Post-marketing safety concerns with luspatercept: a disproportionality analysis of the FDA adverse event reporting system

Luspatercept, approved for treating beta thalassemia, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) associated anemia, and MDS with ring sideroblasts or myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasm with ring sideroblasts and thrombocytosis associated anemia, has uncertain long-term safety in large populations. This study analyzed adverse events (AEs) linked to luspatercept using data from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) with data mining techniques. We collected and analyzed luspatercept-related reports from the FAERS database from the first quarter of 2022 through the first quarter of 2024. Disproportionality analysis was used in data mining to quantify luspatercept-related AE signals. A total of 46 AE signals were detected in 13 SOCs (system organ classes). In addition to the AEs identified during the clinical trial stage, this study also identified some unexpected and important AEs, such as product preparation error, prescribed overdose, product preparation issue, prescribed underdose, and acute hepatitis. Our study provides a comprehensive description of the post-marketing safety of luspatercept and identifies new potential AEs. Healthcare workers must be vigilant in avoiding product preparation errors, an adverse event that highlights the need for enhanced training and the participation of chemists in assessing medication utilization scenarios.