Kiniksa Teams Up with NHL Legend Henrik Lundqvist to Highlight Recurrent Pericarditis

Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. (Nasdaq: KNSA), a biopharmaceutical company with a focus on immune-modulating therapies for cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases, has launched an initiative to elevate awareness about recurrent pericarditis. This campaign is being spearheaded in partnership with National Hockey League (NHL) Hall-of-Famer Henrik Lundqvist, who has personally battled the challenges posed by this chronic disease. The campaign aims to highlight the realities faced by individuals suffering from recurrent pericarditis and will commence in September.

Recurrent pericarditis is characterized by severe inflammation of the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart. This condition often presents with acute chest pain that can be mistaken for a heart attack, necessitating emergency care and hospitalization. The recurring nature of the disease significantly hampers patients' quality of life and physical activities, leading to frequent hospital visits.

Despite its severe impact, recurrent pericarditis remains poorly understood, often resulting in delayed diagnosis and treatment. Sanj K. Patel, Chairman and CEO of Kiniksa, emphasized the importance of the campaign in educating the public and healthcare professionals about the disease. Patel expressed hope that the collaboration with Lundqvist will inspire patients to seek timely and appropriate medical care to manage and prevent future episodes.

Recurrent pericarditis affects approximately 40,000 individuals annually in the United States, with around 14,000 experiencing multiple recurrences. These persistent cases are often due to underlying disease factors or insufficient response to standard treatments like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), colchicine, and corticosteroids.

Kiniksa is committed to advancing the understanding and treatment of recurrent pericarditis through its portfolio of immune-modulating assets. The company’s therapeutic arsenal includes ARCALYST®, abiprubart, and mavrilimumab, which target a range of underserved cardiovascular and autoimmune conditions.

ARCALYST, in particular, is the first and only U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved therapy specifically for recurrent pericarditis. While ARCALYST offers significant benefits, it also comes with important safety considerations. The medication can affect the immune system, potentially lowering its ability to fight infections. Serious and life-threatening infections have been observed in patients taking ARCALYST. Patients are advised to consult their doctors immediately if they notice any signs of infection and to undergo regular blood tests to monitor changes in blood cholesterol and triglycerides levels. Common side effects include injection-site reactions, upper respiratory tract infections, joint and muscle aches, rash, ear infections, sore throat, and runny nose.

The collaboration between Kiniksa and Henrik Lundqvist aims to shed light on the struggles faced by those with recurrent pericarditis and to provide valuable resources to patients and caregivers. By bringing attention to this condition, the campaign seeks to reduce the stigma associated with the disease and encourage proactive medical intervention. 

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