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What is the difference between Symdeko and Kalydeco?

Medically reviewed by Judith Stewart, BPharm. Last updated on Sep 20, 2023.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Symdeko (tezacaftor/ivacaftor and ivacaftor) and Kalydeco (ivacaftor) are both used to treat patients with cystic fibrosis. The two medicines differ in their ingredients and dosage forms, and the age groups and genetic mutations they treat.

Symdeko is supplied as co-packaged tablets:

  • tezacaftor 100 mg/ivacaftor 150 mg and ivacaftor 150 mg

Kalydeco is supplied as tablets and oral granules:

  • ivacaftor 150 mg tablets
  • ivacaftor 25 mg oral granules in unit-dose packets
  • ivacaftor 50 mg oral granules in unit-dose packets
  • ivacaftor 75 mg oral granules in unit-dose packets

Both medicines contain ivacaftor, a cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) potentiator.

Symdeko is approved for the treatment of patients with cystic fibrosis

  • aged 6 years and older who are homozygous for the F508del mutation or who have at least one mutation in the CFTR gene that is responsive to tezacaftor/ivacaftor.

Kalydeco (ivacaftor) is approved for the treatment patients with cystic fibrosis

  • aged 4 months and older who have one mutation in the CFTR gene that is responsive to ivacaftor.

Both Symdeko and Kalydeco are manufactured by Vertex Pharmaceuticals.

Read next

Symdeko contains ivacaftor and tezacaftor. Ivacaftor allows the defective CFTR protein to work better, improving the exchange of chloride ions across cell membranes within the airways. Tezacaftor moves the defective CFTR protein to the cell membrane so that it can facilitate the transfer of chloride ions across the membrane. Ivacaftor boost the function of the defective CFTR protein and tezacaftor corrects its location. This combined approach helps maintain a good balance of salt and water within the lungs and provides superior treatment compared to either drug alone. Continue reading

Orphan drugs are medicines developed to help treat, prevent or diagnose rare “orphan” diseases, which are conditions that each affect fewer than 200,000 people in the U.S. Continue reading

Kalydeco specifically targets the underlying cause of cystic fibrosis (CF) and is approved for adults, children, and infants aged 4 months and older with CF with one or more specific mutations in their CFTR gene that is responsive to Kalydeco. It allows the defective CFTR protein to work better and increases salt and water movement within the airways. This thins the mucus and makes it easier to cough out. Continue reading

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