USAN Approves "Pegrizeprument" as Nonproprietary Name for VEL-101 by Veloxis Pharmaceuticals

Veloxis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a prominent global specialty pharmaceutical firm and part of the Asahi Kasei conglomerate, has made a significant announcement regarding its innovative transplant medication. Based in Cary, North Carolina, Veloxis revealed that the United States Adopted Name (USAN) Council has granted approval for the nonproprietary name "pegrizeprument" for its leading transplant candidate, VEL-101. This development marks a crucial progression in the company's efforts to advance this novel investigational maintenance immunosuppressive agent.

The USAN Council, comprising experts from various reputable organizations such as the American Medical Association, the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention, and the Food and Drug Administration, plays a vital role in standardizing drug names. This standardization is essential for ensuring seamless communication among healthcare professionals, patients, and researchers across the globe. The adoption of the name pegrizeprument is expected to enhance drug identification accuracy, minimize medication errors, and promote patient safety. Furthermore, it underscores the significance of universal drug recognition, ensuring the drug's clarity and understanding in international markets, regardless of the brand under which it is marketed.

Dr. Tunde Otulana, the Chief Medical Officer at Veloxis, expressed the importance of this milestone, emphasizing that it reflects the company's commitment to pioneering therapies that significantly enhance the quality of life for transplant recipients worldwide. Pegrizeprument, previously known as VEL-101, is a pegylated monoclonal monovalent antibody fragment. It functions by targeting and obstructing CD28-mediated effector-T cell costimulation. Importantly, it does not hinder CTLA-4, a crucial protein on T cells that naturally regulates immune responses. This dual mechanism allows pegrizeprument to effectively block T cell activation while permitting CTLA-4 mediated immunosuppressive functions.

Licensed from OSE Immunotherapeutics in April 2021, pegrizeprument presents a significant advancement in transplant medicine. Veloxis secured worldwide rights to develop, produce, and market this drug for all transplant-related applications. The primary focus of pegrizeprument's development is to prevent acute rejection in kidney transplant recipients, with potential applications in other solid organ transplants.

Veloxis Pharmaceuticals is dedicated to enhancing the lives of transplant patients through the global development and commercialization of specialized medications. As part of the larger Asahi Kasei Group, Veloxis is committed to addressing the challenges faced by transplant patients and providing solutions that improve overall health outcomes. Asahi Kasei, a diversified company with a rich history since its inception in 1922, continues to contribute to global well-being. The company operates in three main sectors: Material, Homes, and Health Care, offering a wide range of products and services, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and biotherapeutics.

Through its continued focus on innovation and patient-centric solutions, Veloxis, in collaboration with Asahi Kasei, aims to pave the way for improved therapeutic options for transplant patients, thereby advancing healthcare standards worldwide.