Vonoprazan gets US FDA Approval for Treatment of Esophagitis

Phathom Pharmaceuticals Inc, an innovative, biopharmaceutical company specializing in gastrointestinal disease treatments, has just shared exciting news. The US FDA has given its approval for Voquezna (vonoprazan) tablets in both 10 mg and 20 mg strengths. This groundbreaking medication falls under the category of potassium-competitive acid blockers (PCAB). Voquezna offers a new source of hope to adult patients, as it effectively heals all severities of erosive esophagitis (also referred to as Erosive GERD) and ensures the continual maintenance of this healing.

Additionally, it provides relief from the discomfort of heartburn associated with erosive GERD. Terrie Curran, president and CEO of Phathom, emphasized that the approval indicates Phathom's dedication to revolutionizing gastrointestinal treatment options for patients and healthcare providers. This achievement marks the first significant advancement in the erosive GERD market in the US in more than three decades. Erosive GERD can cause severe pain and greatly affect patients. According to research findings, both patients and healthcare providers express significant dissatisfaction with current treatments. This is why we are eagerly anticipating the approval of a groundbreaking treatment option that could effectively address a substantial medical gap. Around 20 million individuals in the US are affected by erosive GERD, also known as erosive esophagitis or erosive acid reflux, which is a significant form of GERD. Patients with inadequately treated erosive GERD not only endure distressing heartburn symptoms but also face the risk of developing more severe health conditions such as Barrett’s esophagus. This condition involves changes in the tissue of the esophagus that can potentially lead to cancer.