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FDA Approved Drugs: August, 2023

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Izervay (avacincaptad pegol sodium)

FDA approved Izervay, a complement C5 inhibitor, for the treatment of geographic atrophy secondary to age-related macular degeneration, according to a press release from Astellas Pharma.

The approval was based on the data from the GATHER1 and GATHER2 phase 3 clinical trials in which monthly 2 mg injections of Izervay (avacincaptad pegol intravitreal solution) showed a statistically significant reduction (P < .01) in the rate of geographic atrophy growth at 12 months. The slowing in disease progression was seen as early as 6 months, while up to a 35% reduction in progression occurred in the first year of treatment.

Talvey (talquetamab-tgvs)

FDA granted accelerated approval of Talvey (talquetamab-tgvs), a first-in-class bispecific antibody for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least four prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent, and an anti-CD38 antibody.

Talvey is a bispecific T-cell engaging antibody that binds to the CD3 receptor on the surface of T cells and G protein-coupled receptor class C group 5 member D (GPRC5D) expressed on the surface of multiple myeloma cells, non-malignant plasma cells and healthy tissue such as epithelial cells in keratinized tissues of the skin and tongue.

Elrexfio (elranatamab-bcmm)

FDA granted accelerated approval to elranatamab-bcmm (Elrexfio, Pfizer, Inc.), a bispecific B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed CD3 T-cell engager, for adults with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least four prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody.

Sohonos (palovarotene)

FDA approved Sohonos (palovarotene) capsules as a retinoid indicated for the reduction in volume of new heterotopic ossification in adults and pediatric patients aged 8 years and older for females and 10 years and older for males with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP).

The FDA approval was based on the pivotal efficacy and safety data from the Phase 3 MOVE trial, the first and largest multicenter, open-label trial in adult and pediatric patients.

Veopoz (pozelimab-bbfg)

FDA approved Veopoz (pozelimab-bbfg) for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients 1 year of age and older with CHAPLE disease, also known as CD55-deficient protein-losing enteropathy. Veopoz is the first and only treatment indicated specifically for CHAPLE. Veopoz, a fully human monoclonal antibody, is designed to target complement factor C5, a protein involved in complement system activation.

The FDA approval was based on results from a Phase 2/3 open-label trial that investigated the efficacy and safety of pozelimab in 10 patients aged 3 to 19 (median of 8.5 years).

Eylea HD (aflibercept)

FDA approved EYLEA HD (aflibercept) Injection 8 mg for the treatment of patients with wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD), diabetic macular edema (DME) and diabetic retinopathy (DR). This is the first and only treatment approved in wAMD and DME for immediate dosing at 8-week and up to 16-week intervals following three initial monthly doses

Approval was based on the pivotal PULSAR and PHOTON trials in which EYLEA HD demonstrated clinically equivalent vision gains to EYLEA (aflibercept) Injection 2 mg that were maintained with fewer injections.

Tyruko (natalizumab-sztn)

FDA approved biosimilar Tyruko (natalizumab-sztn), developed by Polpharma Biologics. Tyruko is approved to treat all indications covered by the reference medicine and is the first and only FDA-approved biosimilar for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Sandoz entered into a global commercialization agreement for Tyruko with Polpharma Biologics in 2019. Under this agreement, Polpharma Biologics will maintain responsibility for development, manufacturing and supply of the active substance in Tyruko. Through an exclusive global license, Sandoz has the rights to commercialize and distribute it in all markets.

FDA Approved Drugs: March & April, 2023

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Qalsody (tofersen)

Tofersen, an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO), is the first approved treatment for SOD1-ALS. In people with this form of the disease, mutations in their SOD1 gene cause their bodies to create a toxic form of SOD1 protein. This toxic protein causes motor neurons to degenerate, resulting in progressive muscle weakness. Tofersen is designed to bind to SOD1 mRNA and reduce SOD1 protein production.

In addition to the ongoing open label extension of the Phase III VALOR study, tofersen is being studied in the Phase 3 ATLAS study designed to evaluate whether tofersen can delay clinical onset when initiated in presymptomatic individuals with a SOD1 genetic mutation and biomarker evidence of disease activity. Biogen licensed tofersen from Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. under a collaborative development and license agreement.

