FDA Approves Zaynich (cefepime and zidebactam) for the Treatment of Complicated Urinary Tract Infections

In continuation of my update on cefepime

cefepime

Zidebactam

FDA approved Zaynich (cefepime and zidebactam), a novel intravenous antibiotic for the treatment of adults with complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI), including pyelonephritis, caused by susceptible Gram-negative pathogens. Zaynich previously received Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP) and Fast Track designations from the FDA.

• Zaynich is a multi- penicillin-binding protein targeting combination of the 4 th generation cephalosporin cefepime and zidebactam working synergistically against the most challenging multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria
• In the Phase 3 ENHANCE-1 clinical trial, Zaynich demonstrated higher combined clinical cure and microbiologic response (composite endpoint) at the test of cure (TOC) visit versus meropenem, 89.0% vs 68.4% respectively and was generally well tolerated
• More than 2.8 million antimicrobial-resistant infections occur each year in the U.S., resulting in more than 35,000 deaths¹

“The threat of drug-resistant infections is an escalating crisis, leaving clinicians with fewer tools to treat patients facing these aggressive pathogens. The FDA approval of Zaynich is a monumental step forward in validating a new option for these underserved populations,” said Dennis Deruelle, MD, FHM, Chief Medical Officer at Wockhardt. “This milestone underscores our commitment to addressing critical unmet needs and offers a profound sense of hope to the families we are working to serve.”

“This approval is a significant realization of our mission to provide patients with novel antibiotics that help to address one of the most urgent global health threats—antimicrobial resistance,”² said Dr. Habil F. Khorakiwala, Founder and Chairman of Wockhardt Group. “Furthermore, Zaynich is the first New Chemical Entity fully developed and commercialized by an Indian pharmaceutical company to receive an FDA approval, representing a historic milestone not only for Wockhardt, but for the Indian pharmaceutical industry.”

Zaynich, unlike most other beta-lactam combinations, targets multiple penicillin binding proteins (PBP 1a/b, 2 and 3) simultaneously. This unique, multi-target synergy provides bactericidal activity against the most challenging drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria for which there are currently very limited treatment options.

“Multidrug-resistant bacterial infections are a substantial burden for patients and the healthcare system, as patients with these infections typically require longer, more intensive care, and are at increased risk of lifethreatening complications,” explained Keith Kaye, MD, MPH, Professor of Medicine and Division Chief for Infectious Diseases at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. “There is an ongoing need for new antibiotics to combat these drug-resistant pathogens, and we are pleased that this approval means patients will soon have an exciting unique option that is urgently needed in the US and worldwide.”

cUTI is responsible for over 600,000 hospitalizations in the U.S. annually. A growing number of cUTIs are caused by antimicrobial resistant bacteria, including multidrug-resistant bacteria, a leading cause of bacteremia and associated with significant morbidity and mortality and a burden on the health care system.³

The FDA approval was based, in part, on the results from ENHANCE-1, a Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, multicenter study which evaluated the efficacy, safety and tolerability of Zaynich compared with meropenem in the treatment of hospitalized adults with cUTI or acute pyelonephritis (AP). Zaynich demonstrated efficacy at the primary endpoint, achieving a composite clinical cure and microbiological response rate of 89.0% versus 68.4% for meropenem Treatment difference 20.6% (95% CI; 12.3, 29.5). Zaynich was generally well tolerated in the phase 3 study. The study enrolled 530 patients from the U.S., Europe, LATAM, China and India, and spanned across 64 sites.

Zaynich® was approved by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) on May 27, 2026. Wockhardt has also submitted a Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) to the European Medicines Agency.

FDA Approves Zaynich (cefepime and zidebactam) for the Treatment of Complicated Urinary Tract Infections

Acetaminophen reaffirmed as first-line medication for treating pain and fever during pregnancy

In continuation of my update on acetaminophen 

Acetaminophen remains the recommended first-line medication to treat pain and fever during pregnancy, according to an updated statement from the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM). A comprehensive review of the available scientific evidence does not establish a causal relationship between acetaminophen taken during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism spectrum disorders and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, according to SMFM. The work is published in the journal Pregnancy.

