25th Feb 2014 18:39
LONDON (Alliance News) - AstraZeneca PLC Tuesday said the US Food and Drug Administration has approved orphan drug MYALEPT as a treatment for fat tissue loss in a rare group of syndromes known as lipodystrophy.
The pharma company said the approval is for MYALEPT as an adjunct to diet as replacement therapy for the treatment of complications of leptin deficiency in patients with congenital or acquired generalised lipodystrophy.
The company said MYALEPT is the first and only treatment approved by the FDA for these patients.
"Lipodystrophy is a group of rare syndromes characterised by loss of fat tissue. In some patients it is genetic, while in others it may be acquired for different pathophysiological, and in some cases unknown, reasons," AstraZeneca said.
"Generalised lipodystrophy is characterised by widespread loss of fat tissue under the skin. This loss of fat tissue causes a deficit in the hormone leptin leading to multiple metabolic complications," it added.
AstraZeneca shares closed down 0.1% at 4,094.181 pence Tuesday.
By Tom McIvor; [email protected]; @TomMcIvor1
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