A new oral medication has demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in treating hereditary angioedema (HAE) attacks, offering patients significantly faster symptom relief compared to existing options. According to Healio.com, the RAPIDe-3 study provides compelling evidence that deucrictibant, a bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist, could transform how patients manage this debilitating condition.
Hereditary angioedema is a rare genetic disorder characterized by recurring, unpredictable attacks of severe swelling in various body parts. These attacks can be life-threatening and significantly impact quality of life. The RAPIDe-3 global phase 3 trial enrolled 134 patients aged 12 years and older to evaluate whether 20 mg oral deucrictibant administered on-demand could accelerate symptom relief compared to placebo.
The results were striking. Patients receiving deucrictibant achieved onset of symptom relief, defined as a Patient Global Impression of Change rating of at least “a little better” for two consecutive measurements, in a median of 1.28 hours, compared to more than 12 hours for placebo recipients. This represents a dramatic reduction in suffering during acute attacks.
The mechanism behind deucrictibant’s effectiveness lies in its unique approach to blocking angioedema. HAE attacks occur when excessive amounts of bradykinin, a chemical messenger, accumulate in tissue, causing dangerous swelling. Unlike other approved treatments that reduce bradykinin production, deucrictibant directly blocks the bradykinin B2 receptor, essentially stopping the chemical signal responsible for swelling. This downstream action means the drug can work regardless of how bradykinin was produced, potentially helping a broader patient population.
Additional study findings underscore the drug’s efficacy. Patients reached complete symptom resolution in approximately 11.95 hours with deucrictibant versus more than 24 hours with placebo. A single capsule successfully treated 83% of attacks within 12 hours, and remarkably, rescue medications were not required in 93.2% of deucrictibant-treated attacks within the same timeframe.
The study population was diverse, representing the real-world complexity of HAE. Participants included adolescents and adults, both those on and off long-term prophylaxis, patients with different HAE subtypes, and those experiencing attacks of varying severity across different body locations. This diversity strengthens confidence that the drug works effectively across different patient populations and attack presentations.
Safety data proved reassuring. Deucrictibant was well tolerated with no serious adverse events related to treatment, and no patients discontinued therapy due to adverse effects. This favorable safety profile is particularly important for a drug used acutely during stressful medical events.
Perhaps most promising is the drug’s potential in two formulations. Beyond the immediate-release capsule for acute attack treatment, Pharvaris is developing an extended-release tablet for preventive long-term use, potentially offering patients comprehensive HAE management through a single medication family.
Earlier phase 2 data from the CHAPTER-1 study had already demonstrated that 12 weeks of deucrictibant treatment improved symptom control, health-related quality of life, and treatment satisfaction, validating the phase 3 findings.
With FDA approval anticipated in the first half of 2026, deucrictibant represents a significant advancement for HAE patients. The combination of rapid symptom relief, excellent tolerability, and convenience of oral administration addresses substantial unmet medical needs in hereditary angioedema care, potentially improving outcomes for thousands of patients worldwide.
