Silence Therapeutics, a UK-based biotechnology company, has presented encouraging follow-up data at the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2026 congress regarding its investigational drug, Divesiran, for the treatment of polycythemia vera (PV). The new analyses from the Phase 1 SANRECO study highlight the drug's potential for durable efficacy and a 'best-in-class' profile, offering hope for patients suffering from this chronic blood cancer.
The data revealed that Divesiran demonstrated potential improvements in key symptoms associated with polycythemia vera, as well as an enhanced quality of life for patients. This is a significant finding, as PV can lead to debilitating symptoms such as fatigue, itching, and an increased risk of blood clots, severely impacting daily living for those affected.
A particularly notable outcome from the follow-up data was the substantial reduction in the need for phlebotomy, a procedure where blood is regularly drawn to decrease red blood cell count. This reduction was observed to persist even after the final dose of Divesiran, suggesting a long-lasting therapeutic effect. Minimising the need for phlebotomy is a key goal in PV management, as it can be burdensome and uncomfortable for patients.
Polycythemia vera is a rare, chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm characterised by the overproduction of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications including thrombosis, stroke, and progression to more severe blood disorders. Current treatments often involve regular phlebotomy and medications to manage blood cell counts and symptoms.
The company confirmed that its Phase 2 SANRECO study, which is evaluating Divesiran at different dosing frequencies (every 6 weeks and every 12 weeks), remains on track to deliver topline results in August 2026. These results will be crucial in further understanding the drug's safety, efficacy, and optimal dosing regimen as it progresses through clinical development.
Silence Therapeutics' focus on developing RNA interference (RNAi) therapies, which work by 'silencing' specific genes responsible for disease, positions Divesiran as a potential novel approach to managing PV. The positive data from the Phase 1 study, coupled with the ongoing Phase 2 trial, indicate a promising future for this British-developed treatment.