Efficacy and Safety of Treatments for Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria: A Systematic Literature Review.

Background

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare blood disorder characterized by complement-mediated hemolytic anemia and thrombosis. The first treatments approved were complement 5 inhibitors (C5is), eculizumab and ravulizumab. Recently approved treatments include pegcetacoplan, iptacopan, danicopan (as an add-on to a C5i), and crovalimab.

Methods

A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted to identify clinical evidence on all available treatments. Outcomes evaluated were hemoglobin and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, transfusion avoidance, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT)-Fatigue scores, and safety.

Results

In total, 133 records met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 54 records reporting on 11 Phase 3 trials and 2 extension studies are summarized. Eight trials and one extension study evaluated complement inhibitor (CI)-naïve patients, three trials evaluated CI-experienced patients with residual anemia, and one extension study evaluated both groups. In both patient groups, all treatments led to improved outcomes.

Conclusions

This SLR is the first to provide an overview of clinical trials assessing the efficacy and safety of all currently approved PNH treatments, which could help inform clinical decisions. Although some head-to-head trials are available, direct comparative evidence remains limited for several comparators, necessitating an indirect treatment comparison (ITC) to assess the efficacy and safety across the treatment landscape.