FDA approves Nulibry for molybdenum cofactor deficiency type A.- Origin Biosciences / Bridge Bio

The FDA has approved Nulibry (fosdenopterin), from Origin Biosciences/Bridge Bio, for injection to reduce the risk of death due to Molybdenum Cofactor Deficiency Type A, a rare, genetic, metabolic disorder that typically presents in the first few days of life, causing intractable seizures, brain injury and death. The FDA granted this application Priority Review and Breakthrough Therapy designations. Nulibry also received Orphan Drug designation, which provides incentives to assist and encourage the development of drugs for rare diseases. The sponsor is also receiving a Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher under a program intended to encourage development of new drugs and biologics for the prevention and treatment of rare pediatric diseases. Patients with Molybdenum Cofactor Deficiency Type A cannot produce a substance known as cyclic pyranopterin monophosphate (cPMP). Nulibry is an intravenous medication that replaces the missing cPMP. The effectiveness of Nulibry for the treatment of Molybdenum Cofactor Deficiency Type A was demonstrated in 13 treated patients compared to 18 matched, untreated patients. The patients treated with Nulibry had a survival rate of 84% at three years, compared to 55% for the untreated patients. The most common side effects included complications related to the intravenous line, fever, respiratory infections, vomiting, gastroenteritis and diarrhea. Phototoxicity (injury to the skin and eyes from certain types of light, such as sunlight) was seen in animals, so patients treated with Nulibry should avoid exposure to sunlight and wear sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses when exposed to the sun.