A complete response letter (CRL) sent by The Division of Metabolism and Endocrinology Products of the United States’ FDA to Ionis Pharmaceuticals (IONS) and its affiliate Akcea Therapeutics (AKCA) regarding Waylivra™ (volanesorsen) carried like usual bad news. The FDA has decided against approving Waylivra, the drug designed to treat the lipid disorder known as familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS).

Familial chylomicronemia syndrome is an ultra-rare, devastating hereditary disease that causes unpredictable and potentially fatal acute pancreatitis, chronic complications due to permanent organ damage, and a severe impact on the patients . . .