Myalepta is the first approved lipodystrophy treatment in Europe

Lipodystrophy is an incredibly rare and incurable disease that causes leptin deficiency, which prevents effective fat storage, thus leading to complications such as severe diabetes and possible organ damage. Now Aegerion Pharmaceuticals’ Myalepta has become the first and only treatment to be approved by the EC.
Rebecca Sanders, Founder and Chair of Lipodystrophy UK, said: “Lipodystrophy presents multiple ongoing challenges, both physical and psychological, to individuals living with the condition. Current available treatment options have been limited, address only some of the complications of the condition and are not specialised for lipodystrophy. Myalepta offers a long-term solution for patients and we are delighted that there is now a treatment available specifically to treat the complications of leptin deficiency in lipodystrophy which will give patients a much needed option to help improve both their disease and their quality of life.”

Professor of Clinical Biochemistry and Medicine at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Professor Sir Stephen O’Rahilly, said: “Lipodystrophy is a rare condition which, due to its complex nature, requires highly specialised treatment. Patients with lipodystrophy have previously relied on lifestyle changes and medications, like insulin injections to manage the condition’s associated complications. Today’s milestone marks a significant change in the way lipodystrophy is treated. For the first time, we will be able to offer patients in Europe a treatment option that addresses one of the fundamental aspects of the condition itself.”