Xiaflex to Treat Dupuytren's Contracture, United States of America

Xiaflex is the first drug indicated for treating Dupuytren's contracture. The drug has been developed by Auxilium Pharmaceuticals in collaboration with BioSpecifics Technologies.

Phase III clinical trials of Xiaflex were completed in 2009 and the drug received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in February 2010. The drug is marketed in 27 European Union and 19 Eurasian countries by Pfizer, who received the rights to sell the drug from Auxilium.

Dupuytren's contracture

Dupuytren's contracture is a progressive condition that causes the fingers to bend back towards the palm, preventing sufferers from extending them fully. It affects the fibrous tissue that lies under the dermatitis on the palm. As a result of collagen deposits accumulating in fascia, rope-like cords are formed, and these prevent the fingers from straightening normally. The condition's exact cause is not fully known.

The disease is also associated with metacarpal phalangeal and proximal intraphalangeal joints. The little and ring fingers are most frequently affected.

The highest incidence of Dupuytren's contracture has been found in Caucasians, notably those of northern European descent. The condition generally occurs in patients aged over 50 years old, and is more common in men than women. An estimated 240,000 people in Europe and the US suffer from Dupuytren's contracture every year.

The condition has historically been treated by open surgical procedure, and takes its name from French military surgeon Guillaume Dupuytren, who described one such operation. However, these procedures are tricky and can potentially result in injuries to the nerves. Other risks include damage to arteries and tendons, and infections.

Xiaflex

Xiaflex is a collagenase enzyme that has been developed to treat Dupuytren's contracture non-surgically. It is the first biologic drug approved by the FDA to treat the condition.

The drug is obtained from the Clostridium histolyticum bacteria and works by breaking down excessive collagen in the hands. Once injected into the collagen cord of the affected hand, it can reduce scar tissue in a forceful and quick fashion.

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials of Xiaflex began in September 2007, and the Phase III trial concluded in February 2009.

A total of 13 trials, nine of which were Phase III trials, were conducted with patients suffering from chronic Dupuytren's contracture in Australia, Europe and the US, among others.

Xiaflex was revealed to be a safe non-surgical treatment for Dupuytren's contracture in a Phase II trial. A total of 35 patients were involved (32 men and three women), with a mean age of 65 years.

The first Phase III of Xiaflex on Dupuytren's contracture was supervised and funded by BioSpecifics. It involved 35 contracture patients, randomised so that 23 received three Xiaflex injections and 12 received a placebo. The patients who were given Xiaflex injections achieved 91% success, while the patients who were given the placebo did not respond to the treatment.

Xiaflex was also studied for Peyronie’s disease indication in a series of 12 clinical trials in the US as part of Phase IIb.

Peyronie's disease, in its advanced stages, distorts penile erection and causes problems during intercourse due to the presence of collagen plaque on the shaft.

During the trials, which involved 145 Peyronie patients, Xiaflex was successful in reducing the penile curvature and presented a statistically improved quality of life.