What is "pegloticase"

n. A recombinant porcine-like uricase used as a drug to treat severe gout.

Pegloticase (trade name Krystexxa, formerly Puricase) is a drug for the treatment of severe, treatment-refractory, chronic gout, developed by Savient Pharmaceuticals.

In September 2010, the FDA approved pegloticase for marketing in the United States after two clinical trials demonstrated the drug lowered uric acid levels and reduced deposits of uric acid crystals in joints and soft tissue. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) granted marketing authorization in January 2013 for treatment of disabling tophaceous gout. Pegloticase is the first drug approved for this indication. Krystexxa is currently marketed in the U.S. by Crealta Pharmaceuticals LLC.

The drug is administered by infusion intravenously under the direction of a rheumatologist.