The Promise of a Peptide to Break the Cycle of Blood Draws in Polycythemia Vera

People with polycythemia vera can face a recurring cycle of excess red blood cell production, blood withdrawals, and fatigue, along with concerns about the consequences of poorly controlled disease. Protagonist Therapeutics developed rusfertide, a peptide that mimics the iron-regulating hormone hepcidin, to limit the iron available for red blood cell production and help maintain hematocrit control. Dinesh Patel, president and CEO of Protagonist, discusses the therapy’s clinical evidence, its potential to reduce the burden of phlebotomy, and how peptide engineering is shaping the company’s broader approach to chronic disease.