The Russian Ministry of Health has designated “Arcerix” (goflikicept) as an orphan drug for the treatment of idiopathic recurrent pericarditis (IRP). This drug stands as the first of its kind and is currently the only one in Russia approved for targeted therapy of this autoinflammatory disease.
The drug was registered in Russia in June 2024. Developed entirely from the ground up in R-Pharm laboratories, this product is manufactured in Russia at the facilities of the company group. Goflikicept is currently protected by patents in 59 countries.
“We are confident that goflikicept will significantly expand the capabilities of doctors in the fight against this disabling disease. Reducing the risk of relapse means that patients will be able to live a full life. Understanding the medical need for IRP therapy in Russia, we are making every effort to make it accessible. The Russian Ministry of Health also notes the importance of the problem, granting the domestic drug orphan status,” said Vasily Ignatyev, CEO of R-Pharm.
“Arcerix” is a hybrid protein, a heterodimer that binds proinflammatory cytokines of the interleukin 1 family and blocks their action. The effectiveness of goflikicept in patients with IRP was confirmed in the COURSE study, conducted in close collaboration with the Almazov National Medical Research Center and a number of other cardiology centers.