Advertisement



Drugs A–Z

Golodirsen

Golodirsen is a prescription medicine (Antisense Oligonucleotide). The sections below reproduce one FDA label for it, named under "Label". Products in other forms, strengths or from other makers have their own labels, which can differ.

Type
Prescription only (Rx)
Brand names
Vyondys 53
Drug class
Antisense Oligonucleotide
Taken
Intravenous
Label
Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., revised March 13, 2025 · full label on DailyMed
Generic
No · details

What it is used for

VYONDYS 53 is indicated for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in patients who have a confirmed mutation of the DMD gene that is amenable to exon 53 skipping. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on an increase in dystrophin production in skeletal muscle observed in patients treated with VYONDYS 53 [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] . Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification of a clinical benefit in confirmatory trials. VYONDYS 53 is an antisense oligonucleotide indicated for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in patients who have a confirmed mutation of the DMD gene that is amenable to exon 53 skipping. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on an increase in dystrophin production in skeletal muscle observed in patients treated with VYONDYS 53. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification of a clinical benefit in confirmatory trials. ( 1 )

Forms and strengths

VYONDYS 53 is a clear to slightly opalescent, colorless liquid, and may contain trace amounts of small, white to off-white amorphous particles, and available as: Injection: 100 mg/2 mL (50 mg/mL) solution in a single-dose vial Injection: 100 mg/2 mL (50 mg/mL) in a single-dose vial ( 3 )

Who should not take it (contraindications)

VYONDYS 53 is contraindicated in patients with a serious hypersensitivity reaction to golodirsen or to any of the inactive ingredients in VYONDYS 53. Anaphylaxis has occurred in patients receiving VYONDYS 53 [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . VYONDYS 53 is contraindicated in patients with serious hypersensitivity to golodirsen or to any of the inactive ingredients in VYONDYS 53. ( 4 , 5.1 )

Warnings and precautions

Hypersensitivity Reactions: Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, rash, pyrexia, pruritus, urticaria, dermatitis, and skin exfoliation have occurred in patients who were treated with VYONDYS 53. If a hypersensitivity reaction occurs, institute appropriate medical treatment and consider slowing the infusion, interrupting or discontinuing the VYONDYS 53 therapy. ( 2.3 , 4 , 5.1 ) Kidney Toxicity: Based on animal data, may cause kidney toxicity. Kidney function should be monitored; creatinine may not be a reliable measure of renal function in DMD patients. ( 5.2 , 13.2 )

5.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, rash, pyrexia, pruritus, urticaria, dermatitis, and skin exfoliation have occurred in VYONDYS 53-treated patients, some requiring treatment. If a hypersensitivity reaction occurs, institute appropriate medical treatment and consider slowing the infusion, interrupting, or discontinuing the VYONDYS 53 therapy and monitor until the condition resolves [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.4 )]. VYONDYS 53 is contraindicated in patients with a history of a serious hypersensitivity reaction to golodirsen or to any of the inactive ingredients in VYONDYS 53 [see Contraindications ( 4 )].

5.2 Kidney Toxicity Kidney toxicity was observed in animals who received golodirsen [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.4 )] . Although kidney toxicity was not observed in the clinical studies with VYONDYS 53, the clinical experience with VYONDYS 53 is limited, and kidney toxicity, including potentially fatal glomerulonephritis, has been observed after administration of some antisense oligonucleotides. Kidney function should be monitored in patients taking VYONDYS 53. Because of the effect of reduced skeletal muscle mass on creatinine measurements, creatinine may not be a reliable measure of kidney function in DMD patients. Serum cystatin C, urine dipstick, and urine protein-to-creatinine ratio should be measured before starting VYONDYS 53. Consider also measuring glomerular filtration rate using an exogenous filtration marker before starting VYONDYS 53. During treatment, monitor urine dipstick every month, and serum cystatin C and urine protein-to-creatinine ratio every three months. Only urine expected to be free of excreted VYONDYS 53 should be used for monitoring of urine protein. Urine obtained on the day of VYONDYS 53 infusion prior to the infusion, or urine obtained at least 48 hours after the most recent infusion, may be used. Alternatively, use a laboratory test that does not use the reagent pyrogallol red, as this reagent has the potential to cross react with any VYONDYS 53 that is excreted in the urine and thus lead to a false positive result for urine protein. If a persistent increase in serum cystatin C or proteinuria is detected, refer to a pediatric nephrologist for further evaluation.

Side effects (adverse reactions)

