Breaking news in the medical world! The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has just approved Duvyzat (givinostat), an oral medication for the treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) in patients six years of age and older. Duvyzat is making history as the first nonsteroidal drug approved to treat patients with all genetic variants of DMD. This is a significant milestone in the treatment of this devastating disease.

DMD, being the most common childhood form of muscular dystrophy, primarily affects males. It is a neurological disorder that leads to progressive muscle weakness due to a lack of dystrophin, a muscle protein. Over time, the muscles deteriorate, causing difficulties with walking, muscle strength, and eventually leading to breathing problems and early death. However, with advancements in treatment, the life expectancy for individuals with DMD has been steadily increasing, with some patients surviving beyond 30 years.

Duvyzat is a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor that targets pathogenic processes to reduce inflammation and loss of muscle in patients with DMD. Its efficacy for the treatment of DMD was evaluated in an 18-month phase 3 study involving a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The primary endpoint of the study was the change in muscle function, measured by the time it took patients to climb four stairs. Patients treated with Duvyzat showed a statistically significant reduction in the decline of muscle function compared to placebo.

Another measure of efficacy was the change in physical function assessed by the North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA), a scale commonly used to rate motor function in boys with DMD who can still walk. Patients treated with Duvyzat experienced less worsening in their NSAA scores after 18 months, compared to those on placebo.

Like any medication, Duvyzat does come with some potential side effects. The most common ones reported were diarrhea, abdominal pain, a decrease in platelets, nausea/vomiting, an increase in triglycerides, and fever. It’s important for healthcare providers to evaluate a patient’s platelet counts and triglyceride levels before prescribing Duvyzat. Patients with low platelet counts should not take the drug. Monitoring of platelet counts and triglycerides throughout treatment will help determine if any dosage adjustments are needed.

Healthcare professionals should also be aware that Duvyzat may cause QTc prolongation, which can increase the risk of irregular heartbeats. It’s crucial for patients taking other medications known to cause QTc prolongation or with certain types of heart disease to avoid taking Duvyzat.

The recommended dosage of Duvyzat is determined by the patient’s body weight, and it should be taken orally twice daily with food.

The approval of Duvyzat was granted to Italfarmaco S.p.A., and it received priority review, fast-track designation, as well as orphan drug and rare pediatric disease designations from the FDA. This demonstrates the agency’s commitment to advancing the development of new therapies for DMD and its recognition of the urgent need for effective treatments.

This milestone approval represents hope and progress for individuals and families affected by DMD. It provides another treatment option to help reduce the burden of this progressive and debilitating disease, regardless of the specific genetic mutation. With continued advancements in medical research and the dedication of organizations like the FDA, we are moving closer to a future where individuals with DMD can lead healthier lives.

As always, it’s important to consult with healthcare professionals for more information and guidance regarding Duvyzat and its suitability for individual cases. Let’s celebrate this achievement in medical science and look forward to more groundbreaking developments in the treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Source: FDA

Related Information

• Duchenne muscular dystrophy – About the Disease – Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center
• The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products.

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RSV, short for Respiratory Syncytial Virus, is a common viral infection that primarily affects the respiratory system, particularly young children. While RSV infections are usually mild, they can pose a greater risk to infants, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. If you or a loved one are facing RSV, it can be overwhelming to know what to do next. That’s why it’s important to know the symptoms, treatment options, and preventative measures available to you. By being informed and taking action, you can give yourself and those around you hope and guidance during this difficult time. So let’s explore what you can do to fight RSV and emerge victorious.

Symptoms and Diagnosis:
RSV presents symptoms resembling a cold, including cough, runny nose, fever, and occasionally, difficulty breathing. Infants may exhibit irritability, decreased appetite, and lethargy. Diagnosing RSV usually involves a medical professional evaluating symptoms, conducting a physical examination, and, if necessary, performing laboratory tests to confirm the presence of the virus.

