The COVID-19 global pandemic is biting harder by the day, and it seems like it is here to stay. Hence there remains a serious need for an immediate solution; otherwise, it will continue to extract a significant human and economic toll. As companies dive into the race of finding a remedy, Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:RIGL) says there is a publication of a post-hoc data analysis of TAVALISSE in the British Journal of Haematology.
There has been a previous presentation of the analysis from a Phase 3 clinical program of TAVALISSE in adult patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). The current analysis demonstrates the oral spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) inhibitor as a treatment of COVID-19 pneumonia, particularly in patients who failed to respond sufficiently to the previous treatment.
There Is a Potential Paradigm Shift in the Treatment ITP
Patients with ITP suffer from immune system attacks, which more often than not destroys the body’s blood platelets. The victims experience excessive bleeding and bruising and sometimes fatigue. The bleeding events can become severe if not attended to promptly and can result in death. This means there is a significant need for enhanced treatment options for this condition.
However, according to the MD of Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Bethesda, Maryland, Ralph Boccia, the post-hoc data analysis could be a source of hope.
‘’…This data analysis offers clinicians a better understanding of the role of TAVALISSE, with its novel mechanism of action, as an alternative treatment early in the course of the disease,” Boccia, who was also the first author of the publication said.
TAVALISSE is Rigel’s First FDA Approved Product
Rigel has pioneered multiple researchers with a primary focus on improving the lives of patients suffering from rare diseases, cancer, immune and hematologic disorders. Its efforts have finally paid off following the FDA’s approval of TAVALISSE. The European Commission has also approved the product, and this is a breakthrough for the company.
Nonetheless, there are several warnings and precautions to watch out for. For example, there were diarrhea events in 31% of patients and was also severe in 1% of patients. The treatment is not also safe for pregnant women.
