The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concluded 2024 with several significant drug approvals, marking advancements in the treatment of cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, cancer, and obstructive sleep apnea. These approvals highlight the agency's commitment to addressing unmet medical needs and improving patient outcomes.
Vertex's Alyftrek Approved for Cystic Fibrosis
Vertex Pharmaceuticals received FDA approval for Alyftrek, a triple-combination therapy for cystic fibrosis (CF) in individuals aged 6 years and older with specific genetic mutations. Alyftrek, similar to Vertex's top-selling drug Trikafta, contains tezacaftor as its chemical backbone but differs in its other two components. This allows for less frequent dosing (once daily instead of twice) and extends Vertex's market exclusivity in CF, with patents expiring in 2039. Clinical testing demonstrated that Alyftrek was statistically non-inferior to Trikafta in improving lung function and superior in lowering chloride levels in sweat, a key marker of CF. The drug is priced at approximately $370,000 per year, a 7% premium over Trikafta.
Novo Nordisk's Alhemo Approved for Hemophilia A and B
Novo Nordisk's Alhemo gained FDA approval for preventing bleeding episodes in individuals 12 years and older with hemophilia A or B who have developed inhibitors (immune responses) to other therapies. This approval comes after an earlier rejection and positions Alhemo as a valuable option for patients who cannot use other hemophilia treatments due to inhibitor development. Alhemo, administered as a once-daily subcutaneous injection, works by raising levels of the blood-clotting protein thrombin.
Bristol Myers Squibb's Opdivo Qvantig for Solid Tumors
Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) received FDA approval for Opdivo Qvantig, a subcutaneous formulation of the immunotherapy drug Opdivo, for use in most of the solid tumors that intravenous Opdivo is already cleared to treat. This approval follows the earlier clearance of a subcutaneous version of Roche's Tecentriq and precedes the potential availability of a similar formulation of Merck's Keytruda. Opdivo Qvantig offers a faster administration time (3-5 minutes versus 30-60 minutes for intravenous Opdivo) and is protected by newer patents, extending beyond the expiration of Opdivo's main patent in 2028.
Eli Lilly's Zepbound Approved for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Eli Lilly's Zepbound, a weight-loss drug, secured FDA approval for treating moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in obese adults. This marks the first prescription medicine approved for this condition. The FDA recommends using Zepbound in conjunction with increased exercise and a reduced-calorie diet. The approval expands the use of incretin medicines, which have shown benefits in diabetes, heart failure, kidney disease, and liver disorders.
