November 2020
Tezepelumab for severe, uncontrolled asthma
Tezepelumab is a monoclonal antibody (protein) that targets proteins early in the inflammatory cascade. By targeting proteins early in the inflammatory cascade, several downstream inflammatory proteins are suppressed, thereby decreasing inflammation. Tezepelumab given as an add-on-therapy to patients with severe uncontrolled asthma has been shown to be safe, well tolerated, and effective. Tezepelumab is administered subcutaneously. If licensed, tezepelumab as an add on therapy would offer an additional biological therapy to those over 12 years old, with severe asthma.
November 2020
Omecamtiv mecarbil for treating chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Omecamtiv mecarbil is given by oral administration in the form of a tablet. Omecamtiv mecarbil works by interacting with a protein called cardiac myosin that is responsible for converting chemical energy into the mechanical force that results in contraction of the heart. The interaction of omecamtiv mecarbil with cardiac myosin improves the performance of the heart muscle to preserve its function. If licensed, omecamtiv mecarbil may provide an additional treatment option for people with HFrEF who currently have limited therapies available.
July 2020
Icosapent ethyl for reducing the risk of cardiovascular events
Icosapent ethyl is in clinical development as a treatment to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in high-risk patients who have their cholesterol levels controlled with statin treatment, but have elevated triglycerides and other cardiovascular risk factors. Cardiovascular events include heart attack, angina and stroke. These diseases are the main cause of death in the UK, accounting for over a quarter of deaths each year. Patients receiving statin treatment are still at a high risk and would benefit from treatment to reduce cardiovascular events.
July 2020
Levosimendan for respiratory function in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Levosimendan works through binding to a protein called troponin C, which sensitises cardiac and skeletal muscles to calcium and increases their force of contraction. This increased force of contraction is thought to increase diaphragm function and support respiratory dysfunction. Levosimendan is given as an oral capsule and if licensed, it will offer a treatment option for patients with ALS, potentially delaying the need for mechanical ventilation support.