Showing posts with label FDA approval. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FDA approval. Show all posts

Thursday, March 14, 2024

FDA Approves Daybue (trofinetide) for the Treatment of Rett Syndrome

In continuation of my update on trofinetide

Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq: ACAD)  announced  the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)  approval of  Daybue (trofinetide) for the treatment of Rett syndrome in adult and pediatric patients two years of age and older. Daybue is the first and only drug approved for the treatment of Rett syndrome.

“Today marks an important milestone for the Rett community and Acadia. As the first FDA-approved drug for the treatment of Rett syndrome, Daybue now offers the potential to make meaningful differences in the lives of patients and their families who have lacked options to treat the diverse and debilitating array of symptoms caused by Rett syndrome,” said Steve Davis, Acadia’s Chief Executive Officer. “We are grateful to all of the Rett syndrome patients, caregivers, clinical investigators and our employees who have contributed to making today a reality and look forward to getting Daybue to patients as quickly as possible.”

“Rett syndrome is a profoundly debilitating and complex, rare, neurodevelopmental disorder that presents differently across patients and can lead to an array of unpredictable symptoms throughout the course of a patient’s life,” said Jeffrey L. Neul, M.D., Ph.D., Annette Schaffer Eskind Chair and Director, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, Pharmacology, and Special Education, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Phase 3 LAVENDER™ study investigator. “Now, for the first time after decades of clinical research, healthcare providers finally have a treatment option to address a range of core behavioral, communication and physical symptoms for their patients living with Rett syndrome.”

Rett syndrome is a complex, rare, neurodevelopmental disorder typically caused by a genetic mutation on the MECP2 gene.2,3 It is characterized by a period of normal development until six to 18 months of age, followed by significant developmental regression with loss of acquired communication skills and purposeful hand use. Symptoms of Rett syndrome may also include development of hand stereotypies, such as hand wringing and clapping, and gait abnormalities. Rett syndrome is believed to affect 6,000 to 9,000 patients in the U.S., with a diagnosed population of approximately 4,500 U.S. patients.

The FDA approval of Daybue was supported by results from the pivotal Phase 3 LAVENDER study evaluating the efficacy and safety of trofinetide versus placebo in 187 female patients with Rett syndrome five to 20 years of age. In the study, treatment with Daybue demonstrated statistically significant improvement compared to placebo on both co-primary efficacy endpoints, as measured by the change from baseline in Rett Syndrome Behaviour Questionnaire (RSBQ) total score (p=0.018) and the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I) scale score (p=0.003) at week 12. The RSBQ is a caregiver assessment that evaluates a range of symptoms of Rett syndrome including vocalizations, facial expressions, eye gaze, hand movements (or stereotypies), repetitive behaviors, breathing, night-time behaviors and mood. The CGI-I is a global physician assessment of whether a patient has improved or worsened. In the study, the most common side effects were diarrhea (82%) and vomiting (29%).

“This is a historic day for the Rett syndrome community and a meaningful moment for the patients and caregivers who have eagerly awaited the arrival of an approved treatment for this condition,” said Melissa Kennedy, Chief Executive Officer of the International Rett Syndrome Foundation. “Rett syndrome is a complicated, devastating disease that affects not only the individual patient, but whole families. With today’s FDA decision, those impacted by Rett have a promising new treatment option that has demonstrated benefit across a variety of Rett symptoms, including those that impact the daily lives of those living with Rett and their loved ones.”

FDA Approves Daybue (trofinetide) for the Treatment of Rett Syndrome

Monday, March 11, 2024

FDA Approves Zavzpret (zavegepant) Nasal Spray for the Acute Treatment of Migraine

Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE)  announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)  approval of Zavzpret (zavegepant), the first and only calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist nasal spray for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults. In its pivotal Phase 3 study, Zavzpret was statistically superior to placebo on the co-primary endpoints of pain freedom and freedom from most bothersome symptom at two hours post-dose. The pivotal study also demonstrated pain relief as early as 15 minutes in a prespecified secondary endpoint versus placebo.



“The FDA approval of Zavzpret marks a significant breakthrough for people with migraine who need freedom from pain and prefer alternative options to oral medications,” said Angela Hwang, Chief Commercial Officer, President, Global Biopharmaceuticals Business, Pfizer. “Zavzpret underscores Pfizer’s commitment to delivering an additional treatment option to help people with migraine gain relief and get back to their daily lives. Pfizer will continue to build its migraine franchise to further support the billions of people worldwide impacted by this debilitating disease.”

The FDA approval is based on two pivotal randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies that established the efficacy, tolerability and safety profiles of Zavzpret for the acute treatment of migraine. In these studies, Zavzpret was statistically superior to placebo on the co-primary endpoints of pain freedom (defined as a reduction of moderate or severe headache pain to no headache pain) and freedom from most bothersome symptom at two hours post-dose (defined as the absence of the self-identified most bothersome symptom). The pivotal Phase 3 study published in The Lancet Neurology found Zavzpret showed broad efficacy by also demonstrating statistically significant superiority to placebo across 13 of 17 prespecified secondary outcome measures, including early time point endpoints (e.g., 15 and 30-minute pain relief and return to normal function at 30 minutes), return to normal function at 2 hours, and durable efficacy endpoints (e.g., 2-24 and 2-48 hour sustained pain freedom and sustained pain relief). On the 14th endpoint, return to normal function at 15 minutes post-dose, the difference between Zavzpret and placebo was not significant. Consequently, in keeping with the trial’s statistical analysis plan, the remaining secondary endpoints were not formally tested.