SMFM's statement is based on a thorough review of recent studies and earlier research on acetaminophen during pregnancy. The newest studies vary in their findings on the potential association between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and risk of childhood neurobehavioral issues and have significant limitations in their study design.

"After another careful review of the existing research, we continue recommending acetaminophen as a safe treatment for our pregnant patients who need it for pain relief and to reduce fever," said Judette M. Louis, MD, MPH, chair of the SMFM Publications Committee.

Acetaminophen is a commonly used non-opioid analgesic during pregnancy. An estimated 65% of pregnant women use acetaminophen at some point during pregnancy, mostly to treat headache and fever. Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in many over-the-counter and prescription medications, including Tylenol.

"Both untreated fever and pain during pregnancy carry potential health risks, so you shouldn't just 'tough it out,'" said Louis. "Untreated fever, particularly in the first trimester, is known to be linked to birth defects and miscarriage. We also know that maternal fever during labor can be associated with poor neonatal outcomes."

Along with acetaminophen, SMFM recommends nonpharmacological interventions, including hydration and physical therapy, to help manage pain during pregnancy.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids are not recommended to treat fever and pain during pregnancy. NSAIDs increase the risk of fetal renal impairment, premature closure of the ductus arteriosus, oligohydramnios, and maternal bleeding. Opioid medications taken during pregnancy are associated with neonatal abstinence syndrome, addiction, and sedation, and are also not recommended as first-line treatments for pain during pregnancy.

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

Acetaminophen reaffirmed as first-line medication for treating pain and fever during pregnancy

With trial success, Gilead paves way for broader use of Livdelzi

A phase 3 study of Gilead’s Livdelzi has met its primary endpoint, showing the drug's ability to normalize a key marker of disease progression for those with the rare liver disorder primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). 

In the IDEAL trial, which compared Livdelzi to placebo, Gilead’s pill allowed significantly more patients to gain control of their alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels, which are a key signal of disease progression. The trial's primary endpoint hinged on the number of patients who achieved ALP levels in the normal range with at least a 15% decrease from baseline, the company said Tuesday. 

The trial included 96 participants ages 18 to 75 who had inadequately controlled PBC. Patients in this group are associated with increased risk of progression to liver transplant or death compared with patients at normalized ALP levels, Gilead explained.

The patient pool in the trial included only those with an incomplete response or intolerance to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), the standard first-line treatment for PBC. UDCA treatments replace bile acids, slowing disease progression and improving liver function. 

“These results extend the evidence base for Livdelzi to a broader population of people living with PBC and support ALP normalization as an achievable therapeutic goal in patients with ALP between 1 to 1.67,” Cynthia Levy, M.D., of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, said in a release. 

Gilead said it will provide full results from the trial at a future medical meeting and engage with global regulators on the data. 

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

With trial success, Gilead paves way for broader use of Livdelzi

China approves fruquintinib combination for kidney cancer

China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has approved a combination of ELUNATE (fruquintinib) and TYVYT (sintilimab) for patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma whose disease has progressed following prior VEGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (VEGFR-TKI) therapy.

The approval applies to patients with locally advanced or metastatic disease who have not previously received programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) or programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitor therapy in the first-line setting.

The decision was based on results from the phase 3 FRUSICA-2 study, which evaluated fruquintinib combined with sintilimab against axitinib or everolimus monotherapy in second-line treatment.

The study met its primary endpoint of progression-free survival (PFS), with patients receiving the combination therapy achieving median PFS of 22.2 months compared with 6.9 months in the comparator arm.

Objective response rates were also higher in the combination group, while the safety profile was reported to be consistent with the known effects of each treatment.

Professor Dingwei Ye of Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center said advances in targeted therapies and immunotherapy combinations were continuing to reshape treatment approaches in advanced renal cell carcinoma.

“The rapid advancements in targeted therapies, immunotherapies and their combination regimens have led to a significant evolution in the treatment landscape for advanced renal cell carcinoma. Optimising the selection of treatment for individual patients is a key focus of clinical interest,” said the professor.

