By Fineline Cube 
US-based multinational Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS, NYSE: BMY) announced that it has received an indication extension approval from China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for Reblozyl (luspatercept), a first-in-class erythroid maturation agent. The approval allows Reblozyl to be used as first-line treatment for low- to intermediate-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)-related anemia in adults who may require regular red blood cell (RBC) transfusions.
Clinical Trial Basis
The approval is supported by results from the pivotal Phase III COMMANDS, MEDALIST, and MDS-004 studies. These trials demonstrated that Reblozyl outperformed erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) in achieving red blood cell transfusion independence (RBC-TI) and increasing mean hemoglobin (Hb) levels, regardless of prior ESA treatment or the presence of ring sideroblasts.
Drug Mechanism
Reblozyl, a first-in-class erythroid maturation agent, has been proven to promote the proliferation and maturation of late-stage red blood cells. This mechanism helps address the underlying causes of anemia in MDS patients.
Partnership with MSD
BMS is developing and commercializing Reblozyl in partnership with Merck, Sharp & Dohme (MSD; NYSE: MRK). MSD is entitled to milestone and royalty payments as part of the collaboration.-Fineline Info & Tech