“When a migraine hits, it has a significant negative impact on a person’s daily life,” said Kathleen Mullin, M.D., Associate Medical Director at New England Institute for Neurology & Headache. “Among my migraine patients, one of the most important attributes of an acute treatment option is how quickly it works. As a nasal spray with rapid drug absorption, Zavzpret offers an alternative treatment option for people who need pain relief or cannot take oral medications due to nausea or vomiting, so they can get back to normal function quickly.”

Zavzpret was well tolerated in clinical trials. The most common adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of patients treated with Zavzpret and at a frequency greater than placebo were taste disorders (includes dysgeusia and ageusia), nausea, nasal discomfort and vomiting. Zavzpret is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to zavegepant or to any of its components. Hypersensitivity reactions, including facial swelling and urticaria, have occurred with Zavzpret in clinical studies. 

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zavegepant#/media/File:Zavegepant.svg

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


FDA Approves Zavzpret (zavegepant) Nasal Spray for the Acute Treatment of Migraine

Friday, March 8, 2024

FDA Approves Skyclarys (omaveloxolone) for the Treatment of Friedreich’s Ataxia

In continuation of my update on omaveloxolone



Reata Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: RETA) announced   the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) approval of  Skyclarys™ (omaveloxolone) for the treatment of Friedreich’s ataxia in adults and adolescents aged 16 years and older. With this approval, the FDA granted a rare pediatric disease priority review voucher.

"The approval of Skyclarys, the first therapy specifically indicated for the treatment of Friedreich’s ataxia, is an important milestone for patients affected by this disease as well as their families and caregivers," said Warren Huff, Reata's Chief Executive Officer. "We are grateful to Friedreich’s ataxia patients, investigators, U.S. regulators, and our scientists and employees who made this approval possible. As a company, this is a transformative milestone that highlights our commitment to developing and commercializing novel therapies for patients with severe diseases with few or no approved therapies. We look forward to delivering Skyclarys to eligible patients as quickly as possible."

Friedreich’s ataxia is an ultra-rare, inherited neurodegenerative disorder that is typically diagnosed during adolescence. Patients with Friedreich’s ataxia experience progressive loss of coordination, muscle weakness, and fatigue, which commonly progresses to motor incapacitation and wheelchair reliance by their teens or early twenties, and eventually death. Friedreich’s ataxia affects approximately 5,000 diagnosed patients in the U.S.

“Friedreich's ataxia is a debilitating neuromuscular disease that progressively robs patients of their mobility and independence,” said Susan Perlman, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA. “The approval of Skyclarys represents an important step forward in the treatment of Friedreich's ataxia, providing physicians with the first disease-specific treatment option approved for patients living with this ultra-rare and progressive disease.”

"Today’s approval of Skyclarys represents a significant milestone in our effort to advance research and achieve treatments for Friedreich’s ataxia," said Jen Farmer, Chief Executive Officer at Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance. "The entire Friedreich's ataxia community including patients, clinicians, scientists, pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, and others have worked collaboratively for decades to enable therapeutic development for this debilitating disease. Today, we celebrate the impact of an engaged patient community, and we are grateful to the FDA and Reata for working together on the approval of Skyclarys, the first therapy approved in the United States for adult and adolescent patients aged 16 years and older with Friedreich's ataxia.”

The approval of Skyclarys is supported by the efficacy and safety data from the MOXIe Part 2 trial and a post hoc Propensity-Matched Analysis of the open-label MOXIe Extension trial.

MOXIe Part 2 was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Patients with genetically confirmed Friedreich’s ataxia and baseline modified Friedreich’s Ataxia Rating Scale (“mFARS”) scores between 20 and 80 were randomized 1:1 to receive placebo or 150 mg of Skyclarys daily. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in mFARS score compared to placebo at Week 48 in the Full Analysis Population of patients without severe pes cavus (n=82). The mFARS is a clinical assessment tool to assess patient function and is used in clinical trials to assess the efficacy of investigational products for use in Friedreich’s ataxia. Treatment with Skyclarys resulted in statistically significant lower mFARS scores (less impairment) relative to placebo at Week 48. The placebo-corrected difference between the two groups was -2.41 points with a p-value of 0.0138. The most common adverse reactions in MOXIe Part 2 (≥20% and greater than placebo) were elevated liver enzymes (AST/ALT), headache, nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, diarrhea, and musculoskeletal pain.

Further, in a post hoc Propensity-Matched Analysis, mFARS progression of patients treated with 150 mg of Skyclarys daily in the open-label MOXIe Extension trial was compared to the progression of propensity score-matched untreated patients in the largest natural history study of Friedreich’s ataxia, Clinical Outcome Measures in Friedreich’s ataxia (“FA-COMS”). All patients enrolled in the MOXIe Extension study with at least one post-baseline assessment (n=136) were matched one to one with patients from the FA-COMS study (n=136). Lower (improved) mFARS scores were observed in patients treated with Skyclarys after 3 years relative to the matched set of untreated patients from the FA-COMS natural history study. These exploratory analyses should be interpreted cautiously given the limitations of data collected outside of a controlled study, which may be subject to confounding.


FDA Approves Skyclarys (omaveloxolone) for the Treatment of Friedreich’s Ataxia

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

FDA Approves Rezzayo (rezafungin for injection) for the Treatment of Candidemia and Invasive Candidiasis


In continuation of my update on rezafungin




Cidara Therapeutics, Inc.   and Melinta Therapeutics, LLC  announced   the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of  Rezzayo (rezafungin for injection) for the treatment of candidemia and invasive candidiasis in adults with limited or no alternative treatment options. Rezzayo is the first new treatment option approved for patients with candidemia and invasive candidiasis in over a decade.

