FDA Approves First Recombinant Coagulation Factor IX

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved Rixubis [Coagulation Factor IX (Recombinant)] for use in people with hemophilia B who are 16 years of age and older. Rixubis is indicated for the control and prevention of bleeding episodes, perioperative (period extending from the time of hospitalization for surgery to the time of discharge) management, and routine use to prevent or reduce the frequency of bleeding episodes (prophylaxis).

An inherited blood clotting disorder mainly affecting males, Hemophilia B is caused by mutations in the Factor IX gene and leads to deficiency of Factor IX. Hemophilia B affects about 3,300 people in the United States. Individuals with Hemophilia B can experience potentially serious bleeding, mainly into the joints, which can be destroyed by such bleeding.

Rixubis is a purified protein produced by recombinant DNA technology. It does not contain human or animal proteins. It is supplied in single-use vials of freeze-dried powder and is administered by intravenous injection after reconstitution with sterile water for injection.

The efficacy of Rixubis was evaluated in a multicenter study in which a total of 73 male patients between 12 and 65 years of age received Rixubis for routine prophylaxis or as needed in response to symptoms of bleeding (on-demand). Overall, patients in the prophylaxis study had a 75 percent lower annual bleeding rate when compared to patients who have historically received on-demand treatment. An additional study in a pediatric population is currently ongoing.

Rixubis is manufactured by Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Westlake Village, Calif.