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

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

Doxecitine/doxribtimine



-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.

Supporting data
The Kygevvi approval is supported by safety and efficacy data from one Phase 2 clinical study, two retrospective chart review studies, and an expanded access use program*.1,8,9,10,11 These studies included a total of 82 unique patients treated with Kygevvi or pyrimidine nucleosides with an age of TK2d symptom onset ≤12 years. Efficacy was assessed by comparing overall survival in these pediatric and adult treated patients to an external control group of untreated patients who were matched to treated patients using age of TK2d symptom onset (≤ 2 years or >2 to ≤ 12 years).1 A total of 78 matched pairs were identified. The results showed that survival time from treatment start was improved; treatment reduced the overall risk of death from treatment start by approximately 86% (95% CI: 61%, 96%).1 Of the 78 treated patients included in the survival analysis, the median age of TK2d symptom onset was 1.5 years (range: 0.01 to 12 years).The median duration of treatment was 4 years (range: 1 day to 12 years) and the median dose received was 762 mg/kg/day (range: 260 to 800 mg/kg/day).1

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.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


Friday, January 30, 2026

FDA Approves Epioxa (riboflavin 5’-phosphate) Ophthalmic Solution for the Treatment of Keratoconus


Glaukos Corporation, an ophthalmic pharmaceutical and medical technology company focused on novel therapies for the treatment of glaucoma, corneal disorders, and retinal diseases, announced  the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of its Epioxa™ HD / Epioxa™ (“Epioxa”) New Drug Application (NDA). Epioxa is a groundbreaking advancement in corneal cross-linking for the treatment of keratoconus, a rare, sight-threatening disease that is currently far too often undiagnosed and untreated.




Epioxa represents a transformative innovation in keratoconus care, offering an incision-free alternative to traditional corneal cross-linking procedures as it does not require the removal of the corneal epithelium, the outermost layer of the front of the eye. This novel, oxygen-enriched topical therapeutic, bioactivated by UV light, is designed to eliminate the pain associated with removal of the epithelium, streamline the procedure, and minimize recovery, all while delivering clinically meaningful outcomes and exceptional value to patients, providers, and the healthcare system. Epioxa is based on two formulations, Epioxa HD and Epioxa, that are sequentially administered during the cross-linking procedure followed by UV activation in an oxygen-enriched environment.

“The FDA approval of Epioxa ushers in a new standard-of-care for patients suffering from keratoconus with the first FDA-approved topical drug therapy that does not require removal of the corneal epithelium,” said Thomas Burns, Glaukos chairman and chief executive officer. “Epioxa is designed to significantly improve patient comfort and minimize recovery time, representing a game-changing new treatment for patients suffering from keratoconus. We appreciate the clinical investigators and study participants in the clinical trials for their instrumental roles in helping us reach this important advancement. This approval marks a major milestone in our mission to improve patient access to sight-saving therapies, and we are excited to bring this transformative therapy to market for the benefit of patients.”

“Keratoconus is currently an underdiagnosed and undertreated disease. For keratoconus patients who are fortunate enough to be diagnosed, the current standard-of-care requires removal of the epithelium, the top layer of the cornea. The pain and extended healing time associated with the current surgical procedure are major barriers to adoption,” said W. Barry Lee, MD, corneal specialist at Eye Consultants of Atlanta and President of the Cornea Society. “As an incision-free treatment that does not require removal of the epithelium, I expect the newly approved Epioxa treatment to address both of these major concerns.”

The FDA approval of Epioxa is based on results from two prospective, randomized, multicenter, double-masked, Phase 3 pivotal trials that randomized a total of over 400 patients. Both trials successfully achieved their pre-specified primary efficacy endpoints and demonstrated favorable tolerability and safety profiles.

Glaukos intends for Epioxa to be commercially available in the first quarter of 2026. With this approval, Glaukos plans to make substantial investments in patient awareness and access while addressing the longstanding challenges of underdiagnosis and undertreatment that have affected this rare disease patient community. These efforts will be focused on supporting patients and families across every step of the journey, from awareness to diagnosis and treatment. Key initiatives include streamlined patient access support programs, a co-pay assistance program to reduce financial barriers, integrated healthcare professional (HCP) and patient-centric strategies to improve education and engagement, and broad awareness and detection programs aimed at earlier and more widespread screening for and diagnosis of the disease.

Keratoconus is a debilitating eye condition characterized by progressive thinning and weakening of the cornea that is often most aggressively advancing in patients under the age of 30. If left untreated, keratoconus can lead to loss of visual function and even blindness and is one of the leading causes of corneal transplants (penetrating keratoplasty) in the United States. Approximately 90% of cases of keratoconus are bilateral and as many as 20% of untreated keratoconus patients ultimately require a corneal transplant. Conventional keratoconus treatments such as eyeglasses or contact lenses address visual symptoms only and do not slow or halt underlying disease progression.

Glaukos’ first-generation corneal cross-linking therapy, known as Photrexa® Viscous / Photrexa®, which requires removal of the corneal epithelium, received U.S. FDA approval in 2016 as an orphan drug and has since been the first-and-only FDA-approved corneal cross-linking therapy for the treatment of keratoconus. There are more than 300 peer-reviewed publications supporting the performance and safety of Glaukos’ cross-linking therapies.

For more information about Epioxa HD / Epioxa and Full Prescribing Information, please visit www.Epioxa.com.


Thursday, January 29, 2026

FDA Approves Contepo (fosfomycin) for Injection for the Treatment of Complicated Urinary Tract Infections



In Continuation of my update on fosfomycin

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Contepo (fosfomycin) for injection for the treatment of patients 18 years of age and older with complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI), including acute pyelonephritis, caused by susceptible isolates of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae.




Contepo is an epoxide antibacterial that works by disrupting bacterial cell wall synthesis through covalently binding and inhibiting phosphoenolpyruvate transferase (MurA), thereby blocking the synthesis of peptidoglycan. The drug is bactericidal against Enterobacterales.

Dosing and Administration
The recommended dosage of Contepo is 6 grams administered every 8 hours by intravenous infusion over 1 hour in patients 18 years of age or older with an estimated creatinine clearance greater than 50 mL/min. The duration of therapy is up to 14 days and should be guided by the severity of infection and the patient's clinical status. Dosage adjustments are required for patients with renal impairment.

