Chiesi Global Rare Diseases Wins Approval in Brazil for Treatment of Iron Overload in SCD

Brazil’s National Health Surveillance Agency approved Chiesi Global Rare Diseases’ Ferriprox for the treatment of iron overload in patients with sickle cell disease or other anemias.

The company also announced Brazil’s National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) has approved Ferriprox in combination with another chelator in patients with thalassemia major when monotherapy with any iron chelator is ineffective, or when prevention or treatment of life-threatening consequences of iron overload justifies rapid or intensive correction.

Ferriprox was previously approved in Brazil as a monotherapy for the treatment of iron overload in patients with thalassemia major when current chelation therapy is not recommended.

Thalassemia major and sickle cell disease are two disorders that affect red blood cells. Both conditions cause problems with hemoglobin, depriving many parts of the body of oxygen. People living with these conditions often require chronic blood transfusions that can put them at risk of developing very high levels of iron in their blood and vital organs. Ferriprox is a synthetic, orally active iron-chelating agent shown to be effective in reducing iron concentration by penetrating cell membranes and removing toxic iron from organ tissues and extracellular fluids.

“This is an important moment for patients living in Brazil who face significant challenges with damage due to iron overload, as well as their doctors who now have an expanded arsenal of treatment options for these rare and underserved conditions,” said Giacomo Chiesi, head of Chiesi Global Rare Diseases.

“This approval is a meaningful achievement that will benefit a significant portion of patients affected by sickle cell disease, which is the most common hereditary anemia in Brazil,” said Carlos Chueiri, Medical Director of Chiesi Brazil. “The approval of Ferriprox in sickle cell disease confirms Chiesi’s commitment to innovation as we are always seeking to meet the broadest possible needs of patients and caregivers.”

Author: Rare Daily Staff