Kidney cancer remains a significant global health burden, with around 435,000 new diagnoses estimated worldwide in 2022. Approximately 90% of kidney tumours are renal cell carcinoma.

The approval represents the latest indication for sintilimab in China and expands use of the combination regimen following earlier approval in advanced endometrial cancer.

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

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

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

                                                      Glycopyrrolate

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

Formoterol

Beclometasone or beclomethasone

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FDA Permits Expanded Access for Investigational Pancreatic Cancer Drug | FDA

Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is announcing that it issued a “safe to proceed” letter to Revolution Medicines, allowing the sponsor to initiate an expanded access treatment protocol (EAP) for its experimental pancreatic cancer drug, daraxonrasib.

 

The expanded access treatment protocol is for patients with previously treated metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The FDA received the expanded access request from Revolution Medicines on April 28 and signed it on April 30.

FDA regulations allow expanded access to investigational drugs for treatment purposes for larger populations under a treatment protocol or treatment investigational new drug application. Per EAP guidelines, requests for expanded access must be submitted to the sponsor by physicians licensed in the U.S. on behalf of eligible patients.

“Granting the request two days after receiving the expanded access application reflects the FDA’s strong commitment to facilitate early access to therapies for serious and life-threatening conditions, including pancreatic cancer,” said FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H. “Having taken care of many patients with metastatic cancer, I am hopeful that today’s action will improve the lives of patients suffering from this disease.”

Daraxonrasib is a RAS inhibitor designed to inhibit a protein (RAS) that is mutated in most pancreatic cancer tumors. 

The company said on April 13 that it intends to submit a new drug application for daraxonrasib under the Commissioner’s National Priority Voucher (CNPV) pilot program. The FDA granted a national priority voucher to daraxonrasib, also called RMC-6236, in October 2025. 

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

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

In continuation of my update on beclomethasone, Formoterol  & Glycopyrrolate

Formoterol

 beclomethasone, 

Glycopyrrolate

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Xspray Pharma Re-Submits its FDA Application for Dasynoc

Xspray Pharma AB (publ) has re-submitted its application for market approval for Dasynoc® to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Dasynoc® is the company's lead product candidate – an amorphous dasatinib for the treatment of leukemia. The resubmission includes the additional information requested by the FDA. A new PDUFA-date is expected to be set for August 2026 at the latest.

Xspray Pharma has submitted its response to the CRL (Complete Response Letter) received from the FDA in October 2025. The CRL related to the company’s NDA application (New Drug Application) for market approval in the United States for Dasynoc, an amorphous dasatinib for the treatment of CML (chronic myeloid leukemia) and ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukemia).

The current resubmission includes additional data specifically designed to address FDA’s concerns regarding risk for medication error. A qualitative human factors study has been completed to address this, confirming high prescriber comprehension using the new tablet strengths. The requested documentation confirming the effectiveness of previously implemented manufacturing measures was also submitted.

The GMP-observations in the company’s third-party manufacturing facility are being handled by the facility itself, and corrective measures are being implemented. Xspray welcomes the recent acquisition of the facility by Benta Group, a well-established company with core operations in pharmaceutical contract manufacturing and a strong reputation for quality, regulatory compliance and operational standards.

“Although the progress and approval process of the facility is not under our direct control, current information that is available to us reassures us that the issues in the facility will be resolved. We maintain our plan to launch two products, Dasynoc and XS003 nilotinib during the second half of 2026,” comments Per Andersson, CEO of Xspray Pharma.

The Dasynoc application will now undergo FDA review. Once the FDA formally confirms acceptance of the application, a new PDUFA date will be announced, expected no later than August 2026.

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

Telix Resubmits NDA to U.S. FDA for TLX101-Px (Pixclara) Brain Cancer Imaging Candidate

Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited (ASX: TLX, NASDAQ: TLX, “Telix”) announced the resubmission of a New Drug Application (NDA) to the United States (U.S.) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for TLX101-Px, (Pixclara®1, Floretyrosine F 18 or 18F-FET), an investigational PET2 imaging agent for the characterization of recurrent or progressive glioma (brain cancer) from treatment related changes in both adult and pediatric patients.