“The FDA approval of Rezzayo represents a significant milestone for Cidara, and for patients confronted with difficult-to-treat and often deadly candidemia and invasive candidiasis,” said Jeffrey Stein, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of Cidara. “I am extremely proud of all of the Cidara employees who collectively advanced Rezzayo from preclinical development to NDA approval and am grateful to the many patients and healthcare teams who have participated in the clinical studies.”

George Thompson, M.D., principal investigator in the ReSTORE trial and professor of clinical medicine at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, added, “The FDA approval of Rezzayo is tremendous news for those of us who have been hoping for a new option to treat our patients with these deadly fungal infections. Based on the totality of clinical data generated, Rezzayo has the potential to simplify the management of invasive candidiasis and enhance the continuity of echinocandin care.”

The FDA approval of once-weekly Rezzayo was based on clinical data from Cidara’s global ReSTORE Phase 3 trial and supported by the STRIVE Phase 2 clinical trial and extensive non-clinical development program. In clinical studies, Rezzayo, dosed once-weekly, met the FDA and EMA primary endpoints, demonstrating statistical non-inferiority versus caspofungin, a current once-daily standard of care. In addition, overall rates of adverse events and serious adverse events were comparable in patients receiving Rezzayo and caspofungin, while rates of adverse events leading to study drug discontinuation were also similar for Rezzayo and caspofungin. Based on Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP) designation, Rezzayo was approved under Priority Review.

Christine Ann Miller, president and chief executive officer of Melinta Therapeutics, added, “We are thrilled that the FDA has approved Rezzayo, and are firmly committed to offering this innovative therapy to address unmet medical needs and simplify the treatment for patients suffering from invasive Candida infections. We intend to leverage our expansive commercial infrastructure and experience launching anti-infective drugs into acute care settings. We are working closely with Cidara and anticipate bringing Rezzayo, a differentiated once-weekly treatment to patients, this summer.”

Last year, Melinta announced that it had acquired the exclusive rights to commercialize Rezzayo in the U.S. from Cidara. Cidara retains the rights to rezafungin in Japan and has licensed the commercial rights to Melinta Therapeutics in the U.S. and Mundipharma in all other geographies. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) accepted the marketing authorization application (MAA) for rezafungin in August 2022 and it is currently under review.

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


FDA Approves Rezzayo (rezafungin for injection) for the Treatment of Candidemia and Invasive Candidiasis

Monday, March 4, 2024

FDA Approves Brenzavvy (bexagliflozin) for the Treatment of Adults with Type 2 Diabetes

TheracosBio  announced  the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)   approval of  Brenzavvy (bexagliflozin), an oral sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor. Brenzavvy is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes. Brenzavvy is not recommended for patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus or for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis. Brenzavvy is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to bexagliflozin or any tablet ingredient and is not indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in patients with end stage renal disease or who are receiving dialysis.

The FDA approval is based on results from a clinical program that evaluated the safety and efficacy of Brenzavvy in 23 clinical trials enrolling more than 5,000 adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Phase 3 studies showed Brenzavvy significantly reduced hemoglobin A1c and fasting blood sugar after 24 weeks, either as a monotherapy, in combination with metformin, or as an add-on to standard-of-care treatment consisting of a variety of regimens, including metformin, sulfonylureas, insulin, DPP4 inhibitors, or combinations of these agents. Although Brenzavvy is not approved for weight or blood pressure reduction, modest decreases in both weight and systolic blood pressure have been observed in the clinical program.



“As a class of drugs, SGLT2 inhibitors have shown tremendous benefit in treating adults with type 2 diabetes,” said Dr. Mason Freeman, M.D., Director of the Translational Research Center at Massachusetts General Hospital. “Being involved in all of the clinical trials for Brenzavvy, I am greatly impressed with the efficacy of the drug in reducing blood glucose levels and I believe it is an important addition to the SGLT2 inhibitor class of drugs.”

Brenzavvy treatment can be initiated in adults with type 2 diabetes with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) greater than 30 mL/min/1.73 m2. Patients with eGFR less than 60 and greater than 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 are said to be in stage 3 chronic kidney disease, and for these patients metformin is often avoided due to the risk of lactic acidosis.

“Today's FDA approval represents a significant milestone for TheracosBio and provides an important treatment option to patients who suffer from type 2 diabetes. We look forward to bringing Brenzavvy to market,” said Albert R. Collinson, Ph.D., President and CEO of TheracosBio. “The approval of the Brenzavvy NDA is a result of the tireless work of the TheracosBio team and investigators. I want to thank all of the patients who took part in our clinical trials.”

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 33 million Americans have type 2 diabetes, which means their bodies don’t use insulin correctly and as a result their blood sugar levels are too high. While some people can control their blood sugar levels with exercise and a healthy diet, others may need additional help to achieve good blood sugar (glycemic) control.

SGLT2 inhibitors are a class of prescription medicines that lower blood sugar by causing the kidneys to remove sugar from the body through urine.

Brenzavvy is available as 20 mg oral tablets recommended to be taken once daily, in the morning with or without food.


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

FDA Approves Brenzavvy (bexagliflozin) for the Treatment of Adults with Type 2 Diabetes

Friday, March 1, 2024

FDA Approves Jaypirca (pirtobrutinib) for Adult Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Mantle Cell Lymphoma


Loxo@Lilly, the oncology unit of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY),  announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Jaypirca™ (pirtobrutinib, 100 mg & 50 mg tablets) for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) after at least two lines of systemic therapy, including a Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor. Jaypirca was approved under the FDA's Accelerated Approval pathway based on response rate from the open-label, single-arm, international, Phase 1/2 study, called the BRUIN trial.1 Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial.




