CSL Vifor today announced that Health Canada has authorized Ferinject (ferric carboxymaltose) for the intravenous (IV) treatment of iron deficiency anemia in adult and pediatric patients one year of age and older when oral iron preparations are not tolerated or are ineffective, as well as for the treatment of iron deficiency in adult patients with heart failure and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II/III* 1 to improve exercise capacity.2 Ferinject has now received marketing authorization in 87 countries worldwide.
Research shows that rates of iron deficiency are even higher than previously reported in Canada, with the condition particularly prevalent in women of reproductive age3 and children4.
“While iron deficiency and associated anemia are some of the most prevalent medical conditions on a global scale, it is easily diagnosed and treatable,” said Prof. Dr. Justin Ezekowitz, Director of Cardiovascular Research and Cardiologist at the University of Alberta, Canada. “The news of a new treatment option tested in clinical trials is welcomed, given that oral irons may not be able to adequately deliver the desired outcomes for Canadian patients with heart failure impacted by iron deficiency.”
Iron deficiency affects one in every two hospitalized patients with heart failure5. Iron deficiency is often accompanied by reduced exercise tolerance and untreated iron deficiency may result in anemia and worsening NYHA class, with reduced quality of life and eventually increased risk of hospitalization 6,7,8
“The approval by Health Canada marks an important step forward for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia as well as iron deficiency in heart failure and supports our promise to patients and public health,” said Dr. Vinicius Gomes de Lima, Head of Global Medical Affairs, CSL Vifor. “We are confident that our now approved IV iron therapy can make a meaningful contribution to achieve key therapeutic goals in the treatment of these patients.”
Marketing authorization in Canada is based on a comprehensive clinical data package and totality of evidence from CSL Vifor’s cardiology studies. In Canada, Ferinject® is commercialized through CSL Behring Canada, Inc., with availability expected in the second half of 2024.
* The New York Heart Association Functional Classification is used by Healthcare Professionals to classify patients’ heart failure based on the severity of their symptoms. Patients who have a slight or marked limitation of their physical activity due to fatigue, palpitation and/or dyspnea are considered to have class II or class III heart failure, respectively.9
