Tezacaftor

Tezacaftor is a drug of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) potentiator class. It was developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals and FDA approved in combination with ivacaftor to manage cystic fibrosis. This drug was approved by the FDA on February 12, 2018.

Cystic Fibrosis is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by one of several different mutations in the gene for the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) protein, an ion channel involved in the transport of chloride and sodium ions across cell membranes. CFTR is active in epithelial cells of organs such as of the lungs, pancreas, liver, digestive system, and reproductive tract. Alterations in the CFTR gene result in altered production, misfolding, or function of the protein and consequently abnormal fluid and ion transport across cell membranes. As a result, CF patients produce thick, sticky mucus that clogs the ducts of organs where it is produced making patients more susceptible to complications such as infections, lung damage, pancreatic insufficiency, and malnutrition.

Tezacaftor is combined with ivacaftor in one product for the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) in patients aged 12 years or older with two copies of the F508del gene mutation or at least one mutation in the CFTR gene that is responsive to this drug.

Tezacaftor, when used in combination with ivacaftor and elexacaftor in the product Trikafta, is also indicated for the treatment of CF in patients 12 years of age and older that have at least one F508del mutation in the CFTR gene.