Tuesday, July 28, 2026
FDA Approves Komzifti (ziftomenib) for the Treatment of Adults with Relapsed or Refractory NPM1-Mutated Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Friday, July 24, 2026
FDA Approves Cardamyst (etripamil) Nasal Spray for Adults with Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia
Thursday, July 23, 2026
FDA Approves Nuzolvence (zoliflodacin) for the Treatment of Uncomplicated Urogenital Gonorrhea in Adults and Adolescents
Innoviva Specialty Therapeutics, a subsidiary of Innoviva, Inc. (NASDAQ: INVA), announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of Nuzolvence (zoliflodacin) for oral suspension, a first-in-class, single-dose oral medication for the treatment of uncomplicated urogenital gonorrhea in adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older weighing at least 35 kg. The development of Nuzolvence was part of a private, not-for-profit collaboration with The Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP), which sponsored and led the Phase 3 clinical trial that supported FDA approval.
“The FDA’s approval of Nuzolvence marks a pivotal moment for patients and the broader healthcare community managing gonorrhea infections. For the first time in decades, both patients and their healthcare providers will have a single-dose, oral treatment option for uncomplicated urogenital gonorrhea,” said David Altarac, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Innoviva Specialty Therapeutics. “This achievement underscores our commitment to advancing innovative therapies for infectious diseases and fighting antimicrobial resistance. It highlights the strength of our development capabilities, as well as our collaboration with GARDP and the global scientific community.”
Gonorrhea is the second most common sexually transmitted bacterial infection worldwide, with more than 82 million new cases each year. In the United States alone, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that over 543,000 cases are reported each year and over 1 million incident cases occur annually,3 underscoring the significant public health impact. The highest rates are seen among sexually active men ages 20-24, though anyone who has unprotected sex can be at risk.4 Without timely treatment, gonorrhea can lead to serious and potentially permanent health complications.
"The decades-long absence of new gonorrhea treatments, combined with rising global antibiotic resistance, has created significant challenges in managing this common but potentially serious sexually transmitted infection," said Edward W. Hook III, M.D., Professor Emeritus of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and lead investigator of the Phase 3 Nuzolvence trial. “In the pivotal Phase 3 study, Nuzolvence demonstrated non-inferiority compared to the current standard injectable therapy, including in infections caused by drug-resistant strains, while offering the convenience of a single oral dose.”
“A new antibiotic that does not require injection and can be used for patients who are allergic to penicillin or related drugs meets two important unmet needs in the treatment of gonorrhea,” added Dr. Hook.
The emergence and spread of global drug-resistant infections have led the World Health Organization (WHO) to identify antimicrobial resistance as one of the 10 most critical global health threats.5 The bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae has developed resistance to most classes of antibiotics used to treat these infections, including cephalosporins such as ceftriaxone, an injectable treatment, which is the currently recommended first line therapy for uncomplicated urogenital gonorrhea.
The Company plans to commercialize Nuzolvence in the second half of 2026, either in collaboration with a commercialization partner or independently.
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
FDA Approves Myqorzo (aficamten) for the Treatment of Adults with Symptomatic Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
FDA Approves Aqvesme (mitapivat) for the Treatment of Anemia in Adults with Alpha- or Beta-Thalassemia
Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: AGIO), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on delivering innovative medicines for patients with rare diseases, announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of Aqvesme (mitapivat), an oral pyruvate kinase (PK) activator, for the treatment of anemia in adults with alpha- or beta-thalassemia. With this approved indication, Aqvesme becomes the only FDA-approved medicine for anemia in both non-transfusion-dependent and transfusion-dependent alpha- or beta-thalassemia.
“Thalassemia is a debilitating disease that demands lifelong management and vigilant monitoring for many life-threatening complications, such as blood clots, heart disease, and liver disease. Despite its severity, treatments have historically been limited, leaving some patients without any options,” said Hanny Al-Samkari, M.D., Peggy S. Blitz Endowed Chair in Hematology/Oncology at Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute, Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School, and an investigator for the mitapivat thalassemia Phase 3 clinical program. “The ENERGIZE and ENERGIZE-T Phase 3 trial results demonstrate that Aqvesme can help address anemia, fatigue, and the need for regular transfusions – key challenges of the disease. Today’s FDA approval represents an important step forward for individuals with thalassemia.”
