Novartis (NVS) announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Jadenu (deferasirox) tablets, a new oral formulation of Exjade (deferasirox) tablets for oral suspension, for the treatment of chronic iron overload due to blood transfusions in patients 2 years of age and older, and chronic iron overload in non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia syndromes or NTDT in patients 10 years of age and older.
Jadenu is the only once-daily oral iron chelator that can be swallowed whole.
Many patients with sickle cell disease, thalassemia or myelodysplastic syndromes need repeated blood transfusions and consequently, long-term daily chelation therapy. Jadenu oral tablets can be taken in a single step, with or without a light meal, simplifying administration of treatment for chronic iron overload. Exjade is a dispersible tablet that must be mixed in liquid and taken on an empty stomach. Jadenu is approved under accelerated approval based on a reduction of liver iron concentrations and serum ferritin levels. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.
Chronic iron overload is a life-threatening cumulative toxicity that results from blood transfusions required to treat sickle cell disease, myelodysplastic syndromes, thalassemia and other conditions. Chronic iron overload also can occur in patients with NTDT due to increased iron absorption in the stomach and intestines. If left untreated, chronic iron overload can damage the liver and heart.
Jadenu contains deferasirox, the same active ingredient that is in Exjade, a medicine that has been used by patients with chronic iron overload for almost 10 years. Exjade currently is the most-prescribed chelator in the United States.
Novartis has submitted additional regulatory applications for Jadenu in other countries worldwide.
Jadenu contains deferasirox, the same active ingredient in Exjade (deferasirox) tablets for oral suspension. Deferasirox may cause serious kidney problems, liver problems, and bleeding in the stomach or intestines. In some cases, these problems were fatal. Kidney problems occurred particularly in patients with multiple medical conditions and those who were very ill because of their disease. Bleeding in the stomach or intestines occurred more often in elderly patients. Liver problems were more likely to happen in patients older than 55 years.
The company warned that Jadenu should not be taken by patients with pre-existing severe kidney and liver problems; high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes; advanced cancer; low platelet counts; or an allergy to Jadenu.
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