Clinical Trial Results
The FDA approval was based on data from a multinational, double-blind clinical trial (Trial 1) that enrolled 464 adults hospitalized with cUTI, including acute pyelonephritis. The study compared Contepo 6 grams intravenously every 8 hours to piperacillin/tazobactam 4.5 grams intravenously every 8 hours for 7 days of therapy, with treatment allowed for up to 14 days in bacteremic patients.

In the microbiological modified intent-to-treat (mMITT) population of 339 patients, Contepo demonstrated efficacy with regard to overall response at the test-of-cure visit. Overall success, defined as clinical cure plus microbiological eradication, was achieved in 63.5% (108/170) of Contepo-treated patients compared to 55.6% (94/169) of piperacillin/tazobactam-treated patients.

Important Safety Information
The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥2%) observed in clinical trials were transaminase elevations, hypokalemia, neutropenia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hypocalcemia, hypernatremia, headache, and hypophosphatemia.

Contepo contains 1,980 mg of sodium in each vial. The high sodium load associated with its use may result in changes in serum electrolytes, such as increased levels of serum sodium and decreased levels of potassium, calcium, and phosphorus. A low-sodium diet is recommended during Contepo treatment, and healthcare providers should monitor serum electrolyte levels and fluid status during treatment.

Contepo has been shown to prolong the QT interval in some patients and should be avoided in patients with known QT prolongation or ventricular arrhythmias, including a history of torsade de pointes. Healthcare providers should monitor electrolytes during treatment with Contepo.

Contepo is contraindicated in patients with known serious hypersensitivity to fosfomycin or any of the excipients.

Postmarketing Requirements
As part of the approval, the FDA has required Meitheal Pharmaceuticals to conduct postmarketing studies, including:

Pediatric pharmacokinetic and safety studies in children from birth to less than 18 years of age
A clinical lactation study to determine fosfomycin concentrations in human milk
A five-year U.S. surveillance study to monitor resistance or decreased susceptibility to fosfomycin in target bacterial populations.

About Complicated Urinary Tract Infections
Complicated urinary tract infections are infections of the urinary tract that occur in patients with structural or functional abnormalities of the urinary tract or with underlying diseases that increase the risk of acquiring infection or failing therapy. Acute pyelonephritis is a severe form of urinary tract infection involving the kidney.

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

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

FDA Approves Contepo (fosfomycin) for Injection for the Treatment of Complicated Urinary Tract Infections



The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Contepo (fosfomycin) for injection for the treatment of patients 18 years of age and older with complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI), including acute pyelonephritis, caused by susceptible isolates of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Contepo is an epoxide antibacterial that works by disrupting bacterial cell wall synthesis through covalently binding and inhibiting phosphoenolpyruvate transferase (MurA), thereby blocking the synthesis of peptidoglycan. The drug is bactericidal against Enterobacterales.

Dosing and Administration
The recommended dosage of Contepo is 6 grams administered every 8 hours by intravenous infusion over 1 hour in patients 18 years of age or older with an estimated creatinine clearance greater than 50 mL/min. The duration of therapy is up to 14 days and should be guided by the severity of infection and the patient's clinical status. Dosage adjustments are required for patients with renal impairment.

Clinical Trial Results
The FDA approval was based on data from a multinational, double-blind clinical trial (Trial 1) that enrolled 464 adults hospitalized with cUTI, including acute pyelonephritis. The study compared Contepo 6 grams intravenously every 8 hours to piperacillin/tazobactam 4.5 grams intravenously every 8 hours for 7 days of therapy, with treatment allowed for up to 14 days in bacteremic patients.

In the microbiological modified intent-to-treat (mMITT) population of 339 patients, Contepo demonstrated efficacy with regard to overall response at the test-of-cure visit. Overall success, defined as clinical cure plus microbiological eradication, was achieved in 63.5% (108/170) of Contepo-treated patients compared to 55.6% (94/169) of piperacillin/tazobactam-treated patients.

Important Safety Information
The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥2%) observed in clinical trials were transaminase elevations, hypokalemia, neutropenia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hypocalcemia, hypernatremia, headache, and hypophosphatemia.

Contepo contains 1,980 mg of sodium in each vial. The high sodium load associated with its use may result in changes in serum electrolytes, such as increased levels of serum sodium and decreased levels of potassium, calcium, and phosphorus. A low-sodium diet is recommended during Contepo treatment, and healthcare providers should monitor serum electrolyte levels and fluid status during treatment.

Contepo has been shown to prolong the QT interval in some patients and should be avoided in patients with known QT prolongation or ventricular arrhythmias, including a history of torsade de pointes. Healthcare providers should monitor electrolytes during treatment with Contepo.

Contepo is contraindicated in patients with known serious hypersensitivity to fosfomycin or any of the excipients.

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

FDA Approves Javadin (clonidine hydrochloride) Oral Solution for the Treatment of Hypertension

In continuation of my update on Clonidine



Azurity Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of  Javadin (clonidine hydrochloride) oral solution, the only FDA-approved, immediate-release, ready-to-use oral liquid clonidine formulation for the treatment of hypertension in adult patients to lower blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure has been shown to reduce the risk of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events, primarily strokes and myocardial infarctions.

“Javadin marks a significant advancement for patients and providers managing hypertension,” said Ronald Scarboro, CEO of Azurity Pharmaceuticals. “The ready-to-use oral solution may streamline hypertension care for some patients who have difficulty swallowing capsules or tablets, eliminating the need for tablet cutting, compounding, or applying a transdermal delivery system. Azurity specializes in delivering innovative, ready-to-use solutions that help to simplify dosing and improve accessibility.”

A recent study found that more than a third of adult primary care patients questioned had difficulty swallowing tablets and capsules, and 58.8 percent of them modified their medications—by splitting, crushing, or opening capsules—potentially compromising efficacy and safety.1

“Javadin lowers blood pressure within 30-60 minutes,” added Ajay Singh, Chief Scientific Officer at Azurity Pharmaceuticals. “Unlike many antihypertensive agents that act peripherally, Javadin works centrally by stimulating alpha-adrenoreceptors in the brain, resulting in decreased peripheral and renal vascular resistance, lower heart rate, and reduced blood pressure.”2

Javadin is a berry-flavored, clear, colorless oral solution. Each 5 mL delivers 0.1 mg of clonidine (0.02 mg/mL). Javadin may be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents. Javadin should not be used in patients with known hypersensitivity to clonidine.