Telix has resubmitted the NDA with the additional data requested by the FDA. The Company believes, based on the Type A meeting and ongoing consultation with the FDA, that the additional data and statistical analysis, along with the primary data set provided in the original submission, appropriately addresses the Complete Response Letter3.

Given the potential to address significant unmet medical need, TLX101-Px has been granted Orphan Drug4 and Fast Track5 designations by the FDA. PET imaging with 18F-FET is already included in international clinical practice guidelines for the imaging of gliomas6, however there is currently no FDA-approved targeted amino acid PET agent for adult and pediatric brain cancer imaging commercially available in the U.S.

Dr. David N. Cade, Telix Group Chief Medical Officer, said, “We appreciate the FDA’s recognition of the critical unmet need to improve the diagnosis and management of glioma, particularly in the post-treatment setting. Our resubmission is supported by an extensive and compelling data set – particularly so for an orphan indication. We are grateful to our global clinical collaborators, who share our commitment to ensuring patients in the U.S. can benefit from this important patient management tool.”

Maggie Haynes, Executive Director, Head for the Cure Foundation, added: “Our community is encouraged by the FDA’s ongoing engagement and guidance to the sponsor and support for the Expanded Access Program for TLX101-Px. We are hopeful of an expedited review, so this important and proven imaging option can become available to those who urgently need it.”

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluoroethyl-L-tyrosine_(18F)

Nuvalent Announces Submission of New Drug Application to FDA for Neladalkib in TKI Pre-treated Advanced ALK-Positive NSCLC

Nuvalent, Inc. (Nasdaq: NUVL), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on creating precisely targeted therapies for clinically proven kinase targets in cancer, today announced the submission to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the Company's NDA for neladalkib, an investigational ALK-selective inhibitor, in TKI pre-treated advanced ALK-positive NSCLC.

New Drug Application (NDA) based on data in TKI pre-treated patients from the global ALKOVE-1 Phase 1/2 clinical trial

"The advancement of neladalkib from first clinical trial initiation to NDA submission in less than four years represents a remarkable pace in oncology drug development, underscoring the vigor and urgency our team brought to this program and our deep commitment to the ALK-positive NSCLC community," said Darlene Noci, A.L.M., Chief Development Officer at Nuvalent. "We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the patients, families and investigators who have made this progress possible, and are committed to working closely with the FDA throughout the NDA review process toward our goal of bringing neladalkib to patients as quickly as possible."

The application is based on data in TKI pre-treated patients with advanced ALK-positive NSCLC treated with neladalkib in the global, registration-directed ALKOVE-1 Phase 1/2 clinical trial. In this population, neladalkib demonstrated encouraging overall activity, including intracranial responses, the ability to address key drivers of disease progression, and a generally well-tolerated safety profile consistent with its ALK-selective, TRK-sparing design. The company plans to share detailed results at a future medical meeting.

Neladalkib has received breakthrough therapy designation from the FDA for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic ALK-positive NSCLC who have been previously treated with 2 or more ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors and orphan drug designation for ALK-positive NSCLC.

About Neladalkib

Neladalkib is an investigational, brain-penetrant, ALK-selective inhibitor created with the aim to overcome limitations observed with currently available ALK inhibitors. Neladalkib is designed to remain active in tumors that have developed resistance to first-, second-, and third-generation ALK inhibitors, including tumors with single or compound treatment-emergent ALK mutations such as G1202R. In addition, neladalkib is designed for central nervous system (CNS) penetrance to improve treatment options for patients with brain metastases, and to avoid inhibition of the structurally related tropomyosin receptor kinase (TRK) family. Together, these characteristics have the potential to avoid TRK-related CNS adverse events seen with dual TRK/ALK inhibitors and to drive deep, durable responses for patients across all lines of therapy. Neladalkib has received breakthrough therapy designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have been previously treated with 2 or more ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors and orphan drug designation for ALK-positive NSCLC.

https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB16688

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FDA Approves Bysanti (milsaperidone) for the treatment of Bipolar I Disorder and Schizophrenia

Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq: VNDA) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Bysanti (milsaperidone) tablets, a first line therapy for the acute treatment of manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder and for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults.

