Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. issued the following announcement on March 18.
- Systemic sclerosis (SSc), also known as scleroderma, is a rare chronic connective tissue disease
- Pulmonary fibrosis, or fibrosing interstitial lung disease (ILD), is a key driver of mortality in people living with SSc and constitutes a high unmet need
- Improving the lives of people living with pulmonary fibrosis is a key focus for Boehringer Ingelheim
Boehringer Ingelheim has filed for regulatory approval of nintedanib in patients with systemic sclerosis associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) with the FDA and EMA. Nintedanib, which is marketed as Ofev®, is approved in the U.S. and more than 70 countries for the treatment of patients living with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and has been shown to slow disease progression as measured by reducing the annual rate of decline in lung function.
Systemic sclerosis, also known as scleroderma, is a rare disease characterized by thickening and scarring of connective tissue throughout the body. The disease can cause scarring of the skin, lungs (interstitial lung disease), heart and kidneys which can be debilitating and may become life-threatening. Approximately 25 percent of patients develop significant pulmonary involvement within three years of diagnosis. Lung involvement is the leading cause of death among people with systemic sclerosis.
Susanne Stowasser, M.D., Associate Head of Respiratory Medicine at Boehringer Ingelheim, said: "Systemic sclerosis associated interstitial lung disease has a devastating impact on those it affects – often women in the prime of their lives. Pulmonary fibrosis is a key driver of mortality in systemic sclerosis, and currently there are no approved treatments for SSc-ILD. Boehringer Ingelheim is pleased that we are able to take a step closer to potentially bringing an approved treatment for addressing the decline in lung function to patients with this rare condition."
Because SSc-ILD and IPF share similarities in how the underlying lung scarring, or fibrosis, forms in people with the disease, Boehringer Ingelheim evaluated the impact of nintedanib in patients with SSc-ILD. The regulatory submissions are part of the company's ongoing commitment to improving the lives of people living with pulmonary fibrosis, in particular those affected by rare diseases with a high level of unmet need.
Clinical research results relating to nintedanib in SSc-ILD will be shared with the scientific community during the American Thoracic Society Congress (May 17-22).
About systemic sclerosis
It is estimated that up to 2.5 million people worldwide have scleroderma, including approximately 100,000 people in the United States. Because scleroderma affects the connective tissue, symptoms can occur in any area of the body including the skin, muscles, blood vessels, lungs and other internal organs, making it difficult to diagnose. The disease impacts four times as many women as men, and the onset of the disease typically occurs at a young age – between 25 and 55 years.
What is Ofev?
Ofev is a prescription medicine used to treat people with a lung disease called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). It is not known if Ofev is safe and effective in children.
Important Safety Information
What is the most important information I should know about Ofev (nintedanib)?
Ofev can cause harm, birth defects or death to an unborn baby. Women should not become pregnant while taking Ofev. Women who are able to become pregnant should have a pregnancy test before starting treatment and should use birth control during and for at least 3 months after your last dose. If you become pregnant while taking Ofev, tell your doctor right away.
What should I tell my doctor before using Ofev?
Before you take Ofev, tell your doctor if you have:
- liver problems
- heart problems
- a history of blood clots
- a bleeding problem or a family history of a bleeding problem
- had recent surgery in your stomach (abdominal) area
- any other medical conditions.
- are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
- are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if Ofev passes into your breast milk. You should notbreastfeed while taking Ofev.
- are a smoker. You should stop smoking prior to taking Ofev and avoid smoking during treatment.
What are the possible side effects of Ofev?
Ofev may cause serious side effects.
TELL YOUR DOCTOR RIGHT AWAY if you are experiencing any side effects, including:
- Liver problems. Unexplained symptoms may include yellowing of your skin or the white part of your eyes (jaundice), dark or brown (tea colored) urine, pain on the upper right side of your stomach area (abdomen), bleeding or bruising more easily than normal, feeling tired, or loss of appetite. Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to check how well your liver is working during your treatment with Ofev.
- Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Your doctor may recommend that you drink fluids or take medicine to treat these side effects. Tell your doctor if you have these symptoms, if they do not go away, or get worse and if you are taking over-the-counter laxatives, stool softeners, and other medicines or dietary supplements.
- Heart attack. Symptoms of a heart problem may include chest pain or pressure, pain in your arms, back, neck or jaw, or shortness of breath.
- Stroke. Symptoms of a stroke may include numbness or weakness on 1 side of your body, trouble talking, headache, or dizziness.
- Bleeding problems. Ofev may increase your chances of having bleeding problems. Tell your doctor if you have unusual bleeding, bruising, or wounds that do not heal and/or if you are taking a blood thinner, including prescription blood thinners and over-the-counter aspirin.
- Tear in your stomach or intestinal wall (perforation). Ofev may increase your chances of having a tear in your stomach or intestinal wall. Tell your doctor if you have pain or swelling in your stomach area.
These are not all the possible side effects of Ofev. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Original source can be found here.
