Treatment for Crohn's disease approved

The CHMP has adopted a positive opinion, recommending the granting of a marketing authorisation for the medicinal product Alofisel (darvadstrocel) from Tigenix, intended for the treatment of complex perianal fistulas in patients with Crohn’s disease. As Alofisel is an advanced therapy medicinal product, the CHMP positive opinion is based on an assessment by the Committee for Advanced Therapies. Alofisel was designated as an orphan medicinal product.

Alofisel will be available as a suspension for injection (5 million cells/ml). The active substance of Alofisel is darvadstrocel. Darvadstrocel contains expanded adipose stem cells which, once activated, impair proliferation of lymphocytes and reduce the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines at inflammation sites. This immunoregulatory activity reduces inflammation and may allow the tissues around the fistula tract to heal. The benefits with Alofisel are its ability to improve the healing process of complex perianal fistulas in patients with Crohn’s disease. The most commonly reported side effects include anal abscess and fistula, as well as procedural pain and proctalgia.