Russian pharmaceutical company R-Pharm announced that its drug Arcerix (INN: goflicicept) has been included in the Russian Health Ministry’s clinical guidelines for the treatment of idiopathic recurrent pericarditis (IRP),
a rare chronic inflammatory heart condition. IRP is caused by the overactivity of specific inflammatory molecules, interleukin-1 cytokines, which create a self-sustaining cycle of inflammation leading to recurrent episodes that significantly impact quality of life. The prevalence of IRP is estimated at 5.4–11.2 cases per 100,000 people, primarily affecting young and middle-aged individuals. Several thousand cases are estimated in Russia, according to the statement.
The efficacy of Arcerix was confirmed in a study involving the Almazov National Medical Research Centre. Patients reported significant symptom relief—including reduced chest pain, lower temperature, and cessation of fever—as early as three days after the first dose. No disease relapses were recorded among those treated with goflicicept, the company stated.
Goflicicept is a Russian innovation patented in 59 countries. This year, Arcerix, which has orphan drug status in Russia, was also included in the American College of Cardiology’s clinical guidelines for pericarditis—a rare achievement for a domestically developed drug, R-Pharm emphasized.
Additionally, Arcerix has been recommended for inclusion in Russia’s list of vital and essential drugs (VED).
Earlier it was reported that Arcerix received orphan drug status in Saudi Arabia.