The FDA approval of Aqvesme in thalassemia is based on results from the global, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled ENERGIZE and ENERGIZE-T Phase 3 trials in adults with non-transfusion-dependent and transfusion-dependent alpha- or beta-thalassemia, respectively. A total of 452 patients who are representative of the real-world thalassemia population were enrolled in the trials. The ENERGIZE and ENERGIZE-T Phase 3 trials met all primary and key secondary efficacy endpoints, demonstrating that Aqvesme improves hemolytic anemia and a key quality-of-life measure compared to placebo, including significant reductions in transfusion burden and significant improvements in hemoglobin and fatigue.
“Today is a landmark moment for the thalassemia community, bringing forward an innovative, disease-modifying oral medicine to address the urgent needs of people living with this devastating rare blood disorder,” said Brian Goff, Chief Executive Officer, Agios. “With this approval, Aqvesme becomes the only medicine indicated for the treatment of anemia in both non-transfusion-dependent and transfusion-dependent alpha- or beta-thalassemia. We are deeply grateful to the patients, caregivers, healthcare providers, and advocacy partners who participated in and supported our clinical trials and helped ensure that our efforts reflected their priorities. Our focus now is on ensuring a successful launch and delivering meaningful impact for the community.”
“This year marks 100 years since thalassemia was first described in medical literature, and the progress we’ve made as a community is truly extraordinary,” said Ralph Colasanti, National President, Cooley’s Anemia Foundation. “Innovative medicines like Aqvesme help make this progress possible, offering new hope to patients like me by helping to address the complex needs and challenges of this disease. This approval provides an important new treatment option for the thousands of adults living with thalassemia in the U.S., including those with non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia who previously had no approved alternatives.”
In the ENERGIZE and ENERGIZE-T Phase 3 trials, five patients receiving Aqvesme experienced adverse reactions suggestive of hepatocellular injury (HCI), with two of these patients requiring hospitalization. These adverse reactions occurred within the first six months of exposure, and liver tests improved upon discontinuation of Aqvesme. To mitigate the risk of HCI, Aqvesme is available only through the Aqvesme REMS, a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program approved by the FDA. The Aqvesme REMS program requires liver tests prior to the first Aqvesme dose, every four weeks thereafter for 24 weeks, and then as clinically indicated. It also includes education and certification requirements for patients, prescribing physicians, and pharmacists, which are common components of REMS programs.
Due to the Aqvesme REMS program, mitapivat will be marketed under the brand name Aqvesme in the U.S. for the thalassemia indication. Mitapivat will continue to be marketed as Pyrukynd® (mitapivat) in the U.S. for the PK deficiency indication, which does not require a REMS program. Outside the U.S., mitapivat will continue to be marketed as Pyrukynd for its PK deficiency and thalassemia indications in regions where it is approved, and will retain this name upon approval in regions currently under regulatory review.
Agios expects Aqvesme to be available in the U.S. in late January 2026, following implementation of the Aqvesme REMS program. For more information, visit Aqvesme.com.
Some individuals with thalassemia require regular transfusions (classified as transfusion-dependent thalassemia), while others only need them intermittently (classified as non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia). All patients with thalassemia experience a significant disease burden, including comorbidities, reduced quality of life, and shortened life expectancy.
In the U.S., approximately 6,000 adult patients are diagnosed with thalassemia.
The ENERGIZE trial randomized 194 non-transfusion-dependent alpha- or beta-thalassemia patients 2:1 to receive either mitapivat 100 mg twice daily or placebo. The primary endpoint was hemoglobin response, defined as an increase of ≥1.0 g/dL in average hemoglobin concentration from Week 12 through Week 24 compared with baseline. Key secondary endpoints included changes from baseline in average fatigue scores and in average hemoglobin concentration from Week 12 to Week 24. The trial also assessed safety and tolerability.
The ENERGIZE-T trial randomized 258 transfusion-dependent alpha- or beta-thalassemia patients 2:1 to receive either mitapivat 100 mg twice daily or placebo. The primary endpoint was transfusion reduction response, defined as a ≥50% reduction in transfused red blood cell (RBC) units with a reduction of ≥2 units of RBCs transfused in any consecutive 12-week period through Week 48 compared with baseline. Several transfusion reduction measures were included as key secondary endpoints, and achievement of transfusion independence was a secondary endpoint. The trial also assessed safety and tolerability.
For each trial, patients who completed the double-blind phase had the option to transition into a corresponding open-label extension phase, during which all patients receive mitapivat.
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
FDA Approves Clotic (clotrimazole otic solution), First Treatment with Clinical Evidence for Fungal Ear Infections
In continuation of my update on clotrimazole
Laboratorios Salvat, S.A. ("Salvat") announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Clotic (clotrimazole otic solution), the first and only treatment with clinical evidence specifically indicated for fungal otitis externa (otomycosis).