Javadin is expected to be available by end of year 2025.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Javadin (clonidine hydrochloride) oral solution
Indication and Usage
Javadin is indicated for the treatment of hypertension in adult patients, to lower blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events, primarily strokes and myocardial infarctions. These benefits have been seen in controlled trials of antihypertensive drugs from a wide variety of pharmacologic classes. There are no controlled trials demonstrating risk reduction with Javadin.

Javadin may be employed alone or concomitantly with other antihypertensive agents.

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


FDA Approves Javadin (clonidine hydrochloride) Oral Solution for the Treatment of Hypertension

Monday, January 26, 2026

FDA Approves Lynkuet (elinzanetant) for Moderate to Severe Hot Flashes Due to Menopause


Bayer announced  the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of  Lynkuet® (elinzanetant) 60mg capsules, the first and only dual neurokinin (NK) targeted therapy,1 neurokinin 1 (NK1) and neurokinin 3 (NK3) receptor antagonist, for the treatment of moderate to severe hot flashes due to menopause.1 Inhibition of Substance P and Neurokinin B through antagonism of NK1 and NK3 receptor signaling on kisspeptin/neurokinin B/dynorphin (KNDy) neurons can modulate neuronal activity in the thermoregulation associated with hot flashes.1 Lynkuet soft gel capsules are taken once daily at bedtime, with or without food.1 The FDA approval is supported by data from three Phase III clinical trials (OASIS 1, OASIS 2 and OASIS 3) that evaluated the safety and efficacy of Lynkuet for the treatment of moderate to severe hot flashes due to menopause.




The FDA approval of Lynkuet is an important new option for women and providers who are treating moderate to severe hot flashes due to menopause. As a global leader in women’s healthcare with more than 100 years of research and experience, we are proud to bring this new treatment option to market for women who are going through menopause and seeking hot flash relief.

The efficacy of Lynkuet for the treatment of moderate to severe hot flashes due to menopause was demonstrated in the first 12 weeks of two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical trials, OASIS 1 and OASIS 2, in 796 menopausal women.1 The co-primary efficacy endpoints in both trials were the mean change in frequency and severity of moderate to severe hot flashes from baseline to weeks 4 and 12, including day and night hot flashes.1 The safety of Lynkuet was evaluated in three randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical trials (OASIS 1, OASIS 2 and OASIS 3) in 1,420 women.1 In OASIS 3, 627 women received Lynkuet or placebo for up to 52 weeks to evaluate long-term safety.1

It’s important to know that women who are pregnant should not take Lynkuet. Lynkuet can cause serious side effects, including central nervous system effects and daytime impairment, increased liver blood test values, risk of pregnancy loss, and risk of seizures in people with a history of seizures. The common side effects of Lynkuet include headache, fatigue, dizziness, feeling drowsy or sleepy, stomach (abdominal) pain, rash, diarrhea, and muscle spasms.1 For more information, please see “Important Safety Information” below.

“These studies investigated the safety and efficacy of elinzanetant for the treatment of moderate to severe hot flashes due to menopause,” said JoAnn Pinkerton, M.D., Professor and Director of Midlife Health at UVA Health and Lead Investigator on the OASIS 2 trial. “Hot flashes, particularly when severe, can have an impact on women’s daily lives and this approval provides healthcare providers with a new treatment option that can be used first-line for moderate to severe hot flashes due to menopause.”

“It’s important that women know they have choices for treating moderate to severe hot flashes due to menopause, and today’s approval further expands a woman’s options for treating these symptoms,” said Claire Gill, President and Founder of the National Menopause Foundation.

As a leader in women’s healthcare, Bayer is committed to making Lynkuet accessible. Through the Lynkuet Access Savings & Support program (LASS), women can connect with a healthcare provider and receive their Lynkuet prescription from home and at the lowest cost available to them. Visit Lynkuet.com to learn more about how to save on Lynkuet. If a patient cannot afford their prescription, Bayer may be able to help. Eligible patients may receive their Bayer prescription medicine at no cost through the Bayer U.S. Patient Assistance Foundation. For more information, please visit www.patientassistance.bayer.us or call to speak with a member of Bayer’s team at 1-866-2BUSPAF (228-7723).

Lynkuet is expected to be available in the U.S. beginning in November 2025. Elinzanetant is approved under the brand name LynkuetTM in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and Switzerland. It is pending approval in the European Union and under review in other markets around the world.

INDICATION

What is Lynkuet® (elinzanetant)?
Lynkuet is a prescription medicine used to reduce moderate to severe hot flashes (also known as vasomotor symptoms) due to menopause. Lynkuet is not a hormone. Hot flashes are feelings of warmth in the face, neck, and chest, or sudden intense feelings of heat and sweating.

REF; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elinzanetant


Thursday, January 8, 2026

FDA Approves Wayrilz (rilzabrutinib) for Immune Thrombocytopenia

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Wayrilz (rilzabrutinib) for adults with persistent or chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) who have had an insufficient response to a previous treatment. The approval was based on the pivotal LUNA 3 phase 3 study, in which Wayrilz met the primary and secondary endpoints, showing a positive impact on sustained platelet counts and other ITP symptoms.




“The burden of immune thrombocytopenia can be both physical and emotional with significant overlooked symptoms that can impact various aspects of daily living,” said Caroline Kruse, President and CEO at the Platelet Disorder Support Association. “We are pleased to have a new treatment option that can help ease the ongoing strain of managing the disease for patients and their families."

As a novel oral, reversible, Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, Wayrilz can help address the root causes of ITP through multi-immune modulation, targeting different pathways across the immune system.

“With its differentiated mechanism of action, Wayrilz has the potential to become a treatment of choice for immune thrombocytopenia patients who have not responded to a prior therapy,” said Brian Foard, Executive Vice President, Head of Specialty Care at Sanofi. “Its multi-immune modulation approach shows promise in addressing the key drivers of immune thrombocytopenia, which aligns with Sanofi's commitment to adapting and evolving therapeutic solutions to help tackle ongoing unmet patient needs. This approval underscores Sanofi's expertise and ambitions at the junction of rare and immunological disease."

