The US FDA has announced that it is approving Jakafi (ruxolitinib) to treat a rare type of Bone Marrow disease known as Polycythemia vera. The disease actually causes an excess of RBC’s in the Bone Marrow. The increase in RBC also leads to a spike in other components of the blood like the platelets and WBC. The excess of RBC in the body leads to a number of problems like the swelling of the spleen, clotting of the blood close to the skin and bleeding disorders. Polycythemia vera also increases the risks of heart attacks and strokes.
Jakafi is the first drug to be approved by FDA in patients with Polycythemia vera and those who are not able to tolerate hydroxyurea which is another drug which is used for reducing the levels of platelets and RBC’s in the blood.
Jakafi mode of action is similar to hydroxyurea and targets enzymes which are known as Janus Associated Kinase 1 and 2 and hindering their function. JAK 1 and 2 are enzymes which regulate the immunity and blood functions in the body. Jakafi negates the need to draw out blood from the body and also reduces the enlargement of spleen.
Richard Pazdur, M.D., Office of Hematology and Oncology Products director from the FDA said”The approval of Jakafi for polycythemia vera underscores the importance of developing drugs matched to our increasing knowledge of the mechanisms of diseases.”
The FDA had earlier approved Jakafi in 2011 for treating another rare bone marrow disease myelofibrosis.cialis user reviews
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