Migalastat (Galafold): New treatment for Fabry disease

January 12, 2018 – Fabry disease is an inherited disorder caused by mutations (alterations) in the alpha-galactosidase A (GLA) gene located on the X-chromosome. Fabry disease is rare and affects both males and females. It is estimated that classic Fabry disease (the most severe type) affects approximately one in 40,000 males. The later-onset type is more frequent, and in some populations, may occur in one in 1,500 to 4,000 males. Patients with Fabry disease develop slowly progressive kidney disease, cardiac hypertrophy (enlargement of the heart), arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythm), stroke and early death. The genetic defect in GLA results from buildup of a type of fat called globotriaosylceramide (GL-3) in blood vessels, the kidneys, the heart, the nerves and other organs

Until now, treatment of Fabry disease has involved replacing the missing enzyme that causes the particular type of fat buildup in this disease. In contrast, the American  Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved Migalastat (Galafold), the first oral medication for the treatment of adults with Fabry disease. The drug is indicated for adults with Fabry disease who have a genetic mutation determined to be responsive (“amenable”) to treatment with Migalastat (Galafold) based on laboratory data.