MPS VII is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by deficiency of an enzyme called beta-glucuronidase, which causes an abnormal buildup of toxic materials in the body’s cells. Vestronidase alfa-vjb (Mepsevii) is an enzyme replacement therapy that works by replacing the missing enzyme. “This approval underscores the agency’s commitment to making treatments available to patients with rare diseases,” said Julie Beitz, M.D., director of the Office of Drug Evaluation III in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER). “Prior to today’s approval, patients with this rare, inherited condition had no approved treatment options.”

The efficacy of Vestronidase alfa-vjb (Mepsevii) was established in clinical trial and expanded access protocols enrolling a total of 23 patients ranging from 5 months to 25 years of age. Patients received treatment with Vestronidase alfa-vjb (Mepsevii) at doses up to 4 mg/kg once every two weeks for up to 164 weeks. Efficacy was primarily assessed via the six-minute walk test in ten patients who could perform the test. After 24 weeks of treatment, the mean difference in distance walked relative to placebo was 18 meters. Additional follow-up for up to 120 weeks suggested continued improvement in three patients and stabilization in the others. Two patients in the Vestronidase alfa-vjb (Mepsevii) development program experienced marked improvement in pulmonary function. Overall, the results observed would not have been anticipated in the absence of treatment. The effect of Vestronidase alfa-vjb (Mepsevii) on the central nervous system manifestations of MPS VII has not been determined.

Clinical safety data for Vestronidase alfa-vjb (Mepsevii) are very limited, given the very small number of patients. Nevertheless, the most common side effects after treatment with Vestronidase alfa-vjb (Mepsevii) included infusion site reactions, diarrhea, rash and anaphylaxis.

The FDA granted this application Fast Track designation, which seeks to expedite the development and review of drugs that are intended to treat serious conditions where initial evidence showed the potential to address an unmet medical need. Mepsevii also received Orphan Drug designation, which provides incentives to assist and encourage the development of drugs for rare diseases. The sponsor is receiving a Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher under a program intended to encourage development of new drugs and biologics for the prevention and treatment of rare pediatric diseases. A voucher can be redeemed by a sponsor at a later date to receive Priority Review of a subsequent marketing application for a different product. This is the twelfth rare pediatric disease priority review voucher issued by the FDA since the program began.

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