Bristol Myers Squibb and Acceleron Pharma have received Health Canada’s approval for Reblozyl (luspatercept) for the treatment of adults with red blood cell transfusion-dependent anemia associated with beta-thalassemia, a rare genetic blood disorder.

The approval was based on data from a phase 3 study in which patients treated with Reblozyl required fewer blood cell transfusions, achieving a reduction of at least two units from weeks 13 to 24 as compared to participants given a placebo.

Reblozyl is currently approved in the U.S. and Europe for the treatment of anemia in patients with beta thalassemia.