Treatment and Management:
In most cases, RSV infections can be managed at home with supportive care. This includes ensuring proper hydration, maintaining a comfortable environment, and using over-the-counter medications to alleviate symptoms under a doctor’s guidance. However, for high-risk individuals or severe cases, hospitalization may be required for closer monitoring and specialized treatment, such as oxygen therapy or intravenous fluids.

Prevention is Key:
Preventing the spread of RSV is crucial, especially for vulnerable populations. Practicing good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and avoiding close contact with infected individuals, can significantly reduce the risk of transmission. Additionally, promoting a clean and sanitized environment, particularly in daycare centers and schools, can help curb the spread of the virus.

Hopeful Outlook:
While RSV can be concerning, it’s important to remember that most cases resolve on their own with time and supportive care. In fact, the majority of children infected with RSV recover fully without complications. By following preventive measures, seeking medical attention when needed, and staying informed about the latest developments in RSV research and treatment, we can approach this viral infection with hope and confidence.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common viral infection that primarily affects young children, causing cold-like symptoms and occasionally resulting in more severe respiratory distress. However, with proper care and attention, RSV can be managed effectively. By understanding the symptoms, seeking medical help when necessary, and adopting preventive measures, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from the impact of RSV and look forward to brighter days ahead.

You can find more information about RSV, including its treatment and prevention, by visiting the CDC website. https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/index.html

Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Ogsiveo (nirogacestat) tablets for adult patients with progressing desmoid tumors who require systemic treatment. Ogsiveo is the first drug to be approved for the treatment of patients with desmoid tumors, a rare subtype of soft tissue sarcomas.

Desmoid tumors are non-cancerous but can be locally aggressive. The tumors may invade into surrounding structures and organs, resulting in pain, issues with being able to move, and decreased quality of life. Although surgical removal has historically been the treatment of choice, there is a high risk that the tumor will return or that other health challenges will occur after removal; therefore, systemic therapies (cancer treatment targeting the entire body) are being increasingly evaluated in clinical trials. 

“The FDA continues to address unmet medical need and advance the development of safe and effective therapies for the millions of Americans whose lives are affected by rare tumors,” said Richard Pazdur, M.D., director of the FDA’s Oncology Center of Excellence and acting director of the Office of Oncologic Diseases in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “Desmoid tumors are rare tumors that can lead to severe pain and disability. Today’s approval will offer the first approved treatment option for patients beyond surgery and radiation.”

The effectiveness of Ogsiveo was evaluated in an international, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 142 adult patients with progressing desmoid tumors not amenable to surgery. Patients were randomized to receive 150 milligrams (mg) of Ogsiveo or placebo orally, twice daily, until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The main efficacy outcome measure was progression-free survival (the length of time after the start of treatment for which a person is alive and their cancer does not grow or spread). Objective response rate (a measure of tumor shrinkage) was an additional efficacy outcome measure. 

The pivotal clinical trial demonstrated that Ogsiveo provided clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvement in progression-free survival compared to placebo. Additionally, the objective response rate was also statistically different between the two arms with a response rate of 41% in the Ogsiveo arm and 8% in the placebo arm. The progression-free survival results were also supported by an assessment of patient-reported pain favoring the Ogsiveo arm. 

The most common side effects seen in at least 15% of the patients in the trial were diarrhea, ovarian toxicity, rash, nausea, fatigue, stomatitis, headache, abdominal pain, cough, alopecia, upper respiratory tract infection and dyspnea. 

Ogsiveo was granted Priority Review under which the FDA’s goal is to take action on an application within six months where the agency determines that the drug, if approved, would significantly improve the safety or effectiveness of treating, diagnosing or preventing a serious condition compared to available therapies. Ogsiveo also received FDA Fast Track and Breakthrough Therapy designations for the indication noted above, as well as Orphan-Drug designation for treatment of desmoid tumor (aggressive fibromatosis). Orphan-drug designation provides incentives to assist and encourage drug development for rare diseases.

The FDA granted the approval of Ogsiveo to SpringWorks Therapeutics Inc.

Source: FDA