Plasma-based drug has been approved for dermatomyositis

This indication has been approved on the basis of the results of ProDerm clinical study. Octagam 10% was effective in 78.7% of patients with dermatomyositis.

Octagam 10% is a human LgG immunoglobulin produced from donor plasma and given by intravenous infusion. It also has a fairly wide list of indications: MS, chronic polyneuropathy, Kawasaki syndrome, Guillain-Barré syndrome, congenital HIV infection and other immunodeficiencies. Dermatomyositis is an idiopathic autoimmune disorder that affects about 10 out of every million people in the United States. The disorder has symptoms such as a skin rash, chronic muscle inflammation and progressive muscle pain. Skin reactions do not appear in about 20% of patients. Immunomodulators and corticosteroids are only used in the treatment.

Source: PharmaMedia