Riyadh: The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has approved the registration of Winrevair (Sotatercept), which has been designated as an orphan drug under the SFDA Orphan Drug Program, for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in adult patients classified as WHO Functional Class (FC) II to III, with the aim of improving exercise capacity.
According to Saudi Press Agency, PAH is a life-threatening condition characterized by the thickening of blood vessels in the lungs, which leads to increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue.
Sotatercept works through a novel mechanism by inhibiting activin in the body. This protein plays a role in increasing the thickness of the blood vessels in the lungs and raising the blood pressure. Inhibiting activin results in improved blood flow in the lungs and decreased pressure, thereby enhancing physical activity capacity and providing a better quality of life for the patient.
The SFDA confirmed that Sotatercept was approved following a rigorous evaluation of its efficacy and safety, in accordance with applicable regulatory standards. Clinical studies demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in the risk of disease progression and death in PAH patients who were classified as WHO Functional Class II or III. Furthermore, data showed an acceptable safety profile. The most common side effects observed were headache, nosebleeds, and skin itching.
The SFDA is committed to facilitating access to effective therapies, particularly for rare and hard-to-treat diseases, which often lack sufficient treatment options. In line with this commitment, the SFDA launched the Orphan Drug Program, which serves as a strategic pillar to promote pharmaceutical innovation and address unmet medical needs, supporting the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to enhance the quality of healthcare.
An orphan drug is defined as a medication intended to treat a rare disease or condition that affects fewer than five individuals per 10,000 people in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
For further information about the Orphan Drugs Guideline, please refer to the guide available on the SFDA website: https://www.sfda.gov.sa/en/regulations/88482 or contact the SFDA via email at [email protected].