Sotatracept, a groundbreaking drug that treats pulmonary embolism by inhibiting the component “activin” and changing the mechanism of the cells that drive the disease, has been recently approved by the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This marks a significant improvement for patients with pulmonary hypertension, as it offers better survival rates, delays disease progression, and reduces the risk of worsening events or death by approximately 84%.
Pulmonary embolism primarily affects young people, particularly women, with the peak incidence occurring between the ages of 30-40. However, it can also occur at later ages. Patients with pulmonary embolism are categorized based on function levels and risk levels, ranging from 1 (highest function) to 4 (lowest function).
For a decade, there were no advancements in the treatment of pulmonary embolism, with existing treatments mainly focused on alleviating symptoms. However, sotatracept works with a unique mechanism by inhibiting “activin” to change the mechanism of the cells that drive the disease. This approval marks a significant improvement for patients with pulmonary hypertension.
According to Prof. Mordechai Kramer, director of the pulmonary department at Blinson Hospital, sotatracept provides new hope for patients who have not responded well to existing treatments. The Ministry of Health usually approves drugs that have been approved by the FDA after reviewing the research findings submitted by the company.
