Shire launches paediatric indication for HyQvia in Europe

Shire has announced the European launch of a paediatric indication for HyQvia, its subcutaneous immunoglobulin treatment for primary and certain secondary immunodeficiencies.

HyQvia has demonstrated a strong safety and efficacy profile as a two-part infusion combining Halozyme's recombinant human hyaluronidase with immunoglobulin. It provides a full dose of treatment at one or two infusion sites up to once a month, and can be self-administered at home after appropriate training.

Patient feedback during a pivotal study has shown that 79 per cent of patients and their caregivers preferred to continue treatment with HyQvia rather than an intravenous or conventional subcutaneous treatment.

Immunodeficiencies result when part of the body's immune system is missing or does not function properly, making it more difficult to fight off infections. It is estimated that six million children and adults may be affected by primary immunodeficiencies worldwide.

Ueli Fankhauser, head of global product strategy at Shire, said: "We intend to expand the availability of HyQvia to more patients in additional geographies, with the goal of reducing the treatment burden for patients worldwide."

HyQvia was approved in Europe in June and is being launched by Shire following its acquisition of the drug's manufacturer Baxalta.