The LUNA 3 phase 3 study, presented at the 66th American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting and Exposition, evaluated the efficacy and safety of Wayrilz compared to placebo in adults (n=202) with persistent or chronic ITP. Patients who achieved platelet count response at 12 weeks were eligible to continue the full 24-week double-blind period (64% of patients in the Wayrilz arm and 32% of patients in the placebo arm). Patients receiving Wayrilz experienced the following compared to patients receiving placebo:

Statistically significant durable platelet response at week 25 (23% of patients in Wayrilz arm vs. 0% in placebo arm; p<0.0001)
Faster time to first platelet response (36 days in Wayrilz arm vs. not reached in placebo arm; p<0.0001)
Longer duration of platelet response (least square mean of 7 weeks in Wayrilz arm vs. 0.7 weeks in placebo arm)
Patients receiving Wayrilz reported an overall 10.6-point improvement across nine health-related quality of life measures compared to a 2.3-point increase in the placebo arm, based on The Immune Thrombocytopenia Patient Assessment Questionnaire, a clinical tool designed to measure ITP symptoms. The results of this analysis are descriptive and were not powered for statistical significance.

The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥10%) are diarrhea, nausea, headache, abdominal pain, and COVID-19.

“Traditionally, immune thrombocytopenia management has focused on restoring platelet counts and reducing bleeding risk, which for some patients may result in suboptimal responses, persistent symptoms, or unacceptable treatment complications,” said David Kuter, MD, Director of Clinical Hematology at Massachusetts General Hospital and Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, study author. “Through multi-immune modulation, Wayrilz can offer a new option for patients, including those who fail steroids or do not respond to existing treatment.”

Wayrilz was approved in the United Arab Emirates for adult patients with persistent or chronic ITP who have had an insufficient response or intolerance to a previous treatment in June 2025. Wayrilz is currently under regulatory review for ITP in the EU and China.

It received Fast Track and Orphan Drug Designations (ODD) from the FDA for ITP, with similar orphan designations in Japan and the EU. Most recently, the FDA granted Wayrilz ODD for three additional rare diseases, including warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (wAIHA), IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD), and sickle cell disease (SCD). Wayrilz also received FDA Fast Track Designation and European Medicines Agency orphan designation in IgG4-RD.

Wayrilz patients will have access to Sanofi’s HemAssist patient support program that offers assistance for all treatments within Sanofi’s rare blood disorder portfolio. HemAssist aims to help patients and their caregivers with the support they need throughout their treatment journey, including navigation of access and insurance coverage, determining eligibility for financial assistance programs, and providing educational resources. Patient costs for treatment will vary based on insurance and patients without insurance coverage can work with HemAssist to identify potential options by visiting https://www.sanofihemassist.com or by calling 1-833-723-5463.

About the LUNA 3 study
LUNA 3 (clinical study identifier: NCT04562766) was a randomized, multicenter, phase 3 study evaluating the efficacy and safety of Wayrilz vs. placebo in adult and adolescent patients with persistent or chronic ITP. Patients received either oral Wayrilz 400 mg twice a day or placebo through a 12- to 24-week double-blind treatment period, followed by a 28-week open-label treatment period, and then a 4-week safety follow-up or long-term extension period. The adolescent part of the study is ongoing. The primary endpoint is durable platelet response, defined as the proportion of participants able to achieve platelet counts at or above 50,000/μL for more than two-thirds of at least 8 non-missing weekly scheduled platelet measurements during the last 12 weeks of the 24-week blinded treatment period in the absence of rescue therapy. Secondary endpoints included time to platelet response (platelet count ≥50 x 109/L or between 30x109/L and <50x109/L and at least doubled from baseline in absence of rescue therapy), number of weeks maintaining a specific platelet response (i.e., doubled or within range), rescue therapy use, physical fatigue score, and bleeding score.

About Wayrilz
Wayrilz (rilzabrutinib) is the first BTK inhibitor for ITP that helps address the root cause of disease through multi-immune modulation. This innovative therapy is approved in the US for adults with persistent or chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) who have had an insufficient response to a previous treatment. Additionally, Wayrilz is approved in the United Arab Emirates for adult patients with persistent or chronic ITP who have had an insufficient response or intolerance to a previous treatment. BTK, expressed in B cells, macrophages, and other innate immune cells, plays a critical role in multiple immune-mediated disease processes and inflammatory pathways. With the application of Sanofi’s TAILORED COVALENCY® technology, Wayrilz can selectively inhibit the BTK target.

Wayrilz is being studied across a variety of rare diseases, including wAIHA, IgG4-RD, and SCD. These additional indications are currently under investigation and have not been approved by regulatory authorities.

Wayrilz (rilzabrutinib) Consumer Important Safety Information

What is Wayrilz?

Wayrilz is a prescription medicine that is used to treat adults with persistent or chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) who received a prior treatment that did not work well enough.

It is not known if Wayrilz is safe and effective in children.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking Wayrilz?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

have liver problems
have kidney problems
are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Wayrilz may harm your unborn baby. If you are able to have a baby, your healthcare provider will do a pregnancy test before starting treatment with Wayrilz. Females who are able to become pregnant should use an effective birth control during treatment with Wayrilz and for 1 week after the last dose.
are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed during treatment with Wayrilz and for at least 1 week after the last dose.


Monday, January 5, 2026

FDA Approves Dawnzera (donidalorsen) as the First and Only RNA-targeted Prophylactic Treatment for Hereditary Angioedema

Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: IONS) announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of Dawnzera (donidalorsen) for prophylaxis to prevent attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE) in adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older. Dawnzera is the first and only RNA-targeted medicine approved for HAE, designed to target plasma prekallikrein (PKK), a key protein that activates inflammatory mediators associated with acute attacks of HAE. Dawnzera 80mg is self-administered via subcutaneous autoinjector once every four (Q4W) or eight weeks (Q8W).




HAE is a rare and potentially life-threatening genetic condition that involves recurrent attacks of severe swelling (angioedema) in various parts of the body, including the hands, feet, genitals, stomach, face and/or throat. HAE is estimated to affect approximately 7,000 people in the U.S.

“Dawnzera represents a significant advance for people living with HAE who need improved treatment options. With strong and durable efficacy, convenient administration and the longest dosing option available, we believe Dawnzera will be the prophylactic treatment of choice for many people living with HAE. Importantly, the recently published switch data empowers patients and physicians with a roadmap for switching to Dawnzera from other prophylactic therapies,” said Brett P. Monia, Ph.D., chief executive officer, Ionis. “At Ionis, we are dedicated to turning groundbreaking science into life-changing medicines. With the early success of our first independent launch of TRYNGOLZA® for familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS), and now with Dawnzera, our second independent medicine approved in less than nine months, we are proudly delivering on that vision. To the patients, families, advocacy partners and investigators who helped make this moment a reality, we express our deepest gratitude.”

