Amyloidosis: Understanding ONPATTRO Infusion Therapy
Amyloidosis is rare and often under-recognized. For the hereditary form affecting the nerves, an infusion therapy called ONPATTRO can slow the disease at its source.
What is amyloidosis?
Amyloidosis is a group of conditions caused by an abnormal protein called amyloid building up in the body's tissues and organs, interfering with how they function. Hereditary transthyretin-mediated (hATTR) amyloidosis, one of the more treatable forms, is caused by a genetic mutation that leads the liver to produce a misfolded version of the transthyretin protein, which can then deposit in the nerves and heart.
Symptoms vary depending on which organs are affected, but nerve involvement (polyneuropathy) commonly causes numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness in the hands and feet, along with digestive issues and, in some cases, heart problems.
How infusion therapy helps
ONPATTRO (patisiran) is an infusion therapy that works by reducing the liver's production of the abnormal transthyretin protein at its genetic source, using a technology called RNA interference, rather than just managing symptoms after the fact.
It's typically infused once every three weeks, and patients are pre-medicated beforehand to reduce the risk of an infusion reaction, then monitored closely by clinical staff during and after each visit.
Diagnosed with hereditary ATTR amyloidosis?
Our physician-led team can coordinate ONPATTRO infusion therapy alongside your neurologist or cardiologist.
Call (551) 336-5580This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice. Treatment decisions should always be made with your physician based on your individual diagnosis and health history.