KUVAN
Kuvan (sapropterin dihydrochloride) is a phenylalanine hydroxylase activator indicated to reduce blood phenylalanine (Phe) levels. It is used in adult and pediatric patients one month of age and older who have hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) due to tetrahydrobiopterin- (BH4-) responsive Phenylketonuria (PKU). This medication is administered in conjunction with a Phe-restricted diet to manage the condition.
How KUVAN Works
Kuvan is a synthetic form of BH4, which serves as the cofactor for the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH). In a healthy system, PAH converts phenylalanine into tyrosine, but this enzyme activity is deficient or absent in patients with PKU. Treatment with this synthetic cofactor can activate residual PAH enzyme activity, improving the oxidative metabolism of phenylalanine and decreasing blood Phe levels.
Details
- Status
- Prescription
- First Approved
- 2007-12-13
- Routes
- ORAL
- Dosage Forms
- POWDER, TABLET
KUVAN Approval History
What KUVAN Treats
2 indicationsKUVAN is approved for 2 conditions since its original approval in 2007. These indications span multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, and more.
- Hyperphenylalaninemia
- Phenylketonuria
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Active Pipeline
Ongoing clinical trials by development phase
Key Completed Trials
Completed studies with published results, ranked by significance
Trial Timeline
Full development history with FDA approval milestones
Understanding FDA Approval Types
| Count | Type | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| - | ORIG | Original approval - drug first enters market |
| - | SUPPL - Efficacy | New indication (new disease/condition approved) |
| - | SUPPL - Labeling | Label text changes (warnings, dosing updates) |
| - | SUPPL - Manufacturing | Production changes (new facility) |
| - | SUPPL - Chemistry | Formulation changes (new dosage strength) |
Green lines in the timeline show ORIG and Efficacy approvals - the clinically meaningful milestones.
KUVAN FDA Label Details
ProIndications & Usage
FDA Label (PDF)KUVAN ® is indicated to reduce blood phenylalanine (Phe) levels in adult and pediatric patients one month of age and older with hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) due to tetrahydrobiopterin- (BH4-) responsive Phenylketonuria (PKU). KUVAN is to be used in conjunction with a Phe-restricted diet. KUVAN is a phenylalanine hydroxylase activator indicated to reduce blood phenylalanine (Phe) levels in adult and pediatric patients one month of age and older with hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) due to tetrahydrobiopterin‑ (BH4‑) responsive Phenylketonuria (PKU). KUVAN is to be used in conjunction with a Phe‑restr...
KUVAN Patents & Exclusivity
Patents (12 active)
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Data Sources
Data sourced from official FDA and NIH databases. Click links to verify on original sources.