Emicizumab-kxwh: First Global Approval

Drugs. 2018 Feb;78(2):269-274. doi: 10.1007/s40265-018-0861-2.

Abstract

Emicizumab-kxwh (Hemlibra®) is a bispecific humanized monoclonal antibody that restores the function of missing activated FVIII by bridging activated FIX and FX to facilitate effective haemostasis in patients with haemophilia A. Subcutaneous emicizumab-kxwh is approved in the USA for use as routine prophylaxis to prevent or reduce the frequency of bleeding episodes in adults and paediatric patients with haemophilia A (congenital FVIII deficiency) with FVIII inhibitors. Subcutaneous emicizumab-kxwh is awaiting approval in several countries worldwide, including in the EU and Japan, and is undergoing phase 3 development in haemophilia A without FVIII inhibitors. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of emicizumab-kxwh leading to its first global approval for use as prophylaxis to prevent or reduce the frequency of bleeding episodes in patients with haemophilia A.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Bispecific / administration & dosage
  • Antibodies, Bispecific / adverse effects
  • Antibodies, Bispecific / pharmacology
  • Antibodies, Bispecific / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / administration & dosage
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / adverse effects
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / pharmacology
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / therapeutic use*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Approval
  • Drug Interactions
  • Factor VIII / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Hemophilia A / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • United States
  • United States Food and Drug Administration

Substances

  • Antibodies, Bispecific
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • emicizumab
  • Factor VIII