Press Announcements > FDA expands approved use of Kalydeco to treat additional mutations of cystic fibrosis

Press Announcements > FDA expands approved use of Kalydeco to treat additional mutations of cystic fibrosis

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today expanded the approved use of Kalydeco (ivacaftor) for treating cystic fibrosis. The approval triples the number of rare gene mutations that the drug can now treat, expanding the indication from the treatment of 10 mutations, to 33. The agency based its decision, in part, on the results of laboratory testing, which it used in conjunction with evidence from earlier human clinical trials. The approach provides a pathway for adding additional, rare mutations of the disease, based on laboratory data.

Common side effects of Kalydeco include headache; upper respiratory tract infection (common cold) including sore throat, nasal or sinus congestion, or runny nose; stomach (abdominal) pain; diarrhea; rash; nausea; and dizziness. Kalydeco is associated with risks including elevated transaminases (various enzymes produced by the liver) and pediatric cataracts. Co-administration with strong CYP3A inducers (e.g., rifampin, St. John’s wort) substantially decreases exposure of Kalydeco, which may diminish effectiveness, and is therefore not recommended.

For more information, please visit: Kalydeco.