Annika Semmler, Maria E de Lange, Joost P H Drenth, Niels S Vermeer, Pierre M Bet, Judith A F Huirne, Wouter J K Hehenkamp
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Introduction: Ulipristal acetate (UPA, 5 mg) demonstrated efficacy in symptom reduction for patients with symptomatic fibroids. While registration and post-marketing trials assessing UPA identified few hepatic concerns, post-marketing concerns about potential drug-induced liver injury (DILI) led to significant restrictions, including indication restriction, warning labels and mandatory liver function monitoring. These measures, along with two marketing suspensions, resulted in a decline in UPA use, ultimately leading to the withdrawal of its marketing authorization previously in Canada, Australia, as well as Singapore and in 2024, at the request of the marketing authorization holder for commercial reasons, also for the European Union.
Methods: This narrative review critically evaluates the hepatic safety considerations associated with UPA.
Results: On reassessment, the risk of severe DILI with UPA is low at 13.5:100.000, with an incidence of 1 in 200,000 for liver transplantation. These numbers are lower than with many other widely prescribed medications, where no regular liver monitoring is recommended. UPA was subjected to strict liver test monitoring although proof of effectiveness of these measures in preventing serious DILI was lacking. While the risk of severe hepatotoxic events is important to consider, a balanced approach to safety measures is needed, particularly in light of the higher risks associated with alternative treatment options such as surgical intervention.
Conclusion: While UPA had a unique place in the treatment of uterine fibroids, overly cautious regulatory measures due to exceedingly rare DILI incidences led to the withdrawal of its marketing authorization in most parts of the world. There is a need for an improved understanding of DILI mechanisms and causality assessments to aid in the development of more proportional regulatory responses, balancing patient safety and sustained access to effective innovative treatment.
期刊介绍:
Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management is an international, peer-reviewed journal of clinical therapeutics and risk management, focusing on concise rapid reporting of clinical studies in all therapeutic areas, outcomes, safety, and programs for the effective, safe, and sustained use of medicines, therapeutic and surgical interventions in all clinical areas.
The journal welcomes submissions covering original research, clinical and epidemiological studies, reviews, guidelines, expert opinion and commentary. The journal will consider case reports but only if they make a valuable and original contribution to the literature.
As of 18th March 2019, Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management will no longer consider meta-analyses for publication.
The journal does not accept study protocols, animal-based or cell line-based studies.