Korea approves GSK’s rare disease drug for myelofibrosis treatment

The exterior view of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. (News1)

South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced on Wednesday that it has approved GlaxoSmithKline LLC’s Omjjara (momelotinib) for the treatment of myelofibrosis, a rare bone marrow disease.

Myelofibrosis is a type of myeloproliferative neoplasm, where bone marrow tissue responsible for blood production becomes fibrotic, leading to decreased blood cell formation.

The newly approved medication is used for the treatment of intermediate- or high-risk myelofibrosis, including primary myelofibrosis or secondary myelofibrosis (post-polycythemia vera and post-essential thrombocythemia), in adults with anemia.

Omjjara works by targeting Janus kinase (JAK), an enzyme involved in excessive bone marrow cell proliferation and fibrosis.

It also inhibits activin A receptor type 1, which is linked to anemia in myelofibrosis patients, helping to alleviate anemia symptoms.

“We will continue to leverage regulatory science expertise to quickly evaluate and approve treatments proven to be safe and effective, thereby expanding treatment opportunities for patients,” said a ministry spokesperson.