Symkevi* (tezacaftor/ivacaftor) vs Kaftrio* (elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor)

Symkevi (tezacaftor/ivacaftor) and Kaftrio (elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor) are both used to treat cystic fibrosis in individuals with specific genetic mutations. Symkevi is a combination of two drugs that help improve the function of the defective CFTR protein, while Kaftrio adds a third component, elexacaftor, which further enhances the activity of the CFTR protein, potentially offering improved respiratory outcomes. The choice between Symkevi and Kaftrio would depend on the patient's specific genetic mutations, their overall health, the approval status of the drugs in their region, and guidance from their healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate and effective treatment option.

Difference between Symkevi* and Kaftrio*

Metric	Symkevi* (tezacaftor/ivacaftor)	Kaftrio* (elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor)
Generic name	Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor	Elexacaftor/Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor
Indications	Cystic fibrosis in patients aged 12 years and older with certain mutations in the CFTR gene	Cystic fibrosis in patients aged 12 years and older with at least one F508del mutation in the CFTR gene
Mechanism of action	CFTR modulator (corrector/potentiator)	CFTR modulator (corrector/potentiator)
Brand names	Symkevi	Kaftrio in the EU, Trikafta in the US
Administrative route	Oral	Oral
Side effects	Headache, nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, abdominal pain, sinus congestion, increased blood creatinine, rash	Headache, diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infection, abdominal pain, sinus congestion, increased blood creatinine, rash
Contraindications	Concomitant use of certain drugs (e.g., strong CYP3A inhibitors), hypersensitivity to the active substances or excipients	Concomitant use of certain drugs (e.g., strong CYP3A inhibitors), hypersensitivity to the active substances or excipients
Drug class	CFTR modulators	CFTR modulators
Manufacturer	Vertex Pharmaceuticals	Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Efficacy

Efficacy of Symkevi (tezacaftor/ivacaftor) in Cystic Fibrosis

Symkevi, a combination of tezacaftor and ivacaftor, has been evaluated for its efficacy in treating cystic fibrosis (CF) in patients who are homozygous for the F508del mutation or who have at least one mutation that is responsive to the tezacaftor/ivacaftor combination. Clinical trials have demonstrated that Symkevi can significantly improve lung function as measured by the percent predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (ppFEV1). Patients treated with Symkevi have shown improvements in ppFEV1 compared to those on placebo, indicating better respiratory capacity.

Additionally, Symkevi has been associated with reductions in pulmonary exacerbations, which are acute worsenings of respiratory symptoms in CF patients. These exacerbations can lead to hospitalization and a decline in lung function. The reduction in the rate of pulmonary exacerbations contributes to an overall improvement in the quality of life for CF patients. Symkevi's efficacy in reducing exacerbations further underscores its therapeutic value in managing cystic fibrosis.

Efficacy of Kaftrio (elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor) in Cystic Fibrosis

Kaftrio, which combines elexacaftor, tezacaftor, and ivacaftor, is another treatment option for cystic fibrosis. This triple combination therapy is designed to target the underlying cause of CF in individuals with at least one F508del mutation. Clinical studies have shown that Kaftrio significantly enhances lung function, as evidenced by increases in ppFEV1. The improvement in lung function is greater with Kaftrio than with previous CF therapies, including dual combination regimens like Symkevi.

Moreover, Kaftrio has been shown to improve other key outcomes in CF, such as the sweat chloride concentration, which is a diagnostic marker of CF and an indicator of the function of the CFTR protein. Patients receiving Kaftrio have experienced reductions in sweat chloride levels, which suggests a partial restoration of CFTR function. Additionally, Kaftrio has been associated with improvements in the CF Questionnaire-Revised (CFQ-R) respiratory domain score, reflecting enhanced health-related quality of life. The clinical benefits of Kaftrio reinforce its role as a significant advancement in the treatment of cystic fibrosis.

Regulatory Agency Approvals

Symkevi*

European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union
Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA

Kaftrio*

European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union

Access Symkevi* or Kaftrio* today

If Symkevi* or Kaftrio* are not approved or available in your country (e.g. due to supply issues), you can access them via Everyone.org.

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