The approval of Dawnzera was based on positive results from the Phase 3 global, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled OASIS-HAE study in patients with HAE. The study met its primary endpoint, with Dawnzera Q4W significantly reducing monthly HAE attack rate by 81% compared to placebo over 24 weeks. Mean attack rate reduction increased to 87% when measured from the second dose, a key secondary endpoint. Additionally, Dawnzera Q4W reduced moderate-to-severe HAE attacks by ~90% over 24 weeks when measured from the second dose.

These results are bolstered by the ongoing OASISplus open-label extension (OLE) study, in which Dawnzera Q8W had a similar effect as Q4W over time. Dawnzera demonstrated 94% total mean attack rate reduction from baseline across both dosing groups after one year in the OLE.

The OASISplus study also includes a switch cohort evaluating Dawnzera Q4W in patients previously treated with lanadelumab, C1-esterase inhibitor or berotralstat for at least 12 weeks. Switching to Dawnzera reduced mean HAE attack rate by 62% from prior prophylactic treatment over 16 weeks, with no mean increase in breakthrough attacks observed during the switch. A total of 84% of patients surveyed preferred Dawnzera over their prior prophylactic treatment, citing better disease control, less time to administer and less injection site pain or reactions.

Across clinical studies, Dawnzera demonstrated a favorable safety and tolerability profile. The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 5%) were injection site reactions, upper respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection and abdominal discomfort.

“As the first FDA-approved RNA-targeted therapy for HAE, Dawnzera represents a welcome advance in therapeutic options for preventing attacks. Today’s approval gives people living with HAE and their physicians another important choice for aligning treatment with individual needs,” said Anthony J. Castaldo, CEO & chairman of the board, U.S. Hereditary Angioedema Association (HAEA) and Hereditary Angioedema International (HAEi).

"People living with HAE manage this condition for all their lives, and many continue to face unpredictable, painful and dangerous breakthrough attacks even with current treatments. Durable efficacy is essential in maintaining long-term disease control,” said Marc Riedl, M.D., M.S., clinical director, U.S. HAEA Angioedema Center; University of California, San Diego; OASIS-HAE and OASISplus trial investigator. "Dawnzera is positioned to help meet patient needs, providing substantial and sustained reduction of HAE attacks, continued improvement over time and reduced burden of treatment.”

Dawnzera will be available in the U.S. in the coming days.

Ionis is committed to helping people access the medicines they are prescribed and will offer a suite of services designed to meet the unique needs of the HAE community through Ionis Every Step™. As part of Ionis Every Step, patients and healthcare providers will have access to a wide range of support and resources including dedicated support from a Patient Education Manager, assistance with the insurance approval process, information on affordability programs, access to the Dawnzera Direct digital companion and other ongoing services and resources to help patients stay on track. Visit Dawnzera.com for more information.

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

Friday, January 2, 2026

FDA Approves Inlexzo (gemcitabine intravesical system) for the Treatment of Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer


In continuation of my update on gemcitabine 

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) announced  the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of  Inlexzo (gemcitabine intravesical system), a new, potentially practice-changing approach for treating patients with certain types of bladder cancer, addressing the need for additional options following unsuccessful BCG therapy and for patients refusing or ineligible for bladder removal surgery (radical cystectomy). Inlexzo, previously referred to as TAR-200, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)-unresponsive, non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) with carcinoma in situ (CIS), with or without papillary tumors.1




Inlexzo is designed for patients seeking bladder preservation and is the first and only intravesical drug releasing system (iDRS) to provide extended local delivery of a cancer medication into the bladder. Inlexzo remains in the bladder for three weeks per treatment cycle for up to 14 cycles.1 A healthcare professional places Inlexzo into the bladder using a co-packaged urinary catheter and stylet to insert it into the bladder. Inlexzo is placed in an outpatient setting in a few minutes, without the need for general anesthesia or further monitoring immediately post-insertion within the healthcare provider’s office.1

“When we acquired this novel therapy in 2019, our ambition was to give patients with bladder cancer a renewed sense of hope and belief,” said Jennifer Taubert, Executive Vice President, Worldwide Chairman, Innovative Medicine, Johnson & Johnson. “In an area that has seen little progress for more than 40 years, Inlexzo delivers a first-of-its-kind breakthrough innovation with a bright future ahead.”

The approval is supported by data from the SunRISe-1 ( NCT04640623) single arm, open-label Phase 2b clinical study.1 Results show 82 percent of patients with BCG-unresponsive NMIBC treated with Inlexzo achieved a complete response (CR), meaning no signs of cancer were found after treatment (95 percent confidence interval [CI], 72, 90).1 This high response rate demonstrated strong durability, and 51 percent of these patients maintained a complete response for at least one year.1

In the SunRISe-1 clinical trial supporting this approval, the most common adverse reactions (≥15 percent) including laboratory abnormalities, were urinary frequency, urinary tract infection, dysuria, micturition urgency, decreased hemoglobin, increased lipase, urinary tract pain, decreased lymphocytes, hematuria, increased creatinine, increased potassium, increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST), decreased sodium, bladder irritation, and increased alanine transaminase (ALT).1

“I see many patients that ultimately become BCG-unresponsive and often face life-altering bladder removal. These patients now may be ideal candidates for newly approved Inlexzo,” said Sia Daneshmand, M.D., TAR-200 SunRISe-1 principal investigator, and Professor of Urology, Director of Urologic Oncology at the Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California.* “In my experience, Inlexzo is well-tolerated and delivers clinically meaningful results. This will change the way we treat appropriate patients that haven’t responded to traditional therapy.”

“We are proud of the science that has brought us to this historic moment,” said John Reed, M.D., Ph.D., Executive Vice President, R&D, Innovative Medicine, Johnson & Johnson. “Inlexzo is a novel therapy with powerful efficacy and demonstrated safety profile. As the only major healthcare company that hosts both pharmaceuticals and medical devices, we leveraged the speed and scale of Johnson & Johnson to accelerate innovation and deliver this important therapy to patients.”