About Clotic
Clotic is a broad-spectrum otic antimycotic agent containing clotrimazole, an azole antifungal that inhibits fungal enzyme production essential for survival. The medication works by blocking cytochrome P450-dependent enzymes, damaging fungal cell walls and disrupting growth, ultimately causing cell death. This preservative-free formulation is administered as ear drops using innovative Blow-Fill-Seal technology in single-dose vials.
Clotic is indicated for the treatment of fungal otitis externa (otomycosis) in adults 18 years of age and older, specifically targeting infections caused by Aspergillus species and Candida species. The treatment is approved only for patients with intact tympanic membranes.
The FDA approval of Clotic was based on comprehensive clinical data demonstrating well-recognized safety and efficacy in treating pathogenic dermatophytes, yeasts, and several species of fungus affecting the outer ear canal. The approval package included analytical and clinical evidence supporting Clotic's effectiveness as the first clinically proven treatment option for otomycosis.
Clotic is administered twice daily for 14 days, with each single-dose vial (1%/0.17mL) delivering the complete treatment dose. The innovative packaging protects the preservative-free formulation from humidity and contamination while ensuring precise dosing.
The approval of Clotic marks an important milestone in addressing an underserved therapeutic area, offering the first FDA-approved treatment specifically designed and clinically validated for fungal otitis externa in adult patients.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
FDA Approves Linzess (linaclotide) for Children 7 Years and Older with Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Linzess (linaclotide) capsules for pediatric patients 7 years and older with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). Linzess is the first treatment approved for IBS-C in pediatric patients.
Disease or Conditions
IBS-C is a common condition affecting children and adolescents characterized by chronic constipation (which occurs when patients have infrequent bowel movements with hard stools that may be difficult or painful to pass), abdominal pain, and bloating. There is no known underlying organic cause and there are typically multiple contributing factors.
Efficacy
The effectiveness of Linzess to treat IBS-C was established in pediatric patients 7 years and older. Linzess for this indication was supported by extrapolation of efficacy from adequate and well-controlled studies in adults and a 12-week double-blind, randomized, parallel-group trial in pediatric patients 7 to 17 years who met modified Rome III criteria for child/adolescent IBS-C. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients who achieved at least a 30% reduction in abdominal pain and an increase of at least two spontaneous (i.e., naturally occurring) bowel movements per week from baseline for at least 6 weeks of the 12-week treatment period. The efficacy results were consistent with results demonstrated in the adult IBS-C population.
Safety
The safety of Linzess in these clinical studies was similar in adult and pediatric patients. The most common side effect reported in pediatric patients 7 to 17 years with IBS-C was diarrhea. If severe diarrhea occurs, patients should discontinue Linzess and be rehydrated. Patients younger than 2 years can be at risk of serious dehydration and should not take Linzess for any indication, nor should patients with known or suspected mechanical gastrointestinal obstruction (bowel blockage). See the full prescribing information for additional information on risks associated with Linzess.
The recommended dosage for pediatric patients 7 years and older with IBS-C is 145 mcg orally once daily.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linaclotide
Monday, February 16, 2026
FDA Approves Caplyta (lumateperone) as an Adjunctive Therapy for the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in Adults
In continuation of my update on lumateperone
Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of Caplyta® (lumateperone) as an adjunctive therapy with antidepressants for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. The approval – the first under J&J leadership following its acquisition of Intra-Cellular Therapies, Inc. – provides patients with a safe and effective new treatment option that can enable a path to remission. Caplyta® makes it easy to start and stay on treatment without the need for titration. Weight gain and other metabolic side effects that typically lead to discontinuation of care were similar to placebo. This approval marks the fourth indication for Caplyta®, the first and only FDA-approved treatment for bipolar I and II depression in adults, as an adjunctive and monotherapy; also approved for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults.
MDD, or clinical depression, is one of the most common psychiatric disorders, affecting about 22 million American adults.4,5 While oral antidepressants may offer relief for some, 2 in 3 people living with MDD continue to experience residual symptoms despite treatment, significantly impacting their overall quality of life.6 Beyond its toll on patients’ wellbeing, MDD has a substantial economic burden and is the leading cause of disability in the U.S.7
“Depression is a complex disorder that affects each person differently, underscoring the urgent need for a range of effective and well-tolerated treatment options,” said Roger S. McIntyre, M.D., FRCPC, Professor of Psychiatry and Pharmacology, University of Toronto.a “For people who are still experiencing lingering depressive symptoms while on an antidepressant, adding Caplyta® to a patient’s treatment regimen may offer early improvement, with the potential for remission—the ultimate goal of treatment.”
