FDA approves first treatment for children with rare diseases that cause inflammation of small blood vessels | FDA

FDA approves first treatment for children with rare diseases that cause inflammation of small blood vessels | FDA

FDA approves first treatment for children with rare diseases that cause inflammation of small blood vessels

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Rituxan (rituximab) injection to treat granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) in children 2 years of age and older in combination with glucocorticoids (steroid hormones). It is the first approved treatment for children with these rare vasculitis diseases, in which a patient’s small blood vessels become inflamed, reducing the amount of blood that can flow through them. This can cause serious problems and damage to organs, most notably the lungs and the kidneys. It also can impact the sinuses and skin.

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