Jaypirca, a highly selective kinase inhibitor, utilizes a novel binding mechanism and is the first and only FDA approved non-covalent (reversible) BTK inhibitor. Jaypirca can reestablish BTK inhibition in MCL patients previously treated with a covalent BTK inhibitor (ibrutinib, acalabrutinib, or zanubrutinib) and extend the benefit of targeting the BTK pathway.

"The approval of Jaypirca represents an important advance for patients with relapsed or refractory MCL, who currently have limited options and historically have had a poor prognosis following discontinuation of treatment with a covalent BTK inhibitor," said Michael Wang, M.D., Puddin Clarke Endowed Professor of Lymphoma and Myeloma at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. "These data indicate that Jaypirca can provide efficacy in patients previously treated with a covalent BTK inhibitor, potentially extending the time patients may benefit from BTK inhibition therapy. Jaypirca offers a new approach to targeting the BTK pathway following treatment with a covalent BTK inhibitor and has the potential to meaningfully impact the treatment paradigm for relapsed and refractory MCL patients."

The labeling for Jaypirca contains warnings and precautions for infections, hemorrhage, cytopenias, atrial fibrillation and flutter, second primary malignancies, and embryo-fetal toxicity. See Important Safety Information below and full Prescribing Information for additional information, including dosing modifications.

"We are pleased to bring a meaningful new therapeutic option to patients with MCL that can reestablish the benefit of targeting the BTK pathway after receiving multiple prior therapies, including a covalent BTK inhibitor," said Jacob Van Naarden, chief executive officer, Loxo@Lilly. "We are grateful to the patients, investigators, and other members of the clinical care teams for their contributions. Our team has been committed to rapidly advancing the development of Jaypirca for patients with MCL, and we look forward to building on this milestone by continuing to bring forward important new treatments for people with hematologic malignancies."

The FDA approval is based on data from a subset of patients in the BRUIN Phase 1/2 trial. The assessment of efficacy was based on 120 patients with MCL treated with Jaypirca 200 mg once daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients with active central nervous system lymphoma or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation or CAR T-cell therapy within 60 days were excluded. Patients had received a median of three prior lines of therapy (range: 1 to 9), with 93% having two or more prior lines; all patients received one or more prior lines of therapy containing a covalent BTK inhibitor. Eighty-three percent (83%) of patients discontinued their last BTK inhibitor due to refractory or progressive disease. Efficacy was based on overall response rate (ORR) and duration of response (DOR) as assessed by an independent review committee (IRC) using 2014 Lugano criteria.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pirtobrutinib#/media/File:Pirtobrutinib.svg

FDA Approves Jaypirca (pirtobrutinib) for Adult Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Mantle Cell Lymphoma

Thursday, February 29, 2024

FDA Approves Orserdu (elacestrant) for Patients with ESR1 Mutations in ER+, HER2- Advanced or Metastatic Breast Cancer

The Menarini Group (“Menarini”), a leading Italian pharmaceutical and diagnostics company, announced  the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)   approval of  Orserdu for the treatment of postmenopausal women or adult men, with ER+, HER2-, ESR1-mutated advanced or metastatic breast cancer with disease progression following at least one line of endocrine therapy. Stemline Therapeutics (“Stemline”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Menarini Group, headquartered in New York and focused on bringing transformational oncology treatments for cancer patients, will commercialize Orserdu in the U.S.




“The FDA approval of Orserdu marks the first ever therapy for ER+, HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer patients with ESR1 mutations and we are very proud to offer a targeted therapy addressing this huge unmet need,” commented Elcin Barker Ergun, Chief Executive Officer of the Menarini Group. “We are grateful to the patients, investigators and administrators who participated in the clinical trials that led to this remarkable innovation.”

Orserdu is approved under the FDA’s Priority Review and Fast Track designation based on the results of the registrational Phase III trial EMERALD, that demonstrated statistically significant progression-free survival (PFS) with elacestrant vs SOC endocrine monotherapy (fulvestrant, letrozole, anastrozole, exemestane), meeting both primary endpoints in all patients and in those patients whose tumors harbor ESR1 mutations.

In the group of patients whose tumors had ESR1 mutations, elacestrant reduced the risk of progression or death by 45% (PFS HR=0.55, 95% CI: 0.39, 0.77) vs SOC. A post-hoc analysis of the PFS results based on the duration of prior CDK4/6i inhibitors (CDK4/6i) usage was presented at San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) in December 2022. The median PFS was 8.6 months on elacestrant vs 1.9 months for SOC, in those patients whose tumors harbored ESR1 mutations and had been treated with a CDK4/6i for at least 12 months.

Safety data is consistent with the other endocrine therapies. Most of the adverse events (AEs), including nausea and musculoskeletal pain were grade 1 and 2. No hematological safety signal was observed and none of the patients in either of the two treatment arms had sinus bradycardia.

“Advanced or metastatic ER+, HER2- breast cancer pre-treated with endocrine-based therapy remains an area of unmet medical need. The last endocrine therapy approved was about 20 years ago, and effective endocrine options for this patient population are needed,” said Dr. Aditya Bardia, MD, MPH, Director of Breast Cancer Research at Mass General Cancer Center, Associate Professor at the Medicine Department at Harvard Medical School, and Principal Investigator for the EMERALD trial. “ESR1 mutations are a known driver of resistance to standard endocrine therapy, and so far, have been difficult to treat. The approval of elacestrant is welcomed as it offers a novel option for patients with ER+, HER2- metastatic breast cancer. This therapy targets the ESR1 mutations in metastatic breast cancer and provides patients with a convenient oral once-daily dose.