“At BCAN, our mission has always been to advocate for better todays and more tomorrows for everyone impacted by bladder cancer. This approval represents the kind of progress that brings new options to a community that urgently needs them,” said Meri-Margaret Deoudes, CEO, Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN).** “Patients with bladder cancer need guidance and collaboration with providers to navigate bladder-sparing treatment options, including newly approved treatments like Inlexzo, so they can move forward feeling well-informed and confident.”

Leading to today’s approval, the FDA granted Inlexzo Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD), Real-Time Oncology Review (RTOR), and Priority Review.

Johnson & Johnson is committed to helping patients access our treatments. Once a patient and their doctor have decided that Inlexzo is right for the patient, J&J withMe provides a simple, comprehensive patient support program offering cost support, a dedicated Care Navigator and educational resources, at no cost to the patient.

About SunRISe-1, Cohort 2SunRISe-1 ( NCT04640623), Cohort 2, was a single arm, open-label Phase 2b clinical study that evaluated the safety and efficacy of Inlexzo monotherapy for BCG-unresponsive NMIBC patients with carcinoma in situ (CIS) with or without papillary tumors who are ineligible for, or elected not to undergo, radical cystectomy. The primary endpoint for Cohort 2 was complete response (CR) rate at any time point, and secondary endpoints include duration of response (DOR).

About Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (NMIBC) and the Current Standard of Care Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is a type of non-invasive bladder cancer that can be classified as low, intermediate, or high risk depending on the presence of characteristics including tumor size, presence of multiple tumors, and carcinoma in situ (CIS).2 NMIBC with CIS makes up approximately 10 percent of patients with NMIBC.3 The current standard of care for NMIBC is Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), which is a weakened form of the bacteria found in tuberculosis treatment. Though effective, some patients become unresponsive to it and may experience challenges.4,5 Radical cystectomy is currently recommended for NMIBC patients who fail BCG therapy; it is a life-altering surgery with a high degree of morbidity and adverse impact on life, and has a post-surgery mortality rate of three to eight percent.6,7 Given that NMIBC typically affects older patients, many may be unwilling or unfit to undergo radical cystectomy.

About Inlexzo
Inlexzo is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of adult patients with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)-unresponsive, non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) with carcinoma in situ (CIS), with or without papillary tumors. Inlexzo is an intravesical system enabling extended release of gemcitabine into the bladder. It is placed in a few minutes without general anesthesia or further monitoring immediately post-insertion within the healthcare provider’s office.

The safety and efficacy of Inlexzo is being evaluated in clinical trials in patients with MIBC in SunRISe-4, and NMIBC in SunRISe-1, SunRISe-3, and SunRISe-

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gemcitabine#:~:text=More%20than%2010%25%20of%20users,back%20pain%2C%20and%20muscle%20pain.

Thursday, January 1, 2026

FDA Approves Tonmya (cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride sublingual tablets) for the Treatment of Fibromyalgia

Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp. (Nasdaq: TNXP),  announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of  Tonmya™ (cyclobenzaprine HCl sublingual tablets) for the treatment of fibromyalgia in adults. Tonmya is a first-in-class, non-opioid, once-daily bedtime analgesic with a unique sublingual (under the tongue) formulation that is designed for rapid absorption into the bloodstream. Tonmya is the first new FDA-approved therapy for the treatment of fibromyalgia in over 15 years.



“The FDA approval of Tonmya as a first-line treatment for fibromyalgia represents a landmark advancement for the millions of people in the U.S. suffering from the debilitating pain this condition causes,” said Seth Lederman, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Tonix Pharmaceuticals. “At Tonix, we recognized the transformative potential of pursuing a new approach with Tonmya for fibromyalgia, a chronic overlapping pain condition (COPC), that has gone without innovation for many years. We are hopeful that effectively treating pain with Tonmya could help improve the lives of people with this chronic syndrome.”

“The chronic pain of fibromyalgia is debilitating to every aspect of a person’s life, including causing sleep disturbance and fatigue, all of which can negatively impact someone’s ability to carry out their daily activities,” said Sharon Waldrop, a person with lived experience and founder of the Fibromyalgia Association. “For over 15 years, this community has been underserved and waiting for new treatment options. This approval is a promising step forward and brings renewed hope to millions.”

The approval incorporated efficacy from two double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, Phase 3 clinical trials of nearly 1,000 patients in total that evaluated Tonmya as a bedtime treatment for fibromyalgia. Across both Phase 3 trials, Tonmya significantly reduced daily pain scores compared to placebo at 14 weeks, the primary endpoint. Additionally, a greater percentage of study participants taking Tonmya experienced a clinically meaningful (≥30%) improvement in their pain after three months, compared to placebo.

Across three Phase 3 clinical trials with over 1,400 patients evaluated, Tonmya was generally well tolerated. The most common adverse events (incidence ≥2% and at a higher incidence in Tonmya-treated patients compared to placebo-treated patients) included oral hypoesthesia (numbness in the mouth), oral discomfort, abnormal product taste, somnolence (drowsiness), oral paresthesia (tingling, pricking or burning in the mouth), oral pain, fatigue, dry mouth, and aphthous ulcer (canker sore).

“For many years, rheumatologists like myself and other healthcare professionals have had to manage fibromyalgia with limited options that do not adequately meet treatment needs for the majority of patients,” said Philip Mease, M.D., Director of Rheumatology Research at the Providence Swedish Medical Center and Clinical Professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine. “Tonmya is a novel treatment approach that targets nonrestorative sleep that is characteristic of fibromyalgia and can impact core symptoms, specifically pain.”

The latest Phase 3 trial, RESILIENT, was recently published in Pain Medicine with data on primary and secondary endpoints measuring pain, patient’s global impression of change, patient-reported symptoms and function, sleep disturbance, and fatigue.

“I know firsthand how the chronic pain of fibromyalgia significantly disrupts my patients’ lives.” Andrea L. Chadwick, M.D., MSc, FASA, Anesthesiology, Pain, and Perioperative Medicine at The University of Kansas Health System. “Treatments that are processed through the liver can result in metabolites that could affect a medicine’s efficacy and safety over time. Tonmya is administered sublingually which is designed to reduce pain quickly and durably with a tolerable safety profile.”

Tonix thanks the participants and investigators involved in its fibromyalgia clinical trials, and FDA for its commitment to approving new treatments for this condition.