The following serious adverse reactions are described below and elsewhere in the labeling: Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥20% and higher than placebo) were headache, pyrexia, fall, abdominal pain, nasopharyngitis, cough, vomiting, and nausea. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc. at 1-888-SAREPTA (1-888-727-3782) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. In the VYONDYS 53 clinical development program, 58 patients received at least one intravenous dose of VYONDYS 53, ranging between 4 mg/kg (0.13 times the recommended dosage) and 30 mg/kg (the recommended dosage). All patients were male and had genetically confirmed Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Age at study entry was 6 to 13 years. Most (86%) patients were Caucasian. VYONDYS 53 was studied in 2 double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. In Study 1 Part 1, patients were randomized to receive once-weekly intravenous infusions of VYONDYS 53 (n=8) in four increasing dose levels from 4 mg/kg to 30 mg/kg or placebo (n=4), for at least 2 weeks at each level. All patients who participated in Study 1 Part 1 (n=12) were continued into Study 1 Part 2, an open-label extension, during which they received VYONDYS 53 at a dose of 30 mg/kg IV once weekly [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] . In Study 2, patients received VYONDYS 53 (n=33) 30 mg/kg or placebo (n=17) IV once weekly for up to 96 weeks, after which all patients received VYONDYS 53 at a dose of 30 mg/kg. Adverse reactions observed in at least 20% of treated patients in the placebo-controlled sections of Studies 1 and 2 are shown in Table 1 . Table 1: Adverse Reactions That Occurred in At Least 20% of VYONDYS 53-Treated Patients and at a Rate Greater than Placebo in Studies 1 and 2 Adverse Reaction VYONDYS 53 (N = 41) % Placebo (N = 21) % Headache 41 10 Pyrexia 41 14 Fall 29 19 Abdominal pain 27 10 Nasopharyngitis 27 14 Cough 27 19 Vomiting 27 19 Nausea 20 10 Other adverse reactions that occurred at a frequency greater than 5% of VYONDYS 53-treated patients and at a greater frequency than placebo were: administration site pain, back pain, pain, diarrhea, dizziness, ligament sprain, contusion, influenza, oropharyngeal pain, rhinitis, skin abrasion, ear infection, seasonal allergy, tachycardia, catheter site related reaction, constipation, and fracture. Hypersensitivity reactions have occurred in patients treated with VYONDYS 53 [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )].

6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of VYONDYS 53. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Immune System Disorders: anaphylaxis [see Contraindications ( 4 ) and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, children and older adults

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no human or animal data available to assess the use of VYONDYS 53 during pregnancy. In the U.S. general population, major birth defects occur in 2 to 4% and miscarriage occurs in 15 to 20% of clinically recognized pregnancies.

8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There are no human or animal data to assess the effect of VYONDYS 53 on milk production, the presence of golodirsen in milk, or the effects of VYONDYS 53 on the breastfed infant. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for VYONDYS 53 and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from VYONDYS 53 or from the underlying maternal condition.

8.4 Pediatric Use VYONDYS 53 is indicated for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in patients who have a confirmed mutation of the DMD gene that is amenable to exon 53 skipping, including pediatric patients [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )]. Intravenous administration of golodirsen (0, 100, 300, or 900 mg/kg) to juvenile male rats once weekly for 10 weeks (postnatal days 14 to 77) did not result in postnatal developmental (e.g., neurobehavioral, immune function, or male reproductive) toxicity. However, at the highest dose tested (900 mg/kg/week), golodirsen resulted in the death of animals because of renal impairment or failure. In surviving animals (including one animal at the lowest dose tested), there was a dose-dependent increase in the incidence and severity of renal tubular effects (including degeneration/regeneration, fibrosis, vacuolation, and dilatation), which correlated with changes in clinical pathology parameters, reflecting a dose-dependent impairment of renal function. In addition, decreases in bone area, mineral content, and mineral density were observed at the highest dose tested (900 mg/kg week) but with no effect on bone growth. A no-effect dose for renal toxicity was not identified; the lowest dose tested (100 mg/kg/week) was associated with plasma exposures (AUC) approximately 2.5 times that in humans at the recommended human dose of 30 mg/kg/week.

8.5 Geriatric Use DMD is largely a disease of children and young adults; therefore, there is no geriatric experience with VYONDYS 53.

8.6 Patients with Renal Impairment Renal clearance of golodirsen is reduced in non-DMD adults with renal impairment, based on estimated glomerular filtration rate calculated using the Modification of Diet and Renal Disease (MDRD) equation [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. However, because of the effect of reduced skeletal muscle mass on creatinine measurements in DMD patients, no specific dosage adjustment can be recommended for DMD patients with renal impairment based on estimated glomerular filtration rate. Patients with known renal function impairment should be closely monitored during treatment with VYONDYS 53.

How it works

Golodirsen is designed to bind to exon 53 of dystrophin pre-mRNA resulting in exclusion of this exon during mRNA processing in patients with genetic mutations that are amenable to exon 53 skipping. Exon 53 skipping is intended to allow for production of an internally truncated dystrophin protein in patients with genetic mutations that are amenable to exon 53 skipping [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )].

Is there a generic Golodirsen?

No. The FDA has not approved a generic version yet.

Brand-name versions

Source: Drugs@FDA (via openFDA), checked October 29, 2026. Marketing status is what companies report to the FDA; whether a pharmacy stocks a product, and what your insurance covers, can differ.

Dosage:
we do not reproduce dosing instructions. The right dose depends on the person and the condition and is set by the prescriber or pharmacist. Dosage section of the full label.

Golodirsen in the news

We have not covered this medicine yet. Latest news

Recalls

No recalls matched to this medicine in FDA enforcement reports from the last 3 years (or older ones still open). Search all recalls

Get alerts for Golodirsen

We will email you if the FDA reports a recall, if its shortage status changes, or when we publish news about it — at most one email a day. No account needed.









Source: FDA structured product labeling, retrieved through openFDA. Label text is shown as published by the FDA, without editing; long sections are shortened, marked […]. openFDA data are not validated for clinical use — always check the current label and ask a doctor or pharmacist about your own treatment. Set ID 35c227d1-5b24-44b0-b5d3-f0f6b1c46bd5.


Advertisement



Important: this content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice, a prescribing instruction, or a recommendation to act. Consult a licensed healthcare professional before taking any medication.

Advertisement