KEY POINTS
- FDA approves new treatment of the heart disease (cardiomyopathy) caused by transthyretin mediated amyloidosis (ATTR-CM)
- Amyloidosis is deposition of substances in the heart which interferes with normal functioning
NEW DRUGS FOR AMYLOIDOSIS APPROVED
NEW CLASS OF DRUGS BRINGS HOPE FOR PATIENTS WITH RARE DISEASE
On May 3, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Vyndaqel (tafamidis meglumine) and Vyndamax (tafamidis) capsules for the treatment of the heart disease (cardiomyopathy) caused by transthyretin mediated amyloidosis (ATTR-CM) in adults. These are the first FDA-approved treatments for ATTR-CM. Vyndaqel and Vyndamax have the same active moiety, tafamidis, but they are not substitutable on a milligram to milligram basis and their recommended doses differ.
The efficacy of Vyndaqel and Vyndamax in treating ATTR-CM was shown in a clinical trial of 441 patients randomized to receive Vyndaqel or a placebo. After an average of 30 months, the survival rate was higher in the Vyndaqel group than in the placebo group. Vyndaqel was also shown to reduce the number of hospitalizations for cardiovascular problems.
WHAT IS ATTR AMYLOIDOSIS?
ATTR is caused by the buildup of abnormal deposits of specific proteins known as amyloid in the body’s organs and tissues, interfering with their normal functioning. These protein deposits most frequently occur in the heart and the peripheral nervous system. Heart involvement can result in shortness of breath, fatigue, heart failure, loss of consciousness, abnormal heart rhythms and death. Involvement of the peripheral nervous system can result in a loss of sensation, pain, or immobility in the arms, legs, hands and feet. Amyloid deposits can also affect the kidneys, eyes, gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system.