Tonmya is expected to be available for adult patients in the U.S. with fibromyalgia beginning in the fourth quarter of this year.

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

Wednesday, December 24, 2025

FDA Approves Brinsupri (brensocatib) for the Treatment of Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis

Insmed Incorporated (Nasdaq: INSM),  announced  the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)  approval of  first-in-class Brinsupri (brensocatib 10 mg and 25 mg tablets), an oral, once-daily treatment for non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB) in adults and children 12 years and older. Brinsupri is the first and only FDA-approved treatment for NCFB, giving hundreds of thousands of patients and clinicians across the U.S. an option to manage this chronic and progressive disease that can lead to permanent lung damage and lung function decline.




"This FDA approval represents a potential paradigm shift in how we approach non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis," said Doreen Addrizzo-Harris, M.D., FCCP, the Fiona and Stanley Druckenmiller Professor of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and Director of the NYU Langone Health Bronchiectasis and NTM Program, and ASPEN investigator. "For the first time, we have a treatment that directly targets neutrophilic inflammation and addresses a root cause of bronchiectasis exacerbations. Based on the strength of the data and the impact we've seen in patients, I believe this could become the new standard in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis care."

There are approximately 500,000 people in the U.S. diagnosed with NCFB, and it is estimated that millions more are living with this disease globally. Unlike other respiratory diseases that are characterized by airway narrowing, bronchiectasis causes airways to permanently widen, making it harder to clear mucus and bacteria, leading to persistent inflammation and infection. A hallmark of bronchiectasis is frequent exacerbations, or flares, when symptoms worsen, such as coughing, increased mucus, shortness of breath and fatigue.

"Non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis deeply affects the lives of people living with this chronic lung condition, impacting both their physical health and emotional well-being," added Elisha Malanga, Executive Director of the Bronchiectasis and NTM Association. "Many patients experience frequent flares, which can disrupt daily life and potentially lead to disease progression. The FDA approval of brensocatib represents a significant and long-awaited advancement as the first approved therapy for non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. Our hope is that treatments like this will enable people with bronchiectasis to manage their condition."

This approval is based on data from the Phase 3 ASPEN and Phase 2 WILLOW studies, which were both published in the New England Journal of Medicine. In ASPEN, patients taking Brinsupri 10 mg or 25 mg had a 21.1% and 19.4% reduction in annual rate of exacerbations respectively, as compared to placebo. Both dosage strengths of Brinsupri also met several exacerbation-related secondary endpoints, including significantly prolonging the time to first exacerbation and significantly increasing the proportion of patients remaining exacerbation-free over the treatment period. Patients who received Brinsupri 25 mg experienced statistically significant less decline in lung function, as measured by forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁) after using a bronchodilator, at week 52. The safety of Brinsupri was also evaluated in both studies. The most common adverse reactions ≥2% in the ASPEN trial included upper respiratory tract infection, headache, rash, dry skin, hyperkeratosis, and hypertension. The safety profile for adult patients with NCFB in WILLOW was generally similar to ASPEN, except for a higher incidence of gingival and periodontal adverse reactions in WILLOW.

"The FDA approval of the first-ever treatment for non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis is a historic milestone for patients and for Insmed," said Martina Flammer, M.D., MBA, Chief Medical Officer of Insmed. "By keeping patients at the center of everything we do, we have once again delivered a first-in-class medicine for a disease with no prior approved treatments. This is an incredible achievement in medicine. We're deeply grateful to the patients, providers, and advocates who made this possible – this is just the beginning of what we can accomplish together for this community."

Brinsupri is a first-in-class dipeptidyl peptidase 1 (DPP1) inhibitor, designed to inhibit the activation of enzymes (neutrophil serine proteases) in neutrophils that are key drivers of chronic airway inflammation in NCFB. Brinsupri is the first approved therapy to address the underlying inflammatory process of NCFB.

In parallel, applications for brensocatib with the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have been accepted, and the Company plans to file in Japan in 2025. Commercial launches are anticipated in 2026, pending approval in each territory.

Brinsupri is now available in the U.S. by prescription through a comprehensive specialty pharmacy network.


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



Friday, December 19, 2025

FDA Approves KETARx (ketamine) for Surgical Pain Management

PharmaTher Holdings Ltd. announced     the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of  KETARx™, on August 8th, 2025, for its indicated uses in surgical pain management. This FDA approval signifies a momentous achievement for Pharma. 

Fabio Chianelli, Founder, Chairman and CEO of PharmaTher, commented:





“Today marks a new chapter for PharmaTher. With FDA approval for ketamine now in hand, we are closer to realizing our goal of becoming a global leader in ketamine-based pharmaceuticals. This historic FDA approval for PharmaTher is a testament to years of dedicated development, signalling a new era of growth. We remain steadfast in our mission to harness the pharmaceutical potential of ketamine for a range of mental health, neurological, and pain disorders.”

Ketamine stands out among psychedelic and psychedelic-adjacent drugs as the only one included on the World Health Organization's Model List of Essential Medicines1. The global ketamine market is expected to experience substantial growth, currently valued at $750 million and projected to reach $3.42 billion by 2034, indicating a compound annual growth rate of 16.4%2. Furthermore, SPRAVATO® (esketamine), an FDA approved treatment for depression, is tracking a sales run rate of $1.6 billion, with guidance anticipating $3 billion to $3.5 billion by 2027-20283. This promising market outlook underscores the potential of KETARx™ and PharmaTher’s strategic position in the industry.

The FDA's approval of the Company’s ketamine product, KETARx™, provides a strong foundation for expanding the development of ketamine across diverse therapeutic areas within the Company's product pipeline. These areas include mental health conditions like depression, neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and the management of rare or chronic pain, including Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).

Since February 2018, ketamine has been regularly listed on the FDA drug shortage list, highlighting a significant need for a consistent, high-quality supply. This issue is cautioned by a compounding risk alert issued by the FDA on October 10, 20234, which detailed potential risks associated with compounded ketamine products used for psychiatric disorders. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, has also emphasized the importance of expanding research and ensuring legal access to psychedelic therapies for veterans5. The Veterans Health Administration, the largest integrated healthcare system in the U.S., currently approves and funds ketamine infusions for retired military personnel afflicted with depression, PTSD, and chronic pain6. Furthermore, FDA Commissioner Marty Makary's establishment of the Commissioner's National Priority Voucher program signifies the FDA's dedication to expediting access to safe and effective treatments, instilling confidence in potential future regulatory support and accessibility for ketamine.