Bysanti is a new chemical entity (NCE) that belongs in the class of atypical antipsychotics. In clinical studies Bysanti demonstrated bioequivalence to iloperidone across the therapeutic dosing spectrum enabling it to leverage well-established knowledge of efficacy and safety derived from a rich clinical development program and more than 100,000 patient-years of real-world experience with Fanapt® (iloperidone). As such Bysanti represents a novel therapeutic option with a trusted safety profile in the treatment of these serious psychiatric conditions.

"The Bysanti approval marks a significant step forward, offering patients and providers a reliable new treatment grounded in extensive clinical heritage," said Mihael H. Polymeropoulos, M.D., President, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Vanda Pharmaceuticals. "Bysanti exemplifies a new era of accelerated innovation in drug development that can transform how we address unmet needs in behavioral health."

Bysanti is currently being tested as a once-daily adjunctive treatment in treatment-resistant major depressive disorder in an ongoing clinical study expected to complete by the end of this year.

Bysanti (milsaperidone), a new chemical entity, rapidly interconverts to iloperidone, providing dual active molecules that work in tandem by antagonizing dopamine D2, serotonin 5-HT2A, and alpha1-adrenergic receptors to modulate key pathways in these disorders. Its safety profile aligns closely with that established for iloperidone.

Bysanti's unique in-class receptor binding profile, featuring strong alpha-adrenergic binding in excess of dopamine and serotonin receptor binding, makes it suitable for further investigation in conditions that include symptoms of hostility, agitation, and hyperarousal.

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

FDA Approves Bysanti (milsaperidone) for the treatment of Bipolar I Disorder and Schizophrenia

FDA Approves Icotyde (icotrokinra) for the Treatment of Plaque Psoriasis

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Icotyde (icotrokinra), an interleukin-23 (IL-23) receptor antagonist for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older who weigh at least 40 kg who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy. Icotyde is the first and only targeted oral peptide that precisely blocks the IL-23 receptor.

• Johnson & Johnson introduces the first and only IL-23R targeted oral peptide that delivers complete skin clearance and favorable safety profile in a once-daily pill
• Icotyde offers an innovative new option for patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis to address patients cycling on topical therapies in need of systemic treatment

“Icotyde delivers something unique in psoriasis treatment – combining skin clearance with a favorable safety profile in a once‑daily pill, making it an easy addition to a patient’s routine,” said Linda Stein Gold, M.D., Director of Dermatology Clinical Research at Henry Ford Health.a “With new guidance from the International Psoriasis Council that clarifies when to move beyond cycling on topical treatments to systemic therapy, an innovative option like Icotyde is a potential game‑changer for many adult and adolescent patients.”

Clinical evidence summary

Icotyde met all primary efficacy endpoints and demonstrated a favorable safety profile across four Phase 3 studies including 2,500 patients. The approval is based on an unprecedented body of evidence from the ICONIC clinical development program, which simultaneously evaluated Icotyde in adults and adolescents, high impact sites such as scalp and genital PsO, and in duplicate head-to-head trials versus an active comparator. In the head-to-head superiority studies, approximately 70% of patients achieved clear or almost clear skin (IGA 0/1) and 55% of patients achieved a Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 90 response at Week 16.3,b,c Rates of adverse reactions for Icotyde treated patients were within 1.1% of placebo through Week 16 and no new safety signals were identified through Week 52.

“With the FDA approval of Icotyde, Johnson & Johnson is setting a new standard for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis,” said Jennifer Taubert, Executive Vice President, Worldwide Chairman, Innovative Medicine, Johnson & Johnson. “We’re proud to bring this game-changing innovation to the market, marking a transformative shift in plaque psoriasis management that empowers patients and clinicians to reach their treatment goals.

