FDA approves Mimrylo, a weekly injection for polycythemia vera, developed by Protagonist and sold by Takeda

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new therapy for polycythemia vera, a rare blood cancer that causes an overproduction of red blood cells.

The drug, known as rusfertide, will be marketed by Takeda under the brand name Mimrylo and is given as a weekly injection.

Protagonist Therapeutics developed the molecule, providing a novel treatment option for patients at heightened risk of heart attacks, strokes and blood clots.

The approval adds to Takeda’s oncology portfolio and offers a targeted approach for a disease with few existing therapies.