Pfizer Withdraws Sickle Cell Drug Oxbryta Over Safety Concerns

The decision follows reports of severe complications and deaths among patients, prompting regulatory reviews and impacting the market.

Pfizer has voluntarily recalled its sickle cell disease treatment Oxbryta globally due to safety concerns linked to severe pain crises and fatalities.
The European Medicines Agency disclosed 16 deaths in clinical trials, leading to the suspension of Oxbryta's marketing authorization in Europe.
The FDA is conducting a safety review of postmarketing clinical data and real-world registry studies to assess the risks associated with Oxbryta.
The withdrawal is expected to accelerate trials of rival sickle cell treatments, with companies like Agios Pharmaceuticals and Fulcrum Therapeutics seeing a boost in their stock prices.
Pfizer's move comes amid broader challenges for the company, including declining sales of its COVID-19 products and a disappointing launch of its RSV vaccine.