Pfizer Globally Withdraws Sickle Cell Drug Oxbryta Amid Increased Risk of Complications and Deaths

Gelonghui September 26 | According to Reuters, U.S. pharmaceutical company Pfizer said on Wednesday that it would withdraw its sickle cell disease treatment drug Oxbryta from all approved markets, citing an increased risk of complications and death associated with the drug. Pfizer acquired Oxbryta when it purchased Global Blood Therapeutics for $5.4 billion in 2022. The company reported that the therapy generated $328 million in revenue in 2023. This withdrawal comes ahead of a "special meeting" by the European health regulatory agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use, scheduled for Thursday, to review Pfizer's drug. In a study involving 236 people, eight patients died while using Oxbryta, compared to two in the placebo group. Pfizer stated it will further analyze existing data and has informed regulators of its findings. The company advised patients to consult their doctors about alternative treatments. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted accelerated approval to the therapy in 2019. It was also approved in Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates. The company said it does not expect the withdrawal to affect its full-year 2024 financial outlook.