TAKHZYRO (Lanadelumab is indicated for routine prevention of recurrent attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE) in patients aged 2 years and older.
• Hereditary angioedema is a rare genetic disorder.
By: Pakinam Khaled
– Takeda has announced the launch of TAKHZYRO (Lanadelumab) in Egypt, the new therapy is intended for patients aged two years and older, administered as subcutaneous injections every two or four weeks for life. Its launch is part of Takeda's efforts to provide therapeutic solutions for patients suffering from this rare and life-threatening condition.
Hereditary angioedema is a rare disease that affects 1 in 50,000 people worldwide. The disease is characterized by severe swelling episodes in different parts of the body, such as the face, limbs, abdomen, and throat. These attacks can be life-threatening, particularly in cases involving throat swelling. The attacks are caused by a deficiency of the C1 inhibitor enzyme, which leads to the uncontrolled release of bradykinin, the substance responsible for hereditary angioedema.
Despite the severity of the disease, diagnosis rates remain extremely low. This issue underscores the urgent need to raise awareness about the importance of early diagnosis and adopting appropriate preventive measures. Studies show that the average life expectancy of individuals who are not properly diagnosed and die from suffocation due to larynx swelling caused by the disease is approximately 31 years shorter than those who die from other causes. Death from suffocation due to larynx swelling accounts for about 29.4% of cases. This emphasizes the critical role of accurate and early diagnosis in determining the correct treatment protocol. Raising awareness about this disease among healthcare providers is crucial to accurately identifying its symptoms and ensuring proper diagnosis, particularly as it shares similarities with the symptoms of other conditions.
Commenting on the launch of TAKHZYRO (Lanadelumab) in Egypt, Professor Mohamed El-Shayeb, Professor of Internal Medicine and Head of the Allergy and Immunology Department at Ain Shams University, stated: 'Hereditary angioedema is a rare disease that can sometimes be challenging to diagnose, which may lead to delays in receiving appropriate treatment. This disease can impact patients' lives in various ways, as the unpredictable nature of attacks, often accompanied by pain and swelling, can affect daily activities and social interactions, presenting emotional challenges for both patients and their families. Early diagnosis plays a key role in managing the condition effectively, as recognizing the signs and symptoms early on can significantly improve the patients' quality of life.
Dr. Aisha El-Marsafi, Professor of Pediatrics and Founder of the Primary Immunodeficiency Unit at Cairo University, added, “The treatment plan for hereditary angioedema must include a tailored strategy for managing each case. This involves administering treatment as needed and implementing both short- and long-term preventive measures5. Long-term prevention aims to reduce the frequency and severity of swelling episodes, as recurring and unpredictable attacks have a profoundly negative impact on patients' quality of life. The goal of long-term management is to lower the recurrence of episodes and reduce the risk of fatal outcomes5.”
Commenting on the launch of the new medication in Egypt, Dr. Samy Khalil, General Manager of Takeda Egypt, stated: "The launch of TAKHZYRO (Lanadelumab) marks a significant achievement for our company and reaffirms our ongoing commitment to providing treatments. We are proud to be one of the leading companies in the Egyptian market for the treatment of hereditary angioedema. At Takeda, we firmly believe that every patient has the right to access the best innovative treatments, a goal we tirelessly strive to achieve by offering advanced solutions to improve patient outcomes in Egypt."
Khalil added, "The introduction of TAKHZYRO heralds a new era in the management of hereditary angioedema cases. This step reflects Takeda's support for Egypt's healthcare sector by equipping them with the best therapeutic solutions, enabling them to deliver comprehensive and advanced care to patients. Collaboration with Egypt's healthcare sector is the key to treating this rare disease, ensuring that patients benefit from the latest innovations."
