Silence Therapeutics’ divesiran shows 88% response in Phase 2 polycythemia vera trial, challenging Takeda’s upcoming drug

Silence Therapeutics reported results from a Phase 2 study of its RNA-based therapy divesiran in patients with polycythemia vera, a rare blood cancer that causes excessive red blood cell production.

In the 48-patient trial, 88% of participants receiving divesiran every six or twelve weeks achieved a clinical response, compared with only 19% of those given placebo.

The strong efficacy signals could position divesiran as a competitor to Takeda Pharmaceuticals' drug that is currently nearing regulatory approval for the same indication.