FDA Approves 'Life-Changing' New Drug to Treat Rare Lung Disease PAH

A new drug called Winrevair (sotatercept) was approved by the FDA to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a rare and often fatal condition.

The drug works differently than previous PAH medications by inhibiting overproduction of certain proteins that cause blood vessels to thicken.

In clinical trials, patients on the drug were able to walk farther during a 6-minute walking test compared to placebo. Fewer patients getting the drug died or worsened.

The drug can have side effects like nosebleeds, spider veins, dizziness and increased risk of bleeding. More real-world data is still needed.

One patient says the drug has been "life-changing," allowing her to stop using oxygen and resume activities. Doctors say it brings new hope to PAH patients.