Joenja (leniolisib)

Joenja is the “first and only” oral, selective PI3Kδ inhibitor is the first and only treatment approved in the United States for APDS, a rare and progressive primary immunodeficiency. The FDA evaluated the Joenja application for APDS under Priority Review, which is granted to therapies that have the potential to provide significant improvements in the treatment, diagnosis or prevention of serious conditions.

Approval was based on findings from a multinational, triple-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized Phase II/III clinical trial, which evaluated efficacy and safety in 31 patients diagnosed with APDS aged 12 years and older. Also submitted as part of the application were data from a long-term, open-label extension clinical trial in which 38 patients received Joenja for a median of two years.

Rezzayo (rezafungin)

Rezzayo is an echinocandin antifungal indicated in patients who have limited or no alternative options for the treatment of candidemia and invasive candidiasis. Approval of this indication is based on limited clinical safety and efficacy data for Rezzayo. The FDA has approved Rezzayo as a once-weekly antifungal to treat invasive candidiasis and candidemia.

Last year, Melinta announced that it had acquired the exclusive rights to commercialize Rezzayo in the U.S. from Cidara. Cidara retains the rights to rezafungin in Japan and has licensed the commercial rights to Melinta Therapeutics in the U.S. and Mundipharma in all other geographies. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) accepted the marketing authorization application (MAA) for rezafungin in August 2022 and it is currently under review.

Zynyz (Retifanlimab-Dlwr)

Zynyz (retifanlimab-dlwr), a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1), is FFDA approved for the treatment of adults with metastatic or recurrent locally advanced Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). The Biologics License Application (BLA) for Zynyz for this indication has been approved under accelerated approval by the U.S. FDA based on tumor response rate and duration of response (DOR). Continued approval of Zynyz for this indication may be contingent on verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.

The FDA approval was based on data from the POD1UM-201 trial, an open-label, multiregional, single-arm study that evaluated Zynyz in adults with metastatic or recurrent locally advanced MCC who had not received prior systemic therapy for their advanced disease. Among chemotherapy-naïve patients (n=65), Zynyz monotherapy resulted in an objective response rate (ORR) of 52% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 40-65) as determined by independent central review (ICR) using RECIST v1.1. Complete response was seen in 12 patients (18%), and 22 patients (34%) showed partial response. Among the responding patients, the duration of response (DOR) ranged from 1.1 to 24.9+ months, and 76% (26/34) experienced a DOR of six months or longer, and 62% (21/34) experienced a DOR of 12 months or longer by landmark analysis.

Daybue (trofinetide)

Daybue is the “first and only” FDA approved treatment for Rett syndrome in adults and children 2 years of age and older. Trofinetide is a synthetic version of a naturally occurring molecule known as the tripeptide glycine-proline-glutamate (GPE). The mechanism by which trofinetide exerts therapeutic effects in patients with Rett syndrome is unknown.

The FDA approval of DAYBUE was supported by results from the pivotal Phase 3 LAVENDER study evaluating the efficacy and safety of trofinetide versus placebo in 187 female patients with Rett syndrome five to 20 years of age. In the study, treatment with DAYBUE demonstrated statistically significant improvement compared to placebo on both co-primary efficacy endpoints, as measured by the change from baseline in Rett Syndrome Behaviour Questionnaire (RSBQ) total score (p=0.018) and the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I) scale score (p=0.003) at week 12.

In 2018, Acadia entered into an exclusive license agreement with Neuren Pharmaceuticals Limited for the development and commercialization of trofinetide for the treatment of Rett syndrome and other indications in North America.

Zavzpret (zavegepant)

Zavzpret, is the “first and only” calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonist nasal spray for treating migraines with or without an aura, or sensory disturbances such as flashes of light that can accompany a migraine.

Zavzpret began working to treat migraine symptoms in as little as 30 minutes and provided some relief for up to 48 hours after the last administered dose. A 10mg dose of the drug proved more effective than a placebo at relieving pain and other migraine symptoms.

Approval was based on the pivotal Phase III study, Zavzpret was statistically superior to placebo on the co-primary endpoints of pain freedom and freedom from most bothersome symptom at two hours post-dose. The pivotal study also demonstrated pain relief as early as 15 minutes in a prespecified secondary endpoint versus placebo.

FDA Approved Drugs: October, 2022

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Imjudo (tremelimumab)

AstraZeneca’s Imjudo (tremelimumab) was approved by FDA in combination with Imfinzi (durvalumab) for treating unresectable liver cancer. HCC is the most common type of liver cancer.

