Novo Nordisk acquired its pyruvate kinase-R (PKR) activator etavopivat when it bought Forma Therapeutics for $1.1bn to expand its portfolio in rare hemoglobinopathies outside of hemophilia. At the American Society of Hematology (ASH) meeting in San Diego, Novo reported Phase II results on 7 December from the ongoing Phase II/III HIBISCUS clinical trial in sickle cell disease (SCD) that show the investment seems to be paying off for the company and SCD patients.
ASH: Novo’s Etavopivat For Sickle Cell Disease Cuts VOC Rates In Half
Phase III Ongoing, Endpoints Under Discussion With Regulators
Patients treated with Novo’s PKR activator had a nearly 50% reduction in vaso-occlusive events relative to placebo in Phase II, VOC occurrence was delayed and blood biomarkers improved.
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