilute formulation to treat breast and ovarian cancer in an easier to prepare, injectable product that enables dosing accuracy.

Shorla Oncology (‘Shorla’), a U.S.-Ireland specialty pharmaceutical company, announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the company’s New Drug Application (NDA) for Tepylute, a ready-to-dilute formulation to treat breast and ovarian cancer in an easier to prepare, injectable product that enables dosing accuracy.1

‘’This approval fulfills an unmet need by addressing the shortcomings and handling complexities of the current lyophilized powder formulation,” said Sharon Cunningham, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Shorla Oncology. “We have taken a vital oncology drug and made it easier for oncology clinics and hospitals to use, while also reducing medical personnel exposure to a hazardous drug.”

Tepylute, formerly SH-105, is the third FDA-approved drug for Shorla, and a significant milestone for the company as it seeks approval for several cancer-fighting drugs for the U.S. market.

“The approval of Tepylute represents an important milestone for Shorla as our first in-house developed NDA,” said Orlaith Ryan, Chief Technical Officer and Co-Founder of Shorla Oncology.

Tepylute is a liquid form of a well-established, standard of care oncology drug, thiotepa. The new formulation eliminates the need for complex and time-consuming reconstitution. It provides consistent dosing accuracy and allows for “just in time” preparation.2

“Among Tepylute’s many benefits, it removes the necessity to reconstitute which can introduce additional risks of drug preparation errors,” emphasized Rayna Herman, Chief Commercial Officer. “We look forward to providing an update on our launch plans for Tepylute in the near future.”

The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 300,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S in 2024.3 About 19,680 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the United States.4

Shorla Oncology is currently marketing two products with a robust pipeline including SH-201, the first palatable oral liquid treatment for certain forms of leukemia and other cancers. In April, the company announced the FDA had accepted SH-201 for an NDA review with an expected action date of November 30, 2024.

‘’This approval fulfills an unmet need by addressing the shortcomings and handling complexities of the current lyophilized powder formulation,” said Sharon Cunningham, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Shorla Oncology. “We have taken a vital oncology drug and made it easier for oncology clinics and hospitals to use, while also reducing medical personnel exposure to a hazardous drug.”

Tepylute, formerly SH-105, is the third FDA-approved drug for Shorla, and a significant milestone for the company as it seeks approval for several cancer-fighting drugs for the U.S. market.

“The approval of Tepylute represents an important milestone for Shorla as our first in-house developed NDA,” said Orlaith Ryan, Chief Technical Officer and Co-Founder of Shorla Oncology.

Tepylute is a liquid form of a well-established, standard of care oncology drug, thiotepa. The new formulation eliminates the need for complex and time-consuming reconstitution. It provides consistent dosing accuracy and allows for “just in time” preparation.2

“Among Tepylute’s many benefits, it removes the necessity to reconstitute which can introduce additional risks of drug preparation errors,” emphasized Rayna Herman, Chief Commercial Officer. “We look forward to providing an update on our launch plans for Tepylute in the near future.”

The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 300,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S in 2024.3 About 19,680 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the United States.4

Shorla Oncology is currently marketing two products with a robust pipeline including SH-201, the first palatable oral liquid treatment for certain forms of leukemia and other cancers. In April, the company announced the FDA had accepted SH-201 for an NDA review with an expected action date of November 30, 2024.

FDA Approves Tepylute (thiotepa) Ready-to-Dilute Injectable Formulation to Treat Breast Cancer and Ovarian Cancer