FDA approves new treatments for heart disease caused by a serious rare disease, transthyretin mediated amyloidosis

U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Vyndaqel (tafamidis meglumine) and Vyndamax (tafamidis) capsules for the treatment of the heart disease (cardiomyopathy) caused by transthyretin mediated amyloidosis (ATTR-CM) in adults. These are the first FDA-approved treatments for ATTR-CM. Vyndaqel and Vyndamax have the same active moiety, tafamidis, but they are not substitutable on a milligram to milligram basis and their recommended doses differ.

The number of patients in clinical studies was small, but no drug-associated side effects have been identified. Tafamidis may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Women taking Vyndaqel or Vyndamax should discuss pregnancy planning and prevention with their health care professional.

The FDA granted Vyndaqel Fast Track, Priority Review and Breakthrough Therapy designations. Vyndaqel and Vyndamax each received Orphan Drug designation, which provides incentives to assist and encourage the development of drugs for rare diseases.