Achondroplasia

The most common form of skeletal dysplasia causing short-limbed dwarfism, caused by mutations in the FGFR3 gene leading to impaired endochondral bone formation. Affects approximately 1 in 15,000-40,000 live births. Characterized by rhizomelic shortening, macrocephaly, and midface hypoplasia.

Quick Answer

What it is

The most common form of skeletal dysplasia causing short-limbed dwarfism, caused by mutations in the FGFR3 gene leading to impaired endochondral bone formation. Affects approximately 1 in 15,000-40,000 live births.

Key findings

  • Grade A: Annualized Growth Velocity (Vosoritide (Voxzogo))
  • Grade A: Height Z-Score Improvement (Vosoritide (Voxzogo))
  • Grade A: Safety and Tolerability (Vosoritide (Voxzogo))

Safety

  • Phase 3 trial: Well tolerated with manageable adverse events.
ℹ️ Quick Facts

Quick Facts: Achondroplasia

  • Supplements Studied:1
1 supps · 4 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

A
Annualized Growth Velocity
Phase 3 trial (n=121, ages 5-14): Vosoritide significantly increased annualized growth velocity vs placebo at 52 weeks. First disease-modifying treatment for achondroplasia. Led to FDA accelerated approval Nov 2021.
moderate↑Improves
A
Height Z-Score Improvement
Phase 3 trial: Significant improvement in height Z-scores vs placebo over 52 weeks. Increases in growth velocity sustained over treatment period. EMA approved for ages 2+ with open epiphyses.
moderate↑Improves
A
Safety and Tolerability
Phase 3 trial: Well tolerated with manageable adverse events. Most common: injection site reactions, transient blood pressure decreases. No serious safety signals. Approved via accelerated pathway.
moderate↑Improves
B
Long-Term Growth (Extension)
Open-label extension studies: Sustained growth velocity improvements over multiple years of treatment. Real-world data from multiple centers confirms efficacy. Treatment continues until epiphyseal closure.
moderate↑Improves

Research Citations (32)

Real-world safety and age-dependent effectiveness of vosoritide in achondroplasia: A single-center retrospective analysis of transition from growth hormone to vosoritide.
(2026)
PMID: 41232919
Exploring adverse events associated with vosoritide monotherapy: Insights from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System.
(2026)
PMID: 41610120
Phase 2 Trial of Vosoritide Use in Patients with Hypochondroplasia: A Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Analysis.
(2026)
PMID: 39427650
Real-World Safety and Effectiveness of Vosoritide in Children with Achondroplasia: French Early Access Program.
(2025)
PMID: 39864410
Real-World Safety and Effectiveness of Vosoritide in Achondroplasia: Results from a Single Center in Portugal.
(2025)
PMID: 40471380
Three-dimensional craniofacial imaging in children with achondroplasia treated with vosoritide.
(2025)
PMID: 41340868
Effect of Vosoritide therapy on IGF-I and Endogenous C-type Natriuretic Peptide in Hypochondroplasia.
(2025)
PMID: 41157964
Sustained growth-promoting effects of vosoritide in children with achondroplasia from an ongoing phase 3 extension study.
(2025)
PMID: 39740666
[An update review of advances in the treatment of achondroplasia].
(2025)
PMID: 40518168
Sleep-disordered breathing in children with achondroplasia assessed by polysomnography: a retrospective chart review.
(2025)
PMID: 40675782