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FDA approves treatment to improve kidney function in adults with hepatorenal syndrome

FDA has approved Terlivaz (terlipressin) injection to improve kidney function in adults with hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) with rapid reduction in kidney function. Terlivaz is the first FDA-approved medication for this condition.

Disease or Condition

HRS is characterized by a progressive deterioration in kidney function in people with advanced liver disease. This is most common in those with advanced cirrhosis (liver scarring) and ascites, an abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen that is often related to liver disease. The prognosis is very poor, particularly if patients’ liver disease is not treated with liver transplantation. Rising levels of serum creatinine (a waste product in the blood) in patients with HRS can indicate worsening kidney function.

Effectiveness

The effectiveness of Terlivaz was assessed in a double-blind study. Participants with HRS with rapid reduction in kidney function were randomly assigned to receive Terlivaz (199 participants) or a placebo (101 participants). Participants received either 0.85 mg of Terlivaz or a placebo every six hours as an injection in the vein for a maximum of 14 days. The dose was adjusted based on changes in kidney function.

The primary effectiveness outcome was the percentage of patients who had kidney function improvement, defined by two consecutive days of serum creatinine levels of 1.5 mg/dL or less, obtained at least two hours apart, by day 14 or the participant’s final day in the study. Twenty-nine percent of participants in the Terlivaz group had kidney function improvement compared to 16 percent of participants in the placebo group.

People with serum creatinine levels of 5 mg/dL or greater should not take Terlivaz because they are unlikely to benefit from treatment.

Safety Information

Terlivaz increases the risk of serious or fatal respiratory (breathing) failure. Patients with low oxygen in their blood should not start the medication. During treatment, patients should be monitored for breathing problems with a pulse oximeter — a tool that measures oxygen levels in the blood.

Side effects of Terlivaz may prevent patients from receiving a liver transplant. Terlivaz can cause ischemic events (that occur when blood does not reach certain parts of the body) that may require pausing or stopping treatment; the medication may also cause fetal harm when used during pregnancy.

The most common side effects include abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, respiratory failure, and dyspnea (difficulty breathing).

See the prescribing information for additional information on risks associated with Terlivaz.

Designations

This application received priority review and fast track status. Terlivaz also received orphan drug designation, which provides incentives to assist and encourage the development of drugs for rare diseases. 

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