Extract Luspatercept is a recombinant fusion protein that binds ligands of the activin receptor type IIB (ACTRIIB), a member of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β superfamily. This results in the inhibition of Smad2/3 signalling and enhances late-stage erythroid maturation.
This biotherapy has been recently approved for the treatment of transfusion-dependent anaemia in adult patients with lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) [1]. In the phase 3 randomised controlled trial COMMANDS, dyspnoea was reported as an adverse event in 12% of patients receiving luspatercept compared to 7% in the epoetin alfa group including, respectively, 4% and 1% cases of grade 3 - 4 severity [2].
European Respiratory Journal published a clinical update in Critical Care on 05 Mar 2026.
The item focuses on Severe hypoxaemia and intrapulmonary vascular dilatations associated with long-term luspatercept therapy.
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