“Each year 300,000 Americans are diagnosed with breast cancer and metastatic breast cancer causes the vast majority of deaths from the disease: more than 43,000 annually. We urgently need new and better treatment options to extend and improve the lives of people with metastatic breast cancer,” said Sonya Negley, Executive Director, Metavivor. “We are thrilled to see the approval of Orserdu, a new oral endocrine therapy, for patients who have tumors that harbor ESR1 mutations, which are present in up to 40% of ER+, HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer. We advise patients to get tested for ESR1 mutations at progression in their metastatic treatment, so that their healthcare team can identify the right treatment options for their disease.“


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

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

FDA Approves Jesduvroq (daprodustat) for Anemia Caused by Chronic Kidney Disease for Adults on Dialysis

GSK plc (LSE/NYSE: GSK) announced the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)  approval of  Jesduvroq (daprodustat), an oral hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor (HIF-PHI), for the once-a-day treatment of anemia due to chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adults who have been receiving dialysis for at least four months. Jesduvroq is the first innovative medicine for anemia treatment in over 30 years and the only HIF-PHI approved in the US, providing a new oral, convenient option for patients in the US with anemia of CKD on dialysis.




The FDA approval is based on results from the ASCEND-D trial, assessing the efficacy and safety of Jesduvroq for the treatment of anemia of CKD in patients on dialysis. Results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine with additional results published in the New England Journal of Medicine supplementary appendix.

The Safety Information for Jesduvroq includes a boxed warning for increased risk of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, venous thromboembolism, and thrombosis of vascular access. Jesduvroq increases the risk of thrombotic vascular events, including major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Targeting a hemoglobin level greater than 11 g/dL is expected to further increase the risk of death and arterial venous thrombotic events, as occurs with erythropoietin stimulating agents (ESAs), which also increase erythropoietin levels. No trial has identified a hemoglobin target level, dose of Jesduvroq, or dosing strategy that does not increase these risks. Use the lowest dose of Jesduvroq sufficient to reduce the need for red blood cell transfusions. Jesduvroq has not been shown to improve quality of life, fatigue, or patient well-being. Jesduvroq is not indicated for use as a substitute for red blood cell transfusions in patients who require immediate correction of anemia or for treatment of anemia of chronic kidney disease in patients who are not on dialysis.

CKD is an increasing global health burden affecting 700 million patients worldwide, with an estimated one in seven patients also developing anemia.1,2 When left untreated or undertreated, anemia of CKD is associated with poor clinical outcomes and leads to a substantial burden on patients and healthcare systems.3 There is an unmet need for oral treatment options with efficacy and safety comparable to current treatments.

LaVarne Burton, President and Chief Executive Officer, American Kidney Fund, said: Anemia of CKD can be a debilitating condition that is challenging to manage. This news means that patients on dialysis who are living with anemia of CKD now have another treatment option to help manage their anemia.”

A marketing authorisation application for daprodustat is currently under review with the European Medicines Agency, with a regulatory decision anticipated in the first half of 2023. In June 2020, daprodustat tablets were approved by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare for the treatment of patients with anemia of CKD. In Japan, the brand name for daprodustat is Duvroq, where it is the market leader and preferred HIF-PHI.

Tony Wood, President and Chief Scientific Officer, GSK, said: “Over the last several decades, there has been little innovation in anemia of CKD. We are proud to have developed Jesduvroq as a new oral treatment where there is a patient desire for more options.”

The FDA approval is based on results from the ASCEND-D trial, assessing the efficacy and safety of Jesduvroq for the treatment of anemia of CKD in patients on dialysis. Results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine with additional results published in the New England Journal of Medicine supplementary appendix.

The Safety Information for Jesduvroq includes a boxed warning for increased risk of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, venous thromboembolism, and thrombosis of vascular access. Jesduvroq increases the risk of thrombotic vascular events, including major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Targeting a hemoglobin level greater than 11 g/dL is expected to further increase the risk of death and arterial venous thrombotic events, as occurs with erythropoietin stimulating agents (ESAs), which also increase erythropoietin levels. No trial has identified a hemoglobin target level, dose of Jesduvroq, or dosing strategy that does not increase these risks. Use the lowest dose of Jesduvroq sufficient to reduce the need for red blood cell transfusions. Jesduvroq has not been shown to improve quality of life, fatigue, or patient well-being. Jesduvroq is not indicated for use as a substitute for red blood cell transfusions in patients who require immediate correction of anemia or for treatment of anemia of chronic kidney disease in patients who are not on dialysis.

CKD is an increasing global health burden affecting 700 million patients worldwide, with an estimated one in seven patients also developing anemia.1,2 When left untreated or undertreated, anemia of CKD is associated with poor clinical outcomes and leads to a substantial burden on patients and healthcare systems.3 There is an unmet need for oral treatment options with efficacy and safety comparable to current treatments.

LaVarne Burton, President and Chief Executive Officer, American Kidney Fund, said: Anemia of CKD can be a debilitating condition that is challenging to manage. This news means that patients on dialysis who are living with anemia of CKD now have another treatment option to help manage their anemia.”

A marketing authorisation application for daprodustat is currently under review with the European Medicines Agency, with a regulatory decision anticipated in the first half of 2023. In June 2020, daprodustat tablets were approved by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare for the treatment of patients with anemia of CKD. In Japan, the brand name for daprodustat is Duvroq, where it is the market leader and preferred HIF-PHI.