Imjudo (tremelimumab) is a human monoclonal antibody that targets the activity of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4). Imjudo blocks the activity of CTLA-4, contributing to T-cell activation, priming the immune response to cancer and fostering cancer cell death.

The approval was based on positive results from a Phase III trial (HIMALAYA), which demonstrated that patients treated with the combination of Imjudo and Imfinzi experienced a 22% reduction in the risk of death compared to sorafenib, an oral kinase inhibitor used to treat late-stage liver cancer. The results of the Phase III trial also showed evidence that the combination therapy allowed an estimated 31% of patients to live three years after administration, compared to 20% of sorafenib-treated patients, who showed the same longevity.

Beyond HIMALAYA, Imjudo is being tested in combination with Imfinzi across multiple tumour types including locoregional HCC (EMERALD-3), SCLC (ADRIATIC) and bladder cancer (VOLGA and NILE).

Imjudo is also under review by global regulatory authorities in combination with Imfinzi and chemotherapy in 1st-line metastatic NSCLC based on the results of the POSEIDON Phase III trial, which showed the addition of a short course of Imjudo to Imfinzi plus chemotherapy improved both overall and progression-free survival compared to chemotherapy alone.

Tecvayli (teclistamab-cqyv)

Janssen’s Tecvayli (teclistamab-cqyv) is a bispecific B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed CD3 T-cell engager indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least four prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody.

  • Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells in the bone marrow. Plasma cells normally make antibodies which fight infection, but when the plasma cells become malignant and develop into multiple myeloma, the myeloma cells proliferate and replace normal cells in the bone marrow.
  • Tecvayli targets both BCMA (B-cell maturation antigen) and CD3, the T-cell receptor. BCMA is expressed at high levels on multiple myeloma cells. Tecvayli works by redirecting CD3-positive T-cells to BCMA-expressing myeloma cells to induce the killing of the cancer cells.
  • Warnings and precautions associated with Tecvayli include hepatotoxicity, infections, neutropenia, hypersensitivity and other administration reactions, and embryo-fetal toxicity.
  • Common adverse reactions observed in clinical trials include cytokine release syndrome, neutropenia, and anemia. Infections were frequent with the most common being upper respiratory tract infections and pneumonia. Hypogammaglobinemia and neurotoxic events were also observed in some patients.

FDA Approved Drugs: May & June, 2022

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Amvuttra (Alnylam Pharma)

Vutrisiran, to be marketed under the brand name Amvuttra, has won an FDA approval to treat hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (hATTR) polyneuropathy in adults. In the phase III HELIOS-A study, Amvuttra helped ATTR polyneuropathy patients achieve an average 2.2-point improvement on a modified neuropathy impairment score after nine months; half of the patients experienced some level of improvement. In the same study, Onpattro takers got 1.4 points better. By comparison, patients who took placebo in a historical Onpattro clinical trial called APOLLO experienced disease worsening of an average 17 points.

Voquezna (Phathom)

VoqueznaTriple Pak(vonoprazan, amoxicillin, clarithromycin) and Voquezna Dual Pak(vonoprazan, amoxicillin) is approved for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in adults.

The approval was based on data from a randomized, controlled, double-blind triple therapy/open-label dual therapy, phase III study HP-301, which compared the efficacy and safety of Voquezna Triple and Dual Pak with lansoprazole in combination with amoxicillin and clarithromycin in 1046 adults with H. pylori infection.

Mounjaro (Lilly)

Mounjaro is an injectable prescription medicine that is used along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar (glucose) in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Mounjaro is not for use in people with type 1 diabetes. It is not known if Mounjaro is safe and effective for use in children under 18 years of age. Mounjaro is a dual GLP-1 and GIP agonist and has demonstrated superior efficacy compared to other diabetes medications.The approval of Mounjaro was based on results from the phase III SURPASS program, which compared it to competitors such as injectable semaglutide, insulin glargine, and insulin degludec.

Vtama (Dermavant)

Vtama(tapinarof) Cream, 1% is an aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist indicated for the topical treatment of plaque psoriasis in adults.

The approval was based on data obtained from 2 identical phase III trials that assessed the safety and efficacy of Vtama in 1025 adults (18 to 75 years of age) diagnosed with plaque psoriasis.

