Calcort (deflazacort) vs Agamree (vamorolone)

Calcort (deflazacort) vs Agamree (vamorolone)

Calcort (deflazacort) and Agamree (vamorolone) are both medications used to treat inflammation and certain autoimmune conditions, but they differ in their chemical structure and side effect profiles. Deflazacort is a glucocorticoid, similar to prednisone, and is known to have immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects, but it may also cause side effects typical of steroids such as weight gain, bone loss, and increased susceptibility to infection. Vamorolone is a first-in-class steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that aims to retain the beneficial anti-inflammatory effects of traditional corticosteroids while reducing some of the adverse effects, particularly those affecting growth and bone health, making it a potentially suitable option for individuals, particularly children, concerned about long-term steroid side effects.

Difference between Calcort and Agamree

Metric Calcort (deflazacort) Agamree (vamorolone)
Generic name Deflazacort Vamorolone
Indications Duchenne muscular dystrophy, certain autoimmune diseases Duchenne muscular dystrophy (investigational)
Mechanism of action Glucocorticoid receptor agonist Dissociative steroidal anti-inflammatory
Brand names Calcort, Emflaza Agamree (proposed)
Administrative route Oral Oral (investigational)
Side effects Cushingoid appearance, weight gain, increased appetite, upper respiratory tract infection, cough, frequent urination Not fully established; potential for reduced side effects compared to traditional corticosteroids
Contraindications Systemic fungal infections, known hypersensitivity to deflazacort or any of the excipients Not fully established; similar contraindications to corticosteroids may apply
Drug class Corticosteroid Dissociative steroidal anti-inflammatory (not yet classified)
Manufacturer Mondobiotech, PTC Therapeutics ReveraGen BioPharma

Efficacy

Calcort (Deflazacort) in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Deflazacort, marketed under the brand name Calcort, is a corticosteroid medication that has been studied for its efficacy in treating Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). DMD is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness. Clinical trials have demonstrated that deflazacort can slow the rate of muscle deterioration in patients with DMD, leading to a delay in the loss of ambulation and a reduction in the development of scoliosis. The drug's anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties are believed to contribute to its therapeutic effects in managing the symptoms of DMD.

The efficacy of deflazacort in DMD was highlighted in a study published in "Neurology" in 2016, which showed that deflazacort-treated patients experienced a slower decline in muscle strength and function compared to placebo. Furthermore, deflazacort has been found to improve pulmonary function and delay the onset of cardiomyopathy, which are common complications associated with DMD. The drug has been approved by regulatory agencies in various countries for the treatment of DMD, providing a valuable option for managing this debilitating condition.

Agamree (Vamorolone) in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Vamorolone, known under the brand name Agamree, is a novel medication that has been investigated for its potential in treating Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Unlike traditional corticosteroids, vamorolone is designed to retain anti-inflammatory efficacy while minimizing side effects commonly associated with steroid use. This dissociative steroid has been studied in clinical trials to assess its ability to improve muscle strength and delay disease progression in DMD patients.

Initial findings from clinical studies have been promising, suggesting that vamorolone may offer a favorable balance between efficacy and safety. In a phase IIb trial, patients treated with vamorolone showed improvements in timed function tests, which are critical measures of motor abilities in DMD. Moreover, vamorolone has been associated with fewer side effects typically seen with traditional corticosteroids, such as weight gain and bone fragility. While further research is needed to fully establish the drug's profile, vamorolone represents a potential new avenue for DMD therapy, aiming to improve the quality of life for patients affected by this condition.

Regulatory Agency Approvals

Calcort
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA
  • Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), United Kingdom
  • The Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM), Germany
Agamree
  • European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA

Access Calcort or Agamree today

If Calcort or Agamree 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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