Unmet need in moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis

Psoriasis affects more than 8 million Americans, impacting physical comfort and quality of life, especially when lesions are on visible or sensitive areas.5 For many with moderate-to-severe disease, targeted systemic treatments are key. This aligns with International Psoriasis Council guidance to transition to systemic therapy if two cycles of topical medications applied for four weeks fail to bring meaningful improvement.

“Finding the right treatment can take time, during which people with psoriatic disease should be considering multiple factors from efficacy to safety to how the treatment fits into their everyday life,” said Leah M. Howard, J.D., President and CEO of the National Psoriasis Foundation.d “The approval of a novel systemic therapy changes the conversation about treatment options for our community.”

“The approval of Icotyde represents a pivotal moment for people with plaque psoriasis,” said John Reed, M.D., Ph.D., Executive Vice President, R&D, Innovative Medicine, Johnson & Johnson. “At Johnson & Johnson, we are harnessing our scientific expertise to transform cutting-edge science into meaningful solutions for patients. Icotyde is a fundamentally different treatment with the potential to redefine what physicians and patients can expect from psoriasis treatment. 

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

FDA Approves Icotyde (icotrokinra) for the Treatment of Plaque Psoriasis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Praxis Precision Medicines Announces FDA Acceptance and Priority Review of New Drug Application for Relutrigine in Patients with SCN2A and SCN8A DEEs

Praxis Precision Medicines, Inc. (NASDAQ: PRAX), a fully integrated, leading central nervous system (CNS) precision neuroscience biopharmaceutical company, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted for priority review its New Drug Application (NDA) for relutrigine, for the treatment of SCN2A and SCN8A developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs). The FDA has set a target action date under the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) of September 27, 2026.

• FDA assigned PDUFA target action date of September 27, 2026

“Our first FDA acceptance of an NDA submission marks a significant milestone in our evolution to a commercial-stage company and an important step toward delivering innovative, precision neuroscience therapies to patients in need. SCN2A/8A DEEs have no currently approved targeted therapies and relutrigine, if approved, would be the first disease-modifying therapy for children suffering from these devastating and fatal conditions. We look forward to working closely with the FDA during the review process while continuing to advance our launch preparations,” said Marcio Souza, president and chief executive officer.

Relutrigine for treatment of SCN2A/8A DEEs

The NDA is supported by positive results from the EMBOLD study, which was stopped early for efficacy following a successful interim analysis and recommendation from the Data Monitoring Committee. Relutrigine has an Orphan Drug Designation, as well as a Rare Pediatric Disease Designation and a Breakthrough Therapy Designation. If granted approval, relutrigine will be the first FDA-approved therapy for SCN2A/8A DEE as well as be eligible for a Pediatric Review Voucher.

Relutrigine is also being investigated in broad DEEs through the EMERALD trial, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

About Relutrigine

Relutrigine is a first-in-class small molecule in development for the treatment of developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) as a preferential inhibitor of persistent sodium current, shown to be a key driver of seizure symptoms in severe DEEs. Relutrigine’s mechanism of precision sodium channel (NaV) modulation is consistent with superior selectivity for disease-state NaV channel hyperexcitability. In vivo studies of relutrigine have demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition of seizures up to complete control of seizure activity in SCN2A, SCN8A and other DEE mouse models. Relutrigine has been generally well-tolerated in three Phase 1 studies and has demonstrated biomarker changes indicative of NaV channel modulation. Data from cohort 1 of the Phase 2 EMBOLD study demonstrated a well-tolerated, robust, short- and long-term improvement in motor seizures in a heavily pre-treated population, alongside maintained seizure freedom in some patients with SCN2A- and SCN8A-DEE. Relutrigine has received Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) and Rare Pediatric Disease Designation from the FDA for the treatment of SCN2A-DEE, SCN8A-DEE and Dravet syndrome; as well as Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD), and ODD from the European Medicines Agency for the treatment of SCN2A-DEE and SCN8A-DEE.

Praxis Precision Medicines Announces FDA Acceptance and Priority Review of New Drug Application for Relutrigine in Patients with SCN2A and SCN8A DEEs