Pegvaliase

Pegvaliase (PEGylated recombinant phenylalanine ammonia lyase) is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with phenylketonuria (PKU). It works by breaking down phenylalanine (Phe), an amino acid found in many foods, into other substances that your body can use. This can help reduce the amount of Phe in your body, which can help reduce your blood Phe levels. Pegvaliase is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection).

Pegvaliase is a medication that was previously used to treat chronic gout, but it's no longer commercially available. Here's why it's not available anymore and what you should know:

• Past Use: Pegvaliase, also marketed under the brand name Puricase, was an enzyme therapy used to reduce uric acid levels in people with chronic gout. Similar to pegloticase, it worked by breaking down uric acid into a form the body can eliminate.
• Withdrawal from Market: Pegvaliase was withdrawn from the market by the manufacturer in 2017. The reasons for withdrawal are not entirely public, but likely involved a combination of factors such as commercial considerations and potential safety concerns.
• Alternatives: Thankfully, there are other effective medications available for managing chronic gout, including:
  • Uric acid lowering drugs like allopurinol and febuxostat
  • Pegloticase, another enzyme therapy that is still available

If you have chronic gout and were considering pegvaliase:

• Discuss alternative treatment options with your doctor. There are effective medications available to manage your condition.
• Pegloticase may be a suitable alternative depending on your individual situation.