The primary endpoint for both studies was the hope that patients would earn a Physician Global Assessment (PGA) score of clear (0) or almost clear (1). Results from both trials showed that 36% and 40% of patients met the primary endpoint, respectively. Following 12 weeks of treatment, 73 Vtama patients achieved complete disease clearance (PGA 0).

FDA Approved Drugs: March & April, 2022

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Vivjoa (Oteseconazole)

Vivjoa, the first FDA-approved product for Mycovia, is an azole antifungal indicated to reduce the incidence of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) in females with a history of RVVC who are NOT of reproductive potential. Oteseconazole received FDA Qualified Infectious Disease Product and Fast-Track designations to become the first FDA-approved therapy for RVVC. In 2019, Mycovia licensed oteseconazole to Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., to develop and commercialize oteseconazole in China, including mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, and Gedeon Richter Plc., a Hungary-based pharmaceutical company, to commercialize and manufacture oteseconazole in Europe, Russia, the Commonwealth of Independent States, Latin America and Australia. Mycovia also recognizes a tremendous potential for its oral fungal inhibitors and a growing need to treat a range of multi-drug resistant fungal pathogens.

Camzyos (Mavacamten)

Camzyosis the FIRST AND ONLY cardiac myosin inhibitor approved by the FDA indicated for the treatment of adults with symptomatic New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II-III obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) to improve functional capacity and symptoms. Camzyos is an allosteric and reversible inhibitor selective for cardiac myosin. Camzyos modulates the number of myosin heads that can enter “on actin” (power-generating) states, thus reducing the probability of force-producing (systolic) and residual (diastolic) cross-bridge formation. Excess myosin actin cross-bridge formation and dysregulation of the super-relaxed state are mechanistic hallmarks of HCM. Camzyos shifts the overall myosin population towards an energy-sparing, recruitable, super-relaxed state. In HCM patients, myosin inhibition with Camzyos reduces dynamic LVOT obstruction and improves cardiac filling pressures.

Ztalmy (Ganaxolone)

Ztalmy, a neuroactive steroid that acts as a positive allosteric modulator of the GABAA receptor, is taken three times daily. Ztalmy is the FIRST ANDONLY FDA-approved treatment indicated specifically for seizures associated with cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 deficiency disorder (CDD) in patients two years of age and older.

PLUVICTO™ (Lutetium Lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan)

Pluvictois a PSMA targeted radioligand therapy that delivers DNA-breaking radiation directly to the PSMA positive bone, nodal and visceral metastases. It is the FIRST AND ONLY PSMA-targeted radioligand therapy for men with PSMA+ mCRPC who have been treated with androgen receptor pathway inhibitors and a taxane-based chemotherapy.

Therapeutic Approaches for Targeting T Regulatory Cells in Autoimmunity

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Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a specialized CD4+ subpopulation of lymphocytes with regulatory functions that suppress excessive and uncontrolled immune responses, which inhibit adaptive and innate immune cells such as conventional T cells, B cells, antigen-presenting cells (APCs), natural killer (NK) cells, and so forth.

The most specific marker for these cells is FoxP3, which is localized intracellularly. Selected surface markers such as CD25high (high molecular density) and CD127low (low molecular density) could serve as surrogate markers to detect Tregs in routine clinical practice. Dysregulation in Treg cell frequency or functions may lead to the development of autoimmune disease.

Regulatory T (Treg) cells maintain immune homeostasis by inhibiting abnormal/overactive immune responses to both autogenic and nonautogenic antigens. Treg cells play an important role in immune tolerance, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, organ transplantation, and tumor diseases.