The FDA approval is based on results from the ASCEND-D trial, assessing the efficacy and safety of Jesduvroq for the treatment of anemia of CKD in patients on dialysis. Results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine with additional results published in the New England Journal of Medicine supplementary appendix.

The Safety Information for Jesduvroq includes a boxed warning for increased risk of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, venous thromboembolism, and thrombosis of vascular access. Jesduvroq increases the risk of thrombotic vascular events, including major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Targeting a hemoglobin level greater than 11 g/dL is expected to further increase the risk of death and arterial venous thrombotic events, as occurs with erythropoietin stimulating agents (ESAs), which also increase erythropoietin levels. No trial has identified a hemoglobin target level, dose of Jesduvroq, or dosing strategy that does not increase these risks. Use the lowest dose of Jesduvroq sufficient to reduce the need for red blood cell transfusions. Jesduvroq has not been shown to improve quality of life, fatigue, or patient well-being. Jesduvroq is not indicated for use as a substitute for red blood cell transfusions in patients who require immediate correction of anemia or for treatment of anemia of chronic kidney disease in patients who are not on dialysis.

CKD is an increasing global health burden affecting 700 million patients worldwide, with an estimated one in seven patients also developing anemia.1,2 When left untreated or undertreated, anemia of CKD is associated with poor clinical outcomes and leads to a substantial burden on patients and healthcare systems.3 There is an unmet need for oral treatment options with efficacy and safety comparable to current treatments.

LaVarne Burton, President and Chief Executive Officer, American Kidney Fund, said: Anemia of CKD can be a debilitating condition that is challenging to manage. This news means that patients on dialysis who are living with anemia of CKD now have another treatment option to help manage their anemia.”

A marketing authorisation application for daprodustat is currently under review with the European Medicines Agency, with a regulatory decision anticipated in the first half of 2023. In June 2020, daprodustat tablets were approved by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare for the treatment of patients with anemia of CKD. In Japan, the brand name for daprodustat is Duvroq, where it is the market leader and preferred HIF-PHI.

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

https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB11682

Monday, January 23, 2023

FDA Approves Iyuzeh (latanoprost ophthalmic solution) for the Reduction of Elevated Intraocular Pressure (IOP) in Patients with Open-Angle Glaucoma or Ocular Hypertension

In continuation of my update on Latanoprost


Thea Pharma, Inc. (“Thea”), the U.S. subsidiary of Europe’s leading independent pharmaceutical company, Laboratoires Théa, dedicated to the research, development and commercialization of ophthalmic products,  announced U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of  the New Drug Application (NDA) of Iyuzeh™ (latanoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.005% for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) or ocular hypertension (OHT).

Iyuzeh™ is the first and only clinically proven formulation of latanoprost available in the United States that is preservative-free. Iyuzeh™ is formulated without any of the preservatives commonly used in topical ocular preparations, including benzalkonium chloride (BAK). Iyuzeh™ has demonstrated consistent IOP-lowering effects and proven tolerability across multiple trials in the U.S. and Europe. In randomized, controlled clinical trials of patients with OAG or OHT with mean baseline IOP of 19-24 mmHg, Iyuzeh™ lowered IOP by 3 – 8 mmHg versus 4 – 8 mmHg by XALATAN® (latanoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.005%, which is preserved with BAK.

“The approval of Iyuzeh™ is a significant milestone for Théa Group, as this is our first FDA approval for a prescription ophthalmic medicine, for our U.S. subsidiary,” said Jean-Frédéric Chibret, President of the Théa Group. “Marketed outside of the U.S. as Monoprost®, the market leading prostaglandin analogue (PGA) in volume, is available in over 46 countries around the world, including France, Germany, Spain, United Kingdom, Italy, and Canada. We are extremely proud to bring our unique preservative-free latanoprost eye drop, Iyuzeh™ to the U.S.

“Our novel patent protected formulation has been made possible by Théa’s innovative scientists. They were able to solve the challenges of solubilizing and stabilizing latanoprost such that Iyuzeh does not need to be manufactured, distributed, or stored at refrigerated temperatures unlike some other competitive brand and generic latanoprost and PGA products. Additionally, Théa is responding to an important unmet need across all stakeholders in the treatment of OAG and OHT. Many patients on preserved glaucoma medications experience moderate to severe signs and symptoms of ocular surface disease (OSD) that can cause discomfort for patients, frustration for physicians, and drive additional costs for payers,” said Susan Benton, Thea’s U.S. President. “We look forward to introducing Iyuzeh™ to U.S. eyecare practitioners in the second half of 2023.”

About Iyuzeh™

Iyuzeh™ (latanoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.005%, an opalescent, white to slightly yellow ophthalmic solution, is a topical formulation of latanoprost that is indicated for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) or ocular hypertension (OHT). Iyuzeh™ does not contain a preservative – it is the first and only preservative-free formulation of latanoprost, the most prescribed prostaglandin F2α analogue (PGA) in the United States. The recommended dosage of Iyuzeh™ is one drop in the affected eye(s) once daily in the evening. If one dose is missed, treatment should continue with the next dose as normal. Reduction of the IOP starts approximately 3 to 4 hours after administration and the maximum effect is reached after 8 to 12 hours. IOP reduction is present for at least 24 hours.

In the two clinical trials conducted with Iyuzeh™ (latanoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.005%, the most frequently reported ocular adverse reactions were conjunctival hyperemia (34%) and eye irritation (19%) compared to XALATAN, the preserved 0.005% latanoprost reference product which reported conjunctival hyperemia (37%) and eye irritation (31%).


