Silence Therapeutics' divesiran shows strong response in rare blood cancer trial
Silence Therapeutics reported that its experimental drug divesiran stabilized red blood cell counts in a Phase 2 study of polycythemia vera, with 88% of treated patients showing a clinical response versus 19% on placebo.
In a 48-patient Phase 2 trial, the company’s RNA-based therapy divesiran, given every six or twelve weeks, kept red blood cell levels stable in individuals with polycythemia vera, a rare disorder that can cause dangerous clots and bleeding. The study recorded an 88% response rate among those receiving the drug, compared with only 19% for the placebo group. These results position Silence Therapeutics to challenge Takeda Pharmaceuticals, whose similar drug is nearing regulatory approval.
Why it matters
The trial suggests a new treatment could improve outcomes for patients with a rare, high-risk blood cancer and challenge an upcoming competitor drug.
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