  • Organ transplantation is the gold standard therapy for end-stage organ failure. Although, the results of organ transplantation have been ameliorated in recent decades, chronic rejection and the side effects of immunosuppressants are still an ongoing serious issue. None of the present immunosuppressive medications (in contrast to Tregs) have the potential to specifically suppress immune mechanisms. Various strategies are currently underway to avoid or minimize the use of immunosuppressive drugs. In this case, it may be possible that Tregs represent a promising solution to induce transplantation tolerance and control the immune response.
  • Autoimmune diseases as lifelong disorders are one of the major causes of mortality. The main etiology of autoimmune diseases is not fully understood; however, failure of immunological tolerance is a common cause of each autoimmune condition.
    • Regulatory T (Treg) cells, possess a strategic role in the maintenance of immune homeostasis, and their function has been closely linked to the development of diverse pathologies including autoimmunity and cancer. Consistently recent studies have highlighted that Treg dysfunction is a common denominator in autoimmunity, with reduced Treg cell frequencies and impaired suppressive function identified in a wide range of autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis, SLE, type 1 diabetes, thyroiditis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Thus, it is becoming apparent that Treg cells possess a unique power in supervising autoimmune reactions and the re-establishment of self-tolerance.
  • Two main strategies have been developed to augment the numbers and/or increase the functional activity of Tregs. In vivo Treg therapies focus on the administration of immunomodulatory agents that enhance the number and/or function of Treg cells in vivo, and the adoptive Treg therapies transfer in vitro expanded Treg cells. Interventions that increase polyclonal endogenous Treg cells in vivo involve low-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2), mutant IL-2, IL2/Anti-IL-2 Ab complexes. In contrast, applications of antigen-based treatments could lead to the enhancement of antigen-specific Treg subsets. On the other hand, adoptive Treg cell therapies rely on the optimal isolation and expansion of Treg cells in vitro. Thus far, clinical trials in autoimmunity have only utilized expanded polyclonal Treg cell populations. However, antigen-specific Treg cells can be generated in vitro by genetic insertion of synthetic receptors (including engineered T cell receptors (TCR), chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) or B cell antibody receptors (BAR)), or by transformation of antigen-specific effector T (Teff) cells into induced Treg (iTreg) cells via stimulation in the presence of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß) and IL-2, transgenic FOXP3 overexpression, blockade of cyclin-dependent kinase 8 (CDK8) and CDK19 signaling, or a combination of cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) overexpression, IL-2 ablation and antigenic stimulation.
  • Therapeutical Treg modulation is considered to be a promising therapeutical approach to treat some selected disorders, such as allergies, autoimmune disorders, and to prevent allograft rejection. Multiple approaches such as adoptive Treg cell therapies as well as targeting mediators that can enhance the action of endogenous Treg cells are under evaluation, both in academia and industry.

FDA Approved Drugs: November, 2021

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Voxzogo (BioMarin Pharmaceutical)

BioMarin Pharmaceutical’s Voxzogo (vosoritide) is the first FDA approved therapy for children with achondroplasia, an inherited disorder that causes the most common form of dwarfism. With this approval, the FDA also issued a Rare Paediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher (PRV), which confers priority review to a subsequent drug application that would not otherwise qualify for priority review. Voxzogo, a C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) analog, represents a new class of therapy, which acts as a positive regulator of the signaling pathway downstream of FGFR3 to promote endochondral bone growth.

Livtencity (Takeda)

Takeda’s Livtencity (maribavir) is the first and only treatment for adults and pediatric patients (12 years of age and older and weighing at least 35 kg) with post-transplant cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection/disease that is refractory to treatment (with or without genotypic resistance) with ganciclovir, valganciclovir, cidofovir or foscarnet. This new molecular entity targets CMV at UL97, resulting in inhibition of viral DNA replication, encapsidation, and nuclear egress. It became available for prescription on December 2, 2021.

Cytalux (On Target Laboratories)

On Target Laboratories’s Cytalux (pafolacianine) is the first targeted fluorescent imaging agent indicated as an adjunct for the intraoperative identification of malignant lesions in patients with ovarian cancer. Cytalux, administered by standard IV in as little as one hour before surgery, binds to folate receptors that are overexpressed in most epithelial ovarian cancers and illuminate intraoperatively under near-infrared light.

Conference Coverage Service

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Conferences are “THE events” when it comes to competitive intelligence. The CmaxInsight conference coverage team has extensive experience in covering major international conferences. Our Conference tracking and intelligence reports bring out insights on:

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  • The shift in the competitive landscape
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The report will feature:

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FDA Approved Drugs: April, 2021

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Qelbree (viloxazine extended-release capsules): Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

FDA approved Qelbree (viloxazine extended-release capsules) for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in pediatric patients 6 to 17 years of age. Qelbree represents the first novel non-stimulant treatment for ADHD. Supernus Pharmaceuticalsplans to make Qelbree available in the United States in Q2 2021.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health disorder that can cause above-normal levels of hyperactive and impulsive behaviors. People with ADHD may also have trouble focusing their attention on a single task or sitting still for long periods of time.

