Two New Medications Approved For H. Pylori Therapy

Medically reviewed by Onikepe Adegbola, MD, PhD

Phathom Pharmaceuticals is a biological pharmaceutical company dedicated to developing gastrointestinal disease treatments. On May 3rd, 2022, Phathom Pharmaceuticals released information that they had received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for Voquezna Triple Pak and Voquez-Na Dual Pak, taking both effectiveness and safety into account. Of the two treatments, Voquezna Triple Pak contains clarithromycin while Voquez-Na Dual Pak only contains amoxicillin and vonoprazan.

As a novel treatment for Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori), physicians now have two additional medical management routes and can better suit their individualized level of care to the patient’s specific needs.

Voquezna Triple Pak and Voquez-Na Dual Pak contain vonoprazan, which is a potassium-competitive acid blocker (PCAB). PCABs have shown dominant eradication rates of H. pylori compared to the typically prescribed proton pump inhibitor (lansoprazole triple therapy) treatment (PPI).

With the difficulties in eradicating H. Pylori, due in part to antibiotic resistance, these new treatments are expected to enhance antibiotic effectiveness. Additionally, these treatments are effective in clarithromycin-resistant strains of H. Pylori. Therefore, researchers are hopeful that the Voquezna Triple Pak and Voquez-Na Dual Pak will increase the eradication rates of H. Pylori.

Adverse effects reported from the Voquezna Triple Pak and Voquez-Na Dual Pak are comparable to those of the lansoprazole triple therapy proton pump inhibitor-based treatment. Side effects noted in trials were diarrhea, altered sense of taste, abdominal pain, headache, and high blood pressure.

The anticipated medication launch in the United States is the third quarter of 2022.

Key Takeaway

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved two new medications, Voquezna Triple Pak and Voquez-Na Dual Pak, for the treatment of H. pylori infection. These treatments contain vonoprazan, a potassium-competitive acid blocker (PCAB), and are proven to have a high eradication rate for H Pylori. These medications offer new hope for those who are struggling to clear the infection.