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

Saturday, December 13, 2025

FDA Approves Vostally (ramipril) Oral Solution for the Treatment of Hypertension in Adults

Rosemont Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced  the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)  approval of  Vostally (ramipril) Oral Solution, an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor that offers once-daily dosing in an oral liquid form for patients who have difficulty swallowing.




Vostally is indicated for the treatment of hypertension in adults, to lower blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events, primarily strokes and myocardial infarctions. Additionally, in patients 55 years or older at high risk of developing a major cardiovascular event, Vostally is indicated to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, or death from cardiovascular causes. Also, in adult patients with post-myocardial infarction heart failure, Vostally is indicated to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure.

Vostally is contraindicated in patients with a history of angioedema or hypersensitivity to this product or any other ACE inhibitor and in patients with hereditary or idiopathic angioedema. Vostally is contraindicated in combination with a neprilysin inhibitor (e.g., sacubitril). Do not administer Vostally within 36 hours of switching to or from sacubitril/valsartan, a neprilysin inhibitor. Do not co-administer Vostally with aliskiren in patients with diabetes.

“We are proud to bring Vostally to physicians to treat patients who may benefit from an ACE inhibitor but whose difficulty swallowing a tablet creates a barrier to this kind of therapy,” said Jeff Bryant, President of Sabal Therapeutics, a Rosemont Company. “This oral liquid form of ramipril provides physicians with another option for treating patients.”

“This FDA approval of Vostally marks an important milestone in expanding treatment options for patients who have difficulty swallowing traditional tablets or capsules,” continued Mr. Bryant. “We are proud to support Rosemont’s commitment to delivering high-quality oral liquid medicines to the U.S. market and believe Vostally will provide a meaningful benefit to both patients and healthcare providers and payors.”

Vostally will be available later this year. Full Prescribing Information, including boxed warning and safety profile, is available at www.RosemontPharmaceuticals.com.

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

FDA Approves Vostally (ramipril) Oral Solution for the Treatment of Hypertension in Adults

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

FDA Approves Sephience (sepiapterin) for the Treatment of Children and Adults Living with Phenylketonuria

PTC Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: PTCT) announced   U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)  approval of Sephience™ (sepiapterin) for the treatment of children and adults living with phenylketonuria (PKU). The approval includes broad labeling for the treatment of hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) in adult and pediatric patients 1 month of age and older with sepiapterin-responsive PKU.




"We are excited to have reached this important milestone for those affected by PKU," said Matthew B. Klein, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of PTC Therapeutics. "The broad labeling reflects the potential of Sephience to meet the significant unmet need of PKU patients. The Sephience clinical data along with our expertise in launching rare disease therapies position Sephience to become the future standard of care. Our experienced customer facing teams are ready to bring this therapy to children and adults with PKU in the United States as quickly as possible."

The FDA approval is based on the evidence of significant efficacy and safety from the
Phase 3 APHENITY trial as well as durability of treatment effect in the APHENITY long-term extension study.

"The approval marks an exciting milestone for the PKU community," said Catherine Warren, Executive Director of the National PKU Alliance. "This progress brings renewed hope, and we are eager to see the positive impact this new treatment option will have on advancing care and potentially improving quality of life for individuals of all ages and PKU subtypes that respond to this therapy."

Sephience was recently granted marketing authorization by the European Commission. Review of approval applications is ongoing in several other countries including Japan and Brazil.

About Sephience (sepiapterin)
Sephience is indicated for the treatment of hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) in adult and pediatric patients with phenylketonuria (PKU). Sephience is a natural precursor of the enzymatic co-factor BH4, a critical co-factor for phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH). Through its mechanism of action, Sephience is able to effectively reduce blood phenylalanine (Phe) levels and has the potential to treat a broad range of PKU patients. Sephience is approved in the European Economic Area and the United States.

Indication and Important Safety Information

Indication
Sephience is indicated for the treatment of hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) in adult and pediatric patients 1 month of age and older with sepiapterin-responsive phenylketonuria (PKU). Sephience is to be used in conjunction with a phenylalanine (Phe)-restricted diet.

Contraindications
None

Important Safety Information
Treatment with Sephience should be directed by physicians knowledgeable in the management of PKU. Biochemical response to Sephience can only be determined by a therapeutic trial with careful monitoring of ongoing dietary and nutritional balance to ensure adequate Phe control.

Warnings and Precautions

Increased Bleeding: Sephience may increase the risk of bleeding. Bleeding events, including superficial hematomas, prolonged bleeding, and heavy menstrual bleeding have occurred in patients treated with Sephience. Inform patients about the risk of bleeding associated with Sephience and have patients follow up with their healthcare provider should such a bleeding event occur. Consider treatment interruption with Sephience in patients with active bleeding.
Hypophenylalaninemia: Some pediatric patients receiving Sephience experienced hypophenylalaninemia. Monitor blood Phe levels during treatment and modify the dosage of Sephience and/or dietary protein and Phe intake as needed to ensure adequate blood Phe level control. Frequent blood monitoring is recommended in the pediatric population.
Interaction with Levodopa: In a 10-year post-marketing safety surveillance program for a non-PKU indication using another drug that is a phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) activator, 3 patients with underlying neurological disorders experienced seizures, exacerbation of seizures, over-stimulation, and irritability during co-administration with levodopa. Monitor patients who are receiving levodopa for changes in neurological status during treatment with Sephience.
Adverse Reactions
Most common adverse reactions with Sephience (≥2% and > placebo) were diarrhea, headache, abdominal pain, hypophenylalaninemia, feces discoloration, and oropharyngeal pain.

Drug Interactions
Avoid concomitant use of drugs known to inhibit folate synthesis dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) (e.g., trimethoprim, methotrexate, trimetrexate, pemetrexed, pralatrexate, raltitrexed, and piritrexim) while taking Sephience. Concomitant administration of such drugs may reduce sepiapterin metabolism to BH4. If concomitant use is not avoidable, monitor blood Phe levels.

Sephience and PDE-5 inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil, vardenafil, or tadalafil) induce vasorelaxation and may reduce blood pressure. Monitor for signs and symptoms of hypotension.

For medical information, product complaints, or to report an adverse event, please call 1–866–562–4620 or email at usmedinfo@ptcbio.com.


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