Vertex Receives CHMP Positive Opinion for KALYDECO® for the Treatment of Infants With Cystic Fibrosis Ages 1 Month and Older
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Insights
Vertex Pharmaceuticals' potential label expansion for KALYDECO® represents a significant advancement in the treatment of cystic fibrosis, particularly for a very young patient demographic. The focus on infants as young as 1 month is notable, as early intervention in genetic disorders can be crucial for improving long-term health outcomes. This is due to the progressive nature of cystic fibrosis, where early degradation of lung function and other complications can be mitigated with prompt treatment.
From a medical research perspective, the inclusion of specific mutations in the CFTR gene for treatment eligibility reflects the precision medicine approach that is increasingly becoming the standard in genetic diseases. Each listed mutation corresponds to a variant of cystic fibrosis that may respond differently to treatment and the efficacy of KALYDECO® in these cases could set a precedent for future therapies targeting genetic disorders at their root cause.
The positive opinion from the EMA's CHMP is a precursor to a potential increase in the addressable market for KALYDECO®. The label expansion could have a direct impact on Vertex Pharmaceuticals' market share in the cystic fibrosis treatment space, particularly in the European market. It is essential to consider the pricing strategy and reimbursement landscape in Europe, as these factors will influence the accessibility of the treatment to the new age group and, consequently, the financial performance of the product.
Furthermore, early treatment regimens could lead to improved patient outcomes, which may reduce long-term healthcare costs associated with cystic fibrosis. This could be a compelling argument for payers and may positively influence negotiations for coverage and reimbursement.
Investors will be keenly observing the final decision of the EMA regarding KALYDECO®'s label expansion, as approval can potentially lead to increased sales and revenue growth for Vertex Pharmaceuticals. The pediatric cystic fibrosis segment is a relatively untapped market and being the first to provide a treatment for such young patients could give Vertex a competitive edge. It's important to analyze the potential market size, considering the prevalence of the specific CFTR mutations in the European population.
Investors should also be aware of the research and development costs associated with expanding treatment to a new patient population, as well as the marketing and distribution expenses that will arise from the need to educate healthcare providers on the benefits and administration of the treatment for infants.
- If approved, KALYDECO® will be the first and only medicine approved in
“Cystic fibrosis is a chronic, progressive disease that is present from birth, which is why it is important to treat the underlying cause of this disease as early as possible to potentially slow disease progression,” said Fosca De Iorio, Vice President, International Medical Affairs at Vertex. “If the label expansion for KALYDECO is approved, this would allow eligible infants with CF to receive a treatment that targets the underlying cause of their disease at the very start of their lives.”
In the European Union, KALYDECO® is already approved for the treatment of people with CF ages 4 months old and above with specific mutations in the CFTR gene.
About Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a rare, life-shortening genetic disease affecting more than 92,000 people globally. CF is a progressive, multi-organ disease that affects the lungs, liver, pancreas, GI tract, sinuses, sweat glands and reproductive tract. CF is caused by a defective and/or missing CFTR protein resulting from certain mutations in the CFTR gene. Children must inherit two defective CFTR genes — one from each parent — to have CF, and these mutations can be identified by a genetic test. While there are many different types of CFTR mutations that can cause the disease, the vast majority of people with CF have at least one F508del mutation. CFTR mutations lead to CF by causing CFTR protein to be defective or by leading to a shortage or absence of CFTR protein at the cell surface. The defective function and/or absence of CFTR protein results in poor flow of salt and water into and out of the cells in a number of organs. In the lungs, this leads to the buildup of abnormally thick, sticky mucus, chronic lung infections and progressive lung damage that eventually leads to death for many patients. The median age of death is in the 30s, but with treatment, projected survival is improving.
Diagnosis of CF is often made by genetic testing and is confirmed by testing sweat chloride (SwCl), which measures CFTR protein dysfunction. The diagnostic threshold for CF is SwCl ≥60 mmol/L, while levels between 30-59 indicate CF is possible and more testing may be needed to make the diagnosis of CF. A SwCl level of <30 mmol/L is seen in people who carry one copy of the CF gene but do not have any manifestation of disease (carriers). Higher levels of SwCl are associated with more severe disease. Restoring CFTR function leads to lower levels of SwCl.
About KALYDECO® (ivacaftor)
In people with certain types of mutations in the CFTR gene, the CFTR protein at the cell surface does not function properly. Known as a CFTR potentiator, ivacaftor is an oral medicine designed to facilitate the ability of CFTR proteins to transport salt and water across the cell membrane, which helps hydrate and clear mucus from the airways. KALYDECO® (ivacaftor) was the first medicine to treat the underlying cause of cystic fibrosis in people with specific mutations in the CFTR gene.
KALYDECO® (ivacaftor) is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) in patients aged at least 4 months and older who have the following mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene: R117H, G551D, G1244E, G1349D, G178R, G551S, S1251N, S1255P, S549N or S549R.
For complete product information, please see the Summary of Product Characteristics that can be found on www.ema.europa.eu.
About Vertex
Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases. The company has approved medicines that treat the underlying causes of multiple chronic, life-shortening genetic diseases — cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia — and continues to advance clinical and research programs in these diseases. Vertex also has a robust clinical pipeline of investigational therapies across a range of modalities in other serious diseases where it has deep insight into causal human biology, including APOL1-mediated kidney disease, acute and neuropathic pain, type 1 diabetes, myotonic dystrophy type 1 and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
Vertex was founded in 1989 and has its global headquarters in
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, without limitation, statements made by Fosca De Iorio, Vice President, International Medical Affairs at Vertex, in this press release, statements regarding the eligible patient population for KALYDECO, and statements regarding the potential benefits of KALYDECO. While Vertex believes the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are accurate, these forward-looking statements represent the company's beliefs only as of the date of this press release and there are a number of factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. Those risks and uncertainties include, among other things, that data from the company’s development programs may not support a label expansion for KALYDECO, that regulatory authorities in the E.U. may not approve a label expansion for KALYDECO on a timely basis or at all, and other risks listed under the heading “Risk Factors” in Vertex's annual report and in subsequent filings filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available through the company's website at www.vrtx.com and www.sec.gov. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Vertex disclaims any obligation to update the information contained in this press release as new information becomes available.
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FAQ
What is the significance of the positive opinion received by Vertex Pharmaceuticals regarding KALYDECO® in Europe?
Which mutations in the CFTR gene are eligible for treatment with KALYDECO® according to the PR?
What age group is currently approved for treatment with KALYDECO® in the European Union?
Who commented on the importance of treating the underlying cause of cystic fibrosis early in infants?