This approval is based on positive results from two Phase 3, global, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials – Study 501 and 502 – which both met their primary and key secondary endpoints, providing statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in depression symptoms compared to an oral antidepressant plus placebo, as measured by Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and Clinical Global Impression Scale-Severity index (CGI-S) total scores.1,2
A large separation in total MADRS score was seen between Caplyta® and placebo in Study 501 (-4.9 points, effect size 0.61) and Study 502 (-4.5 points, effect size 0.56), at six weeks. Separation from placebo was seen as early as one week in Study 501 and two weeks in Study 502. Significant reductions in the key secondary endpoint of mean change in total CGI-S scores from baseline were also demonstrated at six weeks in Study 501 (-0.7 points, effect size 0.67) and Study 502 (-0.5 points, effect size 0.51).1,2
In pivotal trials, the Caplyta® safety profile was consistent with the existing body of clinical data in its schizophrenia and bipolar depression I and II indications. No new safety concerns were identified. Weight gain and metabolic changes (lipid and glucose levels), as well as akathisia and restlessness, were similar to placebo. Reports of sexual side effects were not common. The most common side effects of Caplyta® include sleepiness, dizziness, nausea, dry mouth, feeling tired, and diarrhea.
“Major depressive disorder affects millions of Americans, impacting how a person feels, thinks, and acts,” said Michael Pollock, CEO of Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA). “DBSA believes that all individuals have the right to direct their own treatment, and we understand that for many people, ongoing antidepressant therapy alone may not offer meaningful relief. The introduction of new treatment options, and continued innovation in mental health, has enabled us to reset expectations for living with depression and offers people hope that achieving lasting wellness and remission is possible.”
Long-term data, evidenced by the 503 open-label extension safety study, showed Caplyta® was safe and well tolerated, consistent with the safety profile of Studies 501 and 502. Patients experienced low risk of weight gain, cardiometabolic effects, and extrapyramidal symptoms.8 Caplyta® also demonstrated the potential to help patients achieve remission. During this 26-week safety study, 80% of patients responded to treatment and 65% of patients experienced remission (defined as MADRS Total score ≤ 10) at 6 months.3
Although its exact mechanism of action is unknown, Caplyta® is characterized by high serotonin 5-HT2A receptor occupancy and moderate amounts of dopamine D2 receptor occupancy at therapeutic doses. Caplyta® does not need dose titration, allowing patients to start treatment at the effective dose of 42 mg.8
“Caplyta® has the potential to become a new standard of care across multiple mental health disorders, including major depressive disorder,” said Bill Martin, Ph.D., Global Therapeutic Area Head, Neuroscience, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. “This approval is a testament to our nearly 70-year commitment of bringing innovative and differentiated therapies that redefine treatment expectations—and introduce the possibility of remission—to patients living with some of today’s most prevalent and debilitating mental health conditions.”
This additional FDA approval builds upon the established, robust clinical efficacy and proven real-world safety profile of Caplyta® for the treatment of adults living with schizophrenia and for the treatment of depressive episodes associated with bipolar I or II disorder.
A supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for Caplyta® with long-term data evaluating the safety and efficacy of the medication for the prevention of relapse in schizophrenia was recently submitted to the FDA. The medication is also being studied for other neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders. Caplyta® is not FDA-approved for these disorders.
Friday, February 13, 2026
FDA Approves Zoryve for Atopic Dermatitis in Young Children
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the supplemental new drug application for Zoryve (roflumilast) cream 0.05 percent for the topical treatment of mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis in children 2 to 5 years of age.
The once-daily cream can be used anywhere on the body and for any duration. This approval offers an alternative to steroids.
The approval is based on clinical trials that showed Zoryve cream rapidly improved the severity and extent of eczema signs and symptoms, with approximately 40 percent of children achieving a 75 percent improvement from baseline on the Eczema Area and Severity Index. Additionally, more than one-third of participants (35 percent) achieved clinically meaningful improvement in itch intensity in four weeks.
"Young children are particularly vulnerable to the bothersome symptoms of atopic dermatitis, because their immune system and skin barrier are less developed than those of older children and adults," Korey Capozza, founder and executive director at Global Parents of Eczema Research, said in a statement. "This condition doesn't just affect the child's skin -- it can affect the whole family by causing sleep disruption, emotional distress, and social isolation."
Approval of Zoryve was granted to Arcutis Biotherapeutics.
