Major pharmaceutical company Pfizer recently announced the success of a new experimental product. The drug targets a disease called transthyretin cardiomyopathy, related to amyloidosis, a rare and dangerous disease that affects organs including the kidneys and heart. In studies, the drug led to lower rates of patient mortality, and decreased need for hospitalization. Keep reading to learn more, or follow this development at the original source here.
A large clinical study investigated Pfizer’s new tafamidis capsules. Researchers aimed to understand the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of tafamidis through the trial. The drug delivery method consisted of oral doses. A control group of 441 patients received treatment with a placebo.
Pfizer states the main goal of the study as a statistical reduction in deaths and hospitalizations when compared to placebo at 30 months. According to Pfizer, tafamidis passed that mark. Data also indicates that tafamidis is well tolerated by patients.
Tafamidis originally entered testing for the treatment of transthyretin cardiomyopathy – a condition which eventually leads to heart failure. The FDA granted the drug fast track status in June of last year. No approved treatments for transthyretin cardiomyopathy currently exist in the United States.
Global sales of tafamidis are expected to break $100 million in 2022 by some estimates.
This kind of success seems promising for Pfizer. Other companies, however, are not necessarily shored up by it. Analysts point to other companies such as Alnylam Pharmaceuticals and Ionis Pharma as examples. Both companies shares dipped after the Pfizer announcement. Both companies are also developing drugs for the treatment of amyloidosis.
While some investors choose to view the success of Pfizer’s drug as good for all companies developing similar products, analysts remain skeptical. Some point to the similarities as potential complications for marketing. This could ultimately impact both products negatively as consumers become confused.
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Learn more about Amyloidosis by checking out our partners, the Amyloidosis Foundation.
