Rusfertide, a weekly injectable for polycythemia vera, showed strong results in a Phase 3 trial, reducing need for blood draws and improving patient well-being.

At the 2025 ASH Annual Meeting, Protagonist Therapeutics and Takeda reported that rusfertide, a once-weekly injectable therapy for polycythemia vera, maintained durable hematocrit control and reduced phlebotomy needs through 52 weeks in the Phase 3 VERIFY study. Sixty-one point nine percent of patients remained phlebotomy-free, with sustained response rates and no new safety concerns. The drug, a hepcidin mimetic, showed improved iron regulation and patient-reported outcomes, including reduced fatigue. FDA breakthrough therapy designation was granted in August 2025, with a regulatory submission expected by year-end.