Protagonist Therapeutics Reveals Promising Rusfertide Study Results at ASH 2024

Protagonist Therapeutics has announced the results from its Phase 2 REVIVE study on rusfertide, a potential treatment for polycythemia vera (PV). Presented at the 2024 American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting, the study highlights rusfertide's long-term efficacy in controlling hematocrit levels, reducing phlebotomy needs, and improving patient outcomes.

Data from the study indicate that 54% of patients maintained durable control of hematocrit levels (<45%) for over 2.5 years. The trial involved 187 patients across three stages, with a significant reduction in the estimated mean phlebotomy rate for those treated with rusfertide compared to placebo.

Furthermore, 80% of participants in the open label extension moved to the THRIVE Phase 2 study for long-term observation. While some adverse events occurred, the majority were unrelated to the treatment, highlighting the drug's favorable safety profile.