Agalsidase Beta: A Review of its Use in the Management of Fabry Disease

Authors: Keating, Gillian M.; Simpson, Dene

Source: Drugs, Volume 67, Number 3, 2007 , pp. 435-455(21)

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $68.55 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

Agalsidase beta (Fabrazyme^®) is a recombinant human α-galactosidase A enzyme approved for intravenous use in the treatment of Fabry disease. Fabry disease is a progressive, multisystemic, potentially life threatening disorder caused by a deficiency of α-galactosidase A. This deficiency results in accumulation of glycosphingolipids, particularly globotriaosylceramide (GL-3), in the lysosomes of various tissues. This accumulation is the underlying driver of disease progression. Agalsidase beta provides an exogenous source of α-galactosidase A.

Intravenous agalsidase beta is effective and well tolerated in patients with Fabry disease. In a phase III trial, agalsidase beta was shown to clear GL-3 from various target cells and, in a subsequent extension of this trial, prevent GL-3 reaccumulation. In a post-approval trial, agalsidase beta was shown to provide significant clinical benefit by reducing the risk of a major clinical event. Thus, agalsidase beta represents an important advance in the treatment of Fabry disease, and agalsidase beta therapy should be strongly considered in patients with Fabry disease who are suitable candidates.

Keywords: Adis Drug Evaluations; Agalsidase beta; Fabry's disease

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Wolters Kluwer Health | Adis, Auckland, New Zealand, an editorial office of Wolters Kluwer Health, Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, USA

Publication date: 2007-01-01