Saturday, January 31, 2026
FDA Approves Kygevvi (doxecitine and doxribtimine) for the Treatment of Thymidine Kinase 2 Deficiency
UCB (Euronext Brussels: UCB), a global biopharmaceutical company, today announced that Kygevvi has been granted approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of adults and pediatric patients living with thymidine kinase 2 deficiency (TK2d), with an age of symptom onset on or before 12 years.1 It is the first and only approved treatment for these patients living with TK2d.
TK2d is an ultra
-rare, life-threatening, genetic mitochondrial disease characterized by progressive (worsening over time) and severe muscle weakness (myopathy) with no approved treatment options beyond supportive care until now.2,3,4,5 It is often fatal, with those experiencing initial symptoms on or before the age of 12 years facing a high risk of premature death (often occurring within 3 years after symptom onset).6 It is estimated that the worldwide prevalence of TK2d is 1.64 [0.5, 3.1] cases per 1,000,000 people.7
“The approval of doxecitine and doxribtimine represents a pivotal moment for the TK2d community who previously had no FDA-approved treatment options for this rare genetic mitochondrial disease beyond supportive [palliative] care,” said Donatello Crocetta, Chief Medical Officer at UCB. “We extend heartfelt thanks to the patients, families and friends, advocates, healthcare providers and dedicated clinical trial teams who have partnered with us on this important journey.”
“It’s hard to overstate the importance of this FDA approval for those diagnosed with TK2d. This is an ultra-rare disease community in dire need of treatment options. For too long, caregivers and their families have had to endure the burden of this disease," said Kristen Clifford, United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation President and CEO. “Having the first-ever FDA-approved therapy for TK2d in this patient population not only meets a critical medical need - it represents something greater - hope for the future."
“I’ve been studying mitochondrial diseases for more than three decades and have witnessed firsthand the impact TK2d has on patients and their families. We have been waiting for an approved treatment for many years, and this approval marks a significant milestone in how we can support and manage this debilitating condition,” said Dr. Michio Hirano, Professor of Neurology and Chief of the Division of Neuromuscular Medicine at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥5%) are diarrhea, abdominal pain (including abdominal pain upper), vomiting, alanine aminotransferase increased (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase increased (AST).1
A regulatory review of doxecitine and doxribtimine is currently underway by the EMA (European Medicines Agency), and further regulatory submissions are planned. Kygevvi is currently not approved for use in any indication by any regulatory authority outside of the U.S. UCB expects Kygevvi to be commercially available in the U.S. in Q1, 2026. To further its mission of equitable care, UCB will provide a personalized support program for Kygevvi that places the needs of patients and caregivers at the forefront.
In the U.S., Kygevvi received Orphan Drug, Breakthrough, Priority Review and Rare Pediatric Disease designations from the FDA.12,13 With this approval by FDA, UCB was awarded a Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher (RPDPRV) redeemable for a priority review for a future marketing application.
About Kygevvi
Kygevvi is a combination of doxecitine and doxribtimine, both pyrimidine nucleosides, indicated for the treatment of thymidine kinase 2 deficiency (TK2d) in adults and pediatric patients with an age of symptom onset on or before 12 years.1 Administration of Kygevvi is intended to incorporate the pyrimidine nucleosides, deoxycytidine and deoxythymidine, into skeletal muscle mitochondrial DNA.1 This action restores mitochondrial DNA copy number in TK2d mutant mice.1
Important safety information for Kygevvi1
Increase in Liver Transaminases
Elevated liver transaminase [alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and/or aspartate aminotransferase (AST)] levels were reported in patients treated with Kygevvi. Obtain baseline liver transaminase (ALT, AST) and total bilirubin levels in patients prior to treatment initiation with Kygevvi. If signs or symptoms consistent with liver injury are observed, interrupt treatment with Kygevvi until liver transaminase (ALT, AST) and total bilirubin levels have either returned to baseline or stabilized at a new baseline value. Consider permanently discontinuing Kygevvi if signs or symptoms consistent with liver injury persist or worsen. Monitor liver transaminases and total bilirubin levels yearly and as clinically indicated.
Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions
Diarrhea and vomiting leading to hospitalization, dose reduction, and permanent discontinuation were reported in patients treated with Kygevvi. Based on the severity of the diarrhea and/or vomiting, reduce the dosage of Kygevvi or interrupt treatment until diarrhea and/or vomiting improves or returns to baseline. Consider restarting Kygevvi at the last tolerated dose, and increase the dose as tolerated. For persistent or recurring diarrhea and/or vomiting, consider discontinuing Kygevvi permanently and provide supportive care with electrolyte repletion as clinically indicated.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doxecitine/doxribtimine