New Gout Drug Krystexxa Works but Risky Reports FDA

The Food and Drug Administration reported Friday the new gout drug, Krystexxa, appears to treat gout but has risky side effects.

About 24 percent of patients taking Krystexxa suffered a serious side effect. That is in comparison with 12 percent of patients taking a placebo pill. Six deaths were reported among the patients taking the drug compared to three deaths among patients taking placebo. The FDA noted many of them had pre-existing heart conditions.

Krystexxa is an injectable enzyme made to lower the body’s uric acid levels when given either once or twice a month. The drug appears to relieve swollen joints and pain flare ups associated with gout which is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the body.

The FDA is planning to ask a panel of outside arthritis experts next week to give their comments on the drugs risks and benefits.

Gout affects about 8 millions Americans and is most common in men over 40 according to the FDA.

The new gout drug is produced by Savient Pharmaceuticals.