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

Friday, January 20, 2023

FDA Approves Rezlidhia (olutasidenib) for Relapsed or Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia with a Susceptible IDH1 Mutation

Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)  approval  of  Rezlidhia (olutasidenib) capsules for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with a susceptible isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 (IDH1) mutation as detected by an FDA-approved test. Rezlidhia is an oral, small molecule, inhibitor of mutated IDH1 designed to bind to and inhibit mIDH1 to reduce 2-hydroxyglutarate levels and restore normal cellular differentiation of myeloid cells.



"Rezlidhia is a novel, non-intensive monotherapy treatment in the relapsed/refractory AML setting demonstrating a CR+CRh rate of 35% in patients with over 90% of those responders in complete remission. The 25.9 months median duration of CR+CRh is a clinically meaningful improvement for AML patients and appears to be longer than currently available treatment options," said Jorge E. Cortes, M.D., Director, Georgia Cancer Center, Cecil F. Whitaker Jr., GRA Eminent Scholar Chair in Cancer, and Phase 2 trial investigator. "Given the limited treatment options for adult patients with mIDH1 R/R AML, who typically have a poor prognosis, Rezlidhia may provide an effective, new treatment option with a well characterized safety profile."

The FDA approval was supported by data from the open-label Phase 2 registrational study evaluating Rezlidhia monotherapy at a dose of 150 mg twice daily in 153 mIDH1 R/R AML patients. The efficacy-evaluable population was 147 patients who initiated Rezlidhia at least six months prior to the interim analysis cutoff date of June 18, 2021, and who had a centrally confirmed IDH1 mutation. The primary endpoint was a composite of a complete remission (CR) plus a complete remission with partial hematological recovery (CRh). CRh is defined as less than 5% blasts in the bone marrow, no evidence of disease, and partial recovery of peripheral blood counts (platelets >50,000/microliter and absolute neutrophil count >500/microliter).

Results from the trial demonstrated a 35% (51/147) CR+CRh rate in mIDH1 R/R AML patients, with a median duration of response of 25.9 months. The median time to CR or CRh was 1.9 months. Of the patients who achieved the primary endpoint of CR+CRh, 92% (47/51) were CR with a median duration of response of 28.1 months. Rezlidhia was well tolerated in the study with an adverse event profile largely characteristic of symptoms or conditions experienced by patients with AML undergoing treatment. Differentiation syndrome was observed in 16% of patients and was manageable in most cases with dose interruption and corticosteroids. Hepatotoxicity, presenting as increases in liver function parameters, occurred in 23% of patients and most cases were manageable with dose modifications.

"We are delighted by the approval of Rezlidhia based on the strength of data supporting the efficacy and safety of the product," said Raul Rodriguez, Rigel's president and CEO. "Rezlidhia provides a new and important, oral therapy option for patients who typically have a poor clinical outcome. Additionally, this approval greatly strengthens and expands Rigel's commercial hematology-oncology portfolio. I would like to extend our sincerest thanks to all the patients, their families and caregivers, the doctors, the FDA, and our team members who have all contributed to the approval of Rezlidhia."

In August 2022, Rigel and Forma Therapeutics, Inc. announced they entered an exclusive, worldwide license agreement to develop, manufacture and commercialize Rezlidhia. Under the terms of the agreement, Rigel will be responsible for the launch and commercialization of Rezlidhia in the U.S., and intends to work with potential partners to further develop and commercialize the product outside the U.S.

REf : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olutasidenib

Thursday, January 19, 2023

FDA Approves Krazati (adagrasib) for Locally Advanced or Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) with a KRASG12C Mutation

Mirati Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRTX), a targeted oncology company, announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)  approval of Krazati™ (adagrasib), a targeted treatment option for adult patients with KRASG12C-mutated locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), as determined by an FDA-approved test, who have received at least one prior systemic therapy.

This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on objective response rate (ORR) and duration of response (DOR). Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of a clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial(s).

"The FDA approval of Krazati is a positive development for thousands of patients with KRASG12C mutations, including the approximately 14% of patients with NSCLC adenocarcinomas histology that harbor a KRASG12C mutation.1 Mirati is thrilled to make Krazati available in a tablet formulation to patients in the U.S. with advanced NSCLC who have progressed beyond a first-line treatment for the historically difficult-to-treat KRAS mutation," David Meek, chief executive officer, Mirati Therapeutics, Inc., continued, "We look forward to continuing to advance our Krazati development program including several monotherapy and combination studies in KRASG12C-mutated solid tumors."

Krazati has demonstrated a positive benefit-risk profile with accelerated approval based on the Phase 2 registration-enabling cohort of the KRYSTAL-1 study, evaluating Krazati 600 mg capsules administered orally twice daily in 116 patients with KRASG12C-mutated advanced NSCLC who previously received treatment with a platinum-based regimen and an immune checkpoint inhibitor. The primary efficacy endpoints were confirmed ORR and DOR as evaluated by blinded independent central review (BICR) according to response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST v1.1).

The trial demonstrated an ORR of 43% (95% CI: 34-53) with 80% (95% CI: 71-87) of patients achieving disease control. The median DOR was 8.5 months (95% CI: 6.2-13.8).

In a pooled efficacy analysis (n=132) including Phase 1/1b NSCLC and registrational Phase 2 NSCLC cohorts from the KRYSTAL-1 study evaluating adagrasib as a single agent at 600 mg capsules orally twice daily, adagrasib showed an ORR of 44% and a disease control rate of 81% based on BICR, a median DOR of 12.5 months (95% CI, 7.3-NE) and median overall survival of 14.1 months (94% CI, 9.2-19.2).

