Japan Approves Andembrygaradacimab

The product is approved for the prevention of acute attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE) and is the first pre-filled pen presentation for once-monthly subcutaneous administration for long-term prophylaxis of HAE. The approval in Japan follows additional recent approvals received in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.

Andembry  is the first fully human monoclonal antibody in Japan designed to inhibit activated Factor XII (Factor XIIa), which initiates the cascade of events leading to angioedema at various sites of the body.

"Andembry  represents a major advancement in the management of hereditary angioedema, offering people living with this life-threatening condition long-term disease control through a patient-centric and convenient administration method," said Bill Mezzanotte, MD, Executive Vice President, Head of R&D, CSL. "As CSL's first approved recombinant monoclonal antibody discovered and developed entirely by CSL, Andembry underscores our more than 40-year commitment to HAE research and treatment optimization. This milestone is the result of decades of dedication, and we extend our gratitude to the colleagues, physicians and patients who made this possible for HAE patients and CSL."

HAE is a rare, chronic, debilitating, and potentially life-threatening genetic disorder characterized by recurrent and unpredictable attacks of angioedema. Attacks are often painful and can occur in multiple sites of the body, including the abdomen, larynx, face, and extremities. HAE is designated as one of Japan's intractable diseases under the category of "Primary Immunodeficiency Syndrome." Reports indicate that approximately 430 patients in Japan are currently diagnosed and receiving treatment. According to global data, the prevalence of HAE is estimated to be 1 in 50,000 people, suggesting there may be approximately 2,500 patients in Japan.

The approval of Andembry  is based on the efficacy and safety data from the pivotal international Phase III VANGUARD trial and its open-label extension study. The detailed results of the VANGUARD trial were published in The Lancet in April 2023  (p Previously cited)and the primary results of the ongoing open-label extension study were published in Allergy (October 2024) (previously cited). A plain language summary of the VANGUARD trial findings has also been published to facilitate understanding of patients and caregivers of the clinical trial data. This summary is accessible in multiple languages, including English and Japanese.