East Shines Over West? US Rejection Puts Roxadustat's China Approval In New Spotlight
Japan, EU Offer Other Growth Alternatives?
Executive Summary
Touted in China after its first approval globally there for chronic kidney disease-associated anemia back in late 2018, FibroGen/AstraZeneca's roxadustat has now been rejected by the US FDA over cardiovascular safety concerns. But ex-US markets may still enable the drug to shine despite safety wording.
You may also be interested in...
Keeping Track: Merck & Co. In Spotlight With Welireg, Keytruda Approvals; FibroGen/AZ Roxadustat CRL Is No Surprise
The latest drug development news and highlights from the Pink Sheet’s US FDA Performance Tracker.
Restructuring On The Table For FibroGen After Roxadustat Rejection
As anticipated, the FDA issued a complete response letter for roxadustat. While the drug is expected to win EU approval, it is unclear if FibroGen and AstraZeneca will be willing to fund another trial.
FibroGen’s Roxadustat Rejected By US FDA Panel Due To Safety Concerns, Untested Dosing Strategy
But advisory committee members see a potential opportunity for the oral anemia drug in small percentage of dialysis-dependent patients not responsive to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents; FibroGen’s revised dosing algorithm, aimed at slowing hemoglobin rate of increase and reducing risk of thrombosis, needs to be clinically tested before marketing approval, panelists said.