The safety profile of Krazati was evaluated in a pooled patient population with NSCLC and other solid tumors as a single agent at 600 mg orally twice daily in 366 patients enrolled in KRYSTAL-1 and KRYSTAL-12. The most common (≥ 25%) adverse reactions were nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, hepatotoxicity, renal impairment, edema, dyspnea and decreased appetite. Permanent discontinuation of Krazati due to an adverse reaction occurred in 13% of patients.

Although KRASG12C is the most common KRAS mutation in NSCLC, patients have had limited options for the treatment of this debilitating and difficult-to-treat condition.2,3

"The approval of Krazati offers an effective therapy for patients with advanced NSCLC harboring the KRASG12C mutation. The positive ORR and DOR results, as observed in previously treated patients with NSCLC harboring the KRASG12C mutation, demonstrate the effectiveness of Krazati as an option for these difficult-to-treat patients," said Shirish M. Gadgeel, MD, chief of the Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Cancer Institute/Henry Ford Health System.

"KRASG12C in NSCLC is an area of high unmet need and new treatment options offer patients and our community new hope for survivorship," said Bonnie J. Addario, co-founder and board chair of the GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer. "I'm pleased that patients have options, there's more awareness of this disease and we are all focused on improving the journeys of people living with KRASG12C-mutated NSCLC."

The Company partnered with Agilent and QIAGEN to develop blood- and tissue-based companion diagnostics (CDx), respectively, for Krazati that are now available. With tissue and blood modalities for companion diagnostics, patients have more flexibility, and clinicians have greater options for biomarker testing. These solutions help to personalize a patient's treatment path.

Mirati Therapeutics is launching Mirati & Me, a comprehensive program dedicated to supporting patients, caregivers and the oncology community including coverage and access, financial, educational and emotional support services. 


Ref : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adagrasib

Wednesday, January 18, 2023

FDA Approves Olpruva (sodium phenylbutyrate) for Patients with Urea Cycle Disorders


In continuation of my update on Phenyl butyrate 

Acer Therapeutics Inc. and its collaboration partner, RELIEF THERAPEUTICS Holding SA (“Relief”),  announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)  approval Olpruva™ (sodium phenylbutyrate) of  oral suspension in the U.S. for the treatment of certain patients living with urea cycle disorders (UCDs) involving deficiencies of carbamylphosphate synthetase (CPS), ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC), or argininosuccinic acid synthetase (AS).



“The FDA’s approval of Olpruva, an innovative formulation of sodium phenylbutyrate packaged for the first time in single-dose envelopes, marks the culmination of our ongoing dedication to develop new and differentiated treatment options for those affected by rare diseases,” said Chris Schelling, chief executive officer and founder of Acer. “Patients who are living with UCDs now have an alternative treatment option with Olpruva™, to address some of the challenges they may have with existing therapy. We are pleased to be able to provide a new, approved treatment choice for those living with this challenging disease.”

Mr. Schelling continued, “This approval represents the first FDA-approved product for Acer, validating our ability to identify and develop treatments where science can be applied in novel ways and make them available to patients as quickly and efficiently as possible. In addition, this approval unlocks our Marathon debt funding option and provides us with resources to advance our pipeline of investigational product candidates.”

“The daily challenges of living with a UCD can be overwhelming and emotionally draining for patients and their families,” said Tresa Warner, president of the National Urea Cycle Disorders Foundation. “We welcome new treatment options that can help patients, caregivers and their healthcare teams manage UCDs.”

Olpruva’s™ approval triggers the availability of a $42.5 million term loan to Acer under the previously announced March 2022 loan agreement the Company entered into with affiliates of Marathon Asset Management L.P. If Acer requests and receives the loan proceeds, management believes it will have sufficient resources to fund current operations into H2 2023.

Olpruva™ has been approved as an oral suspension by the FDA for the treatment of patients with UCDs. UCDs are a group of rare, genetic disorders that can cause harmful ammonia to build up in the blood, potentially resulting in brain damage and neurocognitive impairments, if ammonia levels are not controlled.1 Any increase in ammonia over time is serious. Therefore, it is important to adhere to any dietary protein restrictions and have alternative medication options to help control ammonia levels.

“This FDA approval is a significant milestone for patients with UCDs in the U.S., offering an additional choice to manage their condition,” added Jack Weinstein, chief executive officer of Relief. “We look forward to building on Olpruva™’s approval in the U.S. and expanding its availability into other territories outside of the U.S.”

Olpruva™ received FDA approval under section 505(b)(2) of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA), a regulatory pathway that allows applicants to rely, at least in part, on third party data for approval. In its New Drug Application (NDA), Acer cited preclinical and clinical safety and efficacy data from the reference listed drug (RLD), BUPHENYL® powder, which is approved as adjunctive therapy in the chronic management of patients with UCDs involving deficiencies of CPS, OTC or AS. In its NDA, Acer also provided additional data including studies that evaluated the bioavailability and bioequivalence of Olpruva™ compared to BUPHENYL® powder. The data from these studies, presented at the Society for Inherited Metabolic Disorders (SIMD) Annual Meeting in April 2022 and the Genetic Metabolic Dieticians International (GMDI) Conference in May 2022, showed that Olpruva™ was bioequivalent to BUPHENYL® powder.

Commitment to Patient Access
Acer intends to offer Navigator by Acer Therapeutics, a suite of integrated patient support services designed to facilitate access to therapy. Navigator by Acer Therapeutics is designed to assist UCD patients with support, access, education, and adherence.

Ref : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_phenylbutyrate