FDA accepts Otsuka Pharmaceutical's tolvaptan NDA for priority review

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted for priority review the company's new drug application (NDA) for the potential use of tolvaptan for the treatment of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Phase III clinical trial results that form the basis of the regulatory filing were published online in the New England Journal of Medicine.

“The submission of this NDA represents an important milestone for Otsuka and for patients with this rare and devastating disease, and is another example of Otsuka's commitment to innovation and serving unmet medical needs”

ADPKD is a hereditary genetic illness characterized by the development of multiple cysts in the kidneys. ADPKD is the most common inherited kidney disease and the fourth most common overall cause of kidney failure worldwide, with the diagnosed prevalence estimated to be between 1:1,000 and 1:4,000 globally.

Tolvaptan is a selective V₂ vasopressin receptor antagonist that has been hypothesized to slow the progression of ADPKD by reducing the development and growth of kidney cysts, which are characteristic of the disease and often associated with pain, hypertension, decreased kidney function and ultimately, kidney failure.

Under the Prescription Drug User Fee Act - or PDUFA - the FDA's goal for reviewing a drug with Priority Review status is six months from the NDA filing date. The FDA target action date (PDUFA date) for this NDA is September 1, 2013.

"The submission of this NDA represents an important milestone for Otsuka and for patients with this rare and devastating disease, and is another example of Otsuka's commitment to innovation and serving unmet medical needs," said Dr. Taro Iwamoto, President and Representative Director, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. "Tolvaptan was discovered by Otsuka in Japan, and, if approved by the FDA, would become the first pharmaceutical therapy for patients who suffer from ADPKD."