Erdafitinib for Urothelial Carcinoma, TTFields in NSCLC, AI-Powered Device to Detect Skin Cancer, Casgevy for Beta Thalassemia, HyQvia for CIDP, Physicians' Understanding of FDA Approval Process

New FDA Approvals

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• Erdafitinib for Urothelial Carcinoma: The FDA has fully approved erdafitinib (Balversa) for advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma with FGFR3 genetic alterations in adults. This follows its initial accelerated approval and is based on the phase 3 THOR trial results, showing improved survival rates and manageable side effects. Erdafitinib reduced death risk by 36% and had a lower treatment discontinuation rate compared to chemotherapy.
• TTFields in NSCLC: The FDA is reviewing a premarket approval application for tumor treating fields (TTFields) combined with standard therapies for platinum-resistant non–small cell lung cancer. TTFields, first approved in 2011, disrupt cancer cell division and showed enhanced survival in NSCLC patients when combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors or docetaxel, without increasing systemic toxicities. The FDA's decision is expected in the second half of 2024.
• AI-Powered Device to Detect Skin Cancer: The FDA has approved the first AI-powered handheld device by DermaSensor for assisting in skin cancer detection. It uses AI-driven spectroscopy for analyzing skin lesions and is based on a study involving over 1000 patients. While not a primary screening tool, it aids in detecting melanoma and other skin cancers, especially in patients over 40, and requires further validation testing.
• Casgevy for Transfusion-Dependent Beta Thalassemia: The FDA has approved Casgevy (exa-cel), developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals and CRISPR Therapeutics, for treating transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia. This follows its approval for sickle cell disease and marks the first CRISPR gene-editing technology application for this condition. The approval came ahead of the anticipated date and follows Bluebird Bio's 2022 approval for a similar gene therapy.
• HyQvia for CIDP: HyQvia, an immune globulin infusion 10%, has been approved by the FDA for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) in adults. Initially approved for primary immunodeficiency, HyQvia is the only product combining immunoglobulin with hyaluronidase, allowing for monthly subcutaneous infusions. The approval is based on its demonstrated efficacy in preventing neuromuscular disability relapse.
• Physicians' Understanding of FDA Approval Process: A national survey reveals that many physicians have limited understanding of the FDA's drug and medical device approval processes. Only 41% of the surveyed physicians reported moderate or better comprehension of the drug approval process. Despite believing in the adequacy of FDA standards, there's a call for more rigorous post-marketing studies and enhanced education on FDA processes to avoid misconceptions and inaccurate patient advice.