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Patisiran: First Global Approval

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Abstract

Patisiran (ONPATTRO™) is a double-stranded small interfering RNA encapsulated in a lipid nanoparticle for delivery to hepatocytes. By specifically binding to a genetically conserved sequence in the 3′ untranslated region of mutant and wild-type transthyretin (TTR) messenger RNA, patisiran causes its degradation (via RNA interference) and subsequently a reduction in serum TTR protein levels and tissue TTR protein deposits. Patisiran has been developed by Alnylam Pharmaceuticals; it was recently approved in the USA for the treatment of the polyneuropathy of hereditary TTR-mediated amyloidosis (hATTR) in adults and subsequently approved in the EU for the treatment of hATTR in adults with stage 1 or 2 polyneuropathy. The recommended dosage, administered as a single intravenous infusion over approximately 80 min, is 0.3 mg/kg once every 3 weeks for patients weighing < 100 kg and 30 mg once every 3 weeks for patients weighing ≥ 100 kg. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of patisiran leading to these approvals.

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Correspondence to Sheridan M. Hoy.

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The preparation of this review was not supported by any external funding.

Conflict of interest

During the peer review process the manufacturer of the agent under review was offered an opportunity to comment on the article. Changes resulting from any comments received were made by the author on the basis of scientific completeness and accuracy. Sheridan Hoy is a salaried employee of Adis/Springer, is responsible for the article content and declares no relevant conflicts of interest.

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This profile has been extracted and modified from the AdisInsight database. AdisInsight tracks drug development worldwide through the entire development process, from discovery, through pre-clinical and clinical studies to market launch and beyond.

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Hoy, S.M. Patisiran: First Global Approval. Drugs 78, 1625–1631 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40265-018-0983-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40265-018-0983-6

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