Hydroxyurea

ICMR formalizes MoA with Zydus Lifesciences for phase-2 trials of Desidustat in sickle cell disease patients, aiming to develop innovative, affordable healthcare solutions. Desidustat, invented in India, addresses limitations of current treatments like Hydroxyurea and blood transfusions. The study, co-funded by ICMR, will evaluate Desidustat's efficacy and safety.

Pfizer withdraws Oxbryta (voxelotor) for sickle cell disease from all markets due to imbalance in vaso-occlusive crises and fatal events, discontinuing all clinical trials and expanded access program.

The phase 2 COMBI II trial showed high remission rates in newly-diagnosed polycythemia vera (PV) patients treated with ruxolitinib plus pegylated-interferon-α2a (peg-IFN). The combination therapy demonstrated efficacy and safety, with 56% overall remission and 12% complete remission rates at 24 months. The study supports the use of this combination as a promising treatment option for PV.

Pfizer withdraws Oxbryta (voxelotor) from worldwide markets due to increased risks of vaso-occlusive crises and deaths in postmarketing studies. The company halts all clinical trials and expanded access programs, advising patients to consult their physicians for alternative treatments. The European Medicines Agency and FDA have also issued warnings against the drug.

Pfizer's withdrawal of Oxbryta, a sickle cell drug, has left doctors and patients in a dilemma, unsure whether to continue or stop the medication due to potential risks. Patients like Habib, who experienced severe consequences from abruptly stopping the drug, highlight the lack of clear guidelines and data. The FDA's approval was based on hemoglobin levels, not symptoms, leading to uncertainty about the drug's true impact. The situation underscores the broader issues of inadequate research and systemic racism in sickle cell treatment.

Yunigen showcased its R&D and manufacturing facility to Kenyan official Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, announcing the launch of Scedamin, a pediatric formulation of hydroxyurea for sickle cell disease. The drug aims to improve treatment access in emerging markets, addressing the high mortality and disability rates associated with the disease in Africa.

Pfizer's withdrawal of Oxbryta due to death risk may accelerate trials of rivals like Agios' mitapivat and Fulcrum's pociredir. Oxbryta's suspension leaves mild-moderate patients reliant on hydroxyurea. Gene therapies Lyfgenia and Casgevy target severe cases. Pfizer's stock dips amid broader challenges.

Pfizer withdraws Oxbryta, a sickle cell disease treatment, due to safety concerns, halting clinical trials and global availability.

Dr. Rozalina McCoy discusses CGM innovations from the ATTD 2024 Conference, focusing on CGM diabetes quality measures, hypoglycemia progress, and CGM-guided precision diabetes management. She highlights the utility of CGM data, the importance of detecting hypoglycemia, and the role of CGM in guiding nutrition and exercise for diabetes management, emphasizing the complementary use of A1c and CGM data for patient care.