Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory, autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that disrupts communications between the brain and other parts of the body.

The FDA granted approval of Mayzent (siponimod) to Novartis.

Mayzent tablets are to treat adults with relapsing forms of MS, to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease.

Mayzent is the first-ever oral drug for secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS). Up to 80 percent of patients with relapsing remitting MS develop SPMS. The challenge? Raising awareness of this stage of the disease and its symptoms, among patients and physicians.

Approved at the end of 2018, Ultomiris (ravulizumab-cwvz) offers longer intervals between injections for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) than its current medicine in the class, Soliris.

Instead of the current two-week interval for Soliris, Ultomiris is intended for dosing intervals of up to eight weeks.

The estimated average cost of Ultomiris is approximately $458,000 a year.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Spravato (esketamine) nasal spray in March 2019, in conjunction with an oral antidepressant, for the treatment of depression in adults who have tried other antidepressant medicines but have not benefited from them (treatment-resistant depression).

The patient self-administers Spravato nasal spray under the supervision of a health care provider in a certified doctor’s office or clinic, and the spray cannot be taken home.

This is the first FDA approval of esketamine for any use.