WARREN, N.J. — PTC Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: PTCT) announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved SEPHIENCE™ (sepiapterin) for the treatment of children and adults living with phenylketonuria (PKU). The approval includes broad labeling for the treatment of hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) in adult and pediatric patients 1 month of age and older with sepiapterin-responsive PKU.
“We are excited to have reached this important milestone for those affected by PKU,” said Matthew B. Klein, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of PTC Therapeutics. “The broad labeling reflects the potential of Sephience to meet the significant unmet need of PKU patients. The Sephience clinical data along with our expertise in launching rare disease therapies position Sephience to become the future standard of care. Our experienced customer facing teams are ready to bring this therapy to children and adults with PKU in the United States as quickly as possible.”
The FDA approval is based on the evidence of significant efficacy and safety from the
Phase 3 APHENITY trial as well as durability of treatment effect in the APHENITY long-term extension study.
“The approval marks an exciting milestone for the PKU community,” said Catherine Warren, Executive Director of the National PKU Alliance. “This progress brings renewed hope, and we are eager to see the positive impact this new treatment option will have on advancing care and potentially improving quality of life for individuals of all ages and PKU subtypes that respond to this therapy.”
SEPHIENCE was recently granted marketing authorization by the European Commission. Review of approval applications is ongoing in several other countries including Japan and Brazil.
About SEPHIENCE™ (sepiapterin)
SEPHIENCE is indicated for the treatment of hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) in adult and pediatric patients with phenylketonuria (PKU). Sephience is a natural precursor of the enzymatic co-factor BH4, a critical co-factor for phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH). Through its mechanism of action, Sephience is able to effectively reduce blood phenylalanine (Phe) levels and has the potential to treat a broad range of PKU patients. Sephience is approved in the European Economic Area and the United States.
Indication and Important Safety Information
Indication
SEPHIENCE is indicated for the treatment of hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) in adult and pediatric patients 1 month of age and older with sepiapterin-responsive phenylketonuria (PKU). SEPHIENCE is to be used in conjunction with a phenylalanine (Phe)-restricted diet.
Contraindications
None
Important Safety Information
Treatment with SEPHIENCE should be directed by physicians knowledgeable in the management of PKU. Biochemical response to SEPHIENCE can only be determined by a therapeutic trial with careful monitoring of ongoing dietary and nutritional balance to ensure adequate Phe control.
Warnings and Precautions
- Increased Bleeding: SEPHIENCE may increase the risk of bleeding. Bleeding events, including superficial hematomas, prolonged bleeding, and heavy menstrual bleeding have occurred in patients treated with SEPHIENCE. Inform patients about the risk of bleeding associated with SEPHIENCE and have patients follow up with their healthcare provider should such a bleeding event occur. Consider treatment interruption with SEPHIENCE in patients with active bleeding.
- Hypophenylalaninemia: Some pediatric patients receiving SEPHIENCE experienced hypophenylalaninemia. Monitor blood Phe levels during treatment and modify the dosage of SEPHIENCE and/or dietary protein and Phe intake as needed to ensure adequate blood Phe level control. Frequent blood monitoring is recommended in the pediatric population.
- Interaction with Levodopa: In a 10-year post-marketing safety surveillance program for a non-PKU indication using another drug that is a phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) activator, 3 patients with underlying neurological disorders experienced seizures, exacerbation of seizures, over-stimulation, and irritability during co-administration with levodopa. Monitor patients who are receiving levodopa for changes in neurological status during treatment with SEPHIENCE.
Adverse Reactions
Most common adverse reactions with SEPHIENCE (≥2% and > placebo) were diarrhea, headache, abdominal pain, hypophenylalaninemia, feces discoloration, and oropharyngeal pain.
Drug Interactions
Avoid concomitant use of drugs known to inhibit folate synthesis dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) (e.g., trimethoprim, methotrexate, trimetrexate, pemetrexed, pralatrexate, raltitrexed, and piritrexim) while taking SEPHIENCE. Concomitant administration of such drugs may reduce sepiapterin metabolism to BH4. If concomitant use is not avoidable, monitor blood Phe levels.
SEPHIENCE and PDE-5 inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil, vardenafil, or tadalafil) induce vasorelaxation and may reduce blood pressure. Monitor for signs and symptoms of hypotension.
For medical information, product complaints, or to report an adverse event, please call 1–866–562–4620 or email at [email protected].
You may also report adverse events directly to FDA at 1–800–FDA–1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Please see Full Prescribing Information.
About Phenylketonuria
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare, inherited metabolic disease, which affects the brain. It is caused by a defect in the gene that helps create the enzyme needed to break down phenylalanine (Phe). If left untreated or poorly managed, Phe—an essential amino acid found in all proteins and most foods—can build up to harmful levels in the body. This causes severe and irreversible disabilities, such as permanent intellectual disability, seizures, delayed development, memory loss, and behavioral and emotional problems. Newborns with PKU initially do not have any symptoms, but symptoms are usually progressive, and damage caused by toxic levels of Phe in the first few years of life is irreversible. Diagnosis of PKU usually takes place during newborn screening programs. There are an estimated 58,000 people living with PKU globally.
About PTC Therapeutics, Inc.
PTC is a global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development and commercialization of clinically differentiated medicines for children and adults living with rare disorders. PTC is advancing a robust and diversified pipeline of transformative medicines as part of its mission to provide access to best-in-class treatments for patients with unmet medical needs. The company’s strategy is to leverage its scientific expertise and global commercial infrastructure to optimize value for patients and other stakeholders. To learn more about PTC, please visit www.ptcbio.com and follow on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.
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