Amyloidosis is a rare disease characterized by the buildup of abnormal protein deposits called amyloid in organs and tissues. The two primary systemic forms are transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis and light chain (AL) amyloidosis. The FDA has approved targeted therapies that have significantly improved patient outcomes.
FDA-Approved Treatments for Transthyretin (ATTR) Amyloidosis
ATTR amyloidosis results from misfolded transthyretin (TTR) protein and can affect the heart (ATTR-CM) or nerves (hATTR-PN). Treatments either stabilize the TTR protein or reduce its production.
TTR Stabilizers for ATTR Cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM)
These drugs bind to and stabilize the TTR protein.
- Tafamidis (Vyndaqel, Vyndamax): An oral medication approved in 2019 for adults with ATTR-CM, showing reduced mortality and hospitalizations. Different formulations are not interchangeable.
- Acoramidis (Attruby): Approved in November 2024, this oral stabilizer for ATTR-CM reduced cardiovascular events in trials.
TTR Gene Silencers for hATTR-PN and ATTR-CM
These therapies use RNAi or ASOs to reduce TTR protein production.
- Patisiran (Onpattro): Approved in 2018, the first RNAi therapeutic for hATTR-PN, administered intravenously.
- Inotersen (Tegsedi): An ASO approved in 2018 for hATTR-PN, given via subcutaneous injection. It is available through a restricted safety program due to risks of thrombocytopenia and glomerulonephritis.
- Vutrisiran (Amvuttra): Approved in 2022 for hATTR-PN (subcutaneous injection) and in March 2025 for ATTR-CM.
- Eplontersen (Wainua): An ASO approved for hATTR-PN, administered as a monthly subcutaneous injection.
FDA-Approved Treatment for Light Chain (AL) Amyloidosis
AL amyloidosis is caused by abnormal plasma cells producing misfolded light chains. Treatment targets these plasma cells.
Combination Therapy with Daratumumab (Darzalex Faspro)
- Daratumumab + Hyaluronidase-fihj (Darzalex Faspro): Granted accelerated approval in 2021 as part of a combination regimen (D-VCd) for newly diagnosed adults with AL amyloidosis. This combination showed a higher hematologic complete response rate than VCd alone in the ANDROMEDA trial. Darzalex Faspro is a monoclonal antibody targeting CD38 on plasma cells.
Comparison of Key FDA-Approved Amyloidosis Medications
Drug Name | Primary Indication | Mechanism of Action | Administration | Key Approval Dates | Target Amyloid Type |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Daratumumab (Darzalex Faspro) | Newly diagnosed AL amyloidosis | Anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody | Subcutaneous injection (combo) | 2021 | AL |
Tafamidis (Vyndaqel/Vyndamax) | ATTR cardiomyopathy (hATTR & wATTR) | TTR tetramer stabilizer | Oral capsule (daily) | 2019 | ATTR |
Acoramidis (Attruby) | ATTR cardiomyopathy (hATTR & wATTR) | TTR tetramer stabilizer | Oral tablet (twice daily) | Nov 2024 | ATTR |
Vutrisiran (Amvuttra) | hATTR polyneuropathy & ATTR cardiomyopathy | TTR gene silencer (RNAi) | Subcutaneous injection (quarterly) | 2022 (PN), Mar 2025 (CM) | ATTR |
Patisiran (Onpattro) | hATTR polyneuropathy | TTR gene silencer (RNAi) | Intravenous infusion (3-weekly) | 2018 | ATTR |
Inotersen (Tegsedi) | hATTR polyneuropathy | TTR gene silencer (ASO) | Subcutaneous injection (weekly) | 2018 | ATTR |
Future Directions in Amyloidosis Treatment
Research continues to explore new therapies, including advanced gene silencing, TTR stabilization, and anti-amyloid antibodies. For AL amyloidosis, emerging treatments like CAR T-cell therapy targeting BCMA show promise for refractory cases.
Conclusion
The FDA has approved various drugs for amyloidosis, tailored to the specific type. For newly diagnosed AL amyloidosis, daratumumab in combination therapy targets abnormal plasma cells. For ATTR amyloidosis, treatments include TTR stabilizers like tafamidis (Vyndaqel/Vyndamax) and acoramidis (Attruby) for cardiomyopathy, and TTR gene silencers such as patisiran (Onpattro), inotersen (Tegsedi), vutrisiran (Amvuttra), and eplontersen (Wainua) for polyneuropathy and cardiomyopathy. Consulting with an amyloidosis specialist is crucial for determining the best treatment plan.
Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and should not be taken as medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional before making any decisions about your treatment or care.