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FDA approves Roctavian for Gene Therapy for Hemophilia A

FDA approves Roctavian: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given its stamp of approval to Roctavian, an innovative gene therapy treatment for adults suffering from severe hemophilia A without pre-existing antibodies to the adeno-associated virus serotype 5.

FDA approves Roctavian for Gene Therapy for Hemophilia A

Hemophilia A is a rare genetic bleeding disorder predominantly affecting males, brought on by a mutation in the gene responsible for producing factor VIII (FVIII), a crucial protein that enables blood to clot. The disorder can lead to prolonged bleeding and life-threatening health complications, with severe cases marked by very low levels of FVIII in the blood.

Dr. Peter Marks, Director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, welcomed the approval, stating, “Today’s approval represents an important advance in providing treatment options for patients with this bleeding disorder. Treatment with gene therapy may reduce the need for ongoing routine therapy.”

Administered as a one-time treatment through intravenous infusion, Roctavian comprises a viral vector carrying a gene for FVIII. Once administered, the gene expresses in the liver, increasing blood FVIII levels and consequently reducing the risk of uncontrolled bleeding.

The safety and effectiveness of Roctavian were verified in an international study involving adult men with severe Hemophilia A previously treated with FVIII replacement therapy. The mean annualized bleeding rate among the cohort decreased following the Roctavian treatment.

Side effects linked to Roctavian include mild changes in liver function, headaches, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, abdominal pain, and infusion-related reactions. Despite these adverse reactions, no instances of thromboembolic events or cancers associated with Roctavian were noted in the clinical studies.

BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., the manufacturer of Roctavian, received Orphan, Breakthrough Therapy, Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy, and Priority Review designations for this product.

Alongside Roctavian’s approval, the FDA also sanctioned the AAV5 DetectCDx, a companion diagnostic test intended to help healthcare providers identify patients who may benefit from the gene therapy. The test has shown efficacy in detecting pre-existing anti-AAV5 antibodies, which can potentially reduce the effectiveness of the gene therapy. ARUP Laboratories, the maker of the AAV5 DetectCDx, also received approval for their product.

The approval of Roctavian marks a significant stride in the treatment of severe hemophilia A, offering patients a potential reduction in the need for ongoing routine therapy.

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