The approval of Qelbree is based on the data from an extensive development program consisting of four Phase III clinical trials that studied more than 1000 pediatric patients from the age of 6 to 17 years. In December 2020, the Company announced positive results from a Phase III trial in adult patients with ADHD and plans to submit a supplemental New Drug Application to the FDA for Qelbree in adults in the second half of 2021.

Nextstellis (Drospirenone and Estetrol Tablets): Mayne Pharma

FDA approved Nextstellis (also trade name: Estelle), (3 mg drospirenone [DRSP] and 14.2 mg estetrol [E4] tablets), for the prevention of pregnancy. Nextstellis is the first and only contraceptive pill containing E4, a naturally produced estrogen during pregnancy, which can now be made from a plant source. Mayne Pharma anticipates the commercial launch of Nextstellisby at the end of June 2021.

Nearly 10 million American women use short-acting combination contraceptives (estrogen and progestin). Of these contraceptives, more than 99% contain ethinylestradiol (EE), a synthetic estrogen that binds widely to all estrogen receptors in the body.

The approval is based on the two-phase III clinical studies conducted in 3,725 women, Nextstelliswas shown both safe and effective and met its primary efficacy endpoint of pregnancy prevention while also meeting a variety of secondary endpoints that demonstrated favorable cycle control, bleeding control, safety, and tolerability.

Nextstellis was developed by a Belgian biotech company Mithra Pharmaceuticals. Mithra has signed 10 licensing deals for Estelle with a number of leading women’s health companies covering United States, Europe, Japan, South Korea, ASEAN, Russia, Brazil, Canada, Middle East, North Africa, Southern Africa and Australia. Mayne Pharma has a 20-year exclusive license and supply agreement in the United States and Australia for Nextstellis.

  • In May 2020, Mithra has entered into an exclusive 20-year license and supply agreement with Mayne Pharma for the commercialization of its combined oral contraceptive E4/DRSP (Estelle) in Australia.
  • In October 2019, Mithrahas signed a License and Supply Agreement (LSA) with Mayne Pharma Group for an exclusive license to commercialize Estelle in the US.

As a result of receiving FDA approval for Nextstellis, Mayne Pharma will pay Mithra US$11m in cash and issue 85.8m ordinary Mayne Pharma shares.

World Asthma Day 2021

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World Asthma Day is observed every year on the first Tuesday of May to raise awareness about Asthma and improves the lives of all people with Asthma. Asthma is an inflammatory disorder of the airways causing symptoms such as cough, wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath.

This year’s World Asthma Day theme is “Uncovering Asthma Misconceptions”. The theme provides a call to action to address common widely held myths and misconceptions concerning asthma that prevent persons with asthma from enjoying optimal benefit from the major advances in the management of this condition. Common misconceptions surrounding asthma include:

Myth #1

Asthma is a childhood disease; individuals will grow out of it as they age.

Fact: No, asthma can develop at any age in children, adolescents, and the elderly.

Myth #2

Asthma is infectious.

Fact: Asthma is not infectious. However, Acute attack gets precipitated on exposure to various allergens or due to infections (mostly viral).

Myth #3

Asthma sufferers should not exercise.

Fact: When asthma is well controlled, asthma subjects are able to exercise and even perform top sport.

Myth #4

Asthma is only controllable with high dose steroids.

Fact: Asthma is most often controllable with low dose inhaled steroids.

COVID-19 has brought suffering to people everywhere. But patients with asthma are more affected during COVID. In the era of COVID-19 pandemic, here are few measures for Asthma patients:

Steps to protect yourself from COVID-19

  • Get a COVID-19 vaccine shot when it is available.
  • Wear a mask that properly covers your nose and mouth.
  • Maintain social distancing and stay at least 6 feet distance while at public places.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol several times in a day
  • Avoid all non-essential travel
  • If anyone in your home is sick, home quarantine the person to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

Tips to Manage Asthma

  • Stay away from your asthma triggers.
  • Continue having your regular asthma medications including inhalers with steroids
  • Never discontinue any medications or change asthma treatment plant without talking to your physician
  • Stock at home your emergency supply of prescription medications such as inhalers and other drugs. Make sure you also maintain a stock of non-prescription medications and essentials on hand.
  • Be very cautious while using any cleaning agents and disinfectants.