Understanding
Friedreich Ataxia

What is FA?
Diagnosis
mFARS

Genetic testing is the only way to confirm an FA diagnosis1

Genetic testing should be considered for any patient suspected of having FA2

FA is caused by a variant within the FXN gene called a GAA triplet-repeat expansion.3 Nearly all cases (96%) are caused by this variant in both alleles, while about 4% are attributable to a second FXN mutation.3 A genetic test that includes a GAA triplet-repeat expansion analysis is the only way to confirm an FA diagnosis.1

Diagnostic companies typically provide guidance on the correct test needed for an FA diagnosis

Most major diagnostics companies offer testing that can detect FA, whether it is caused by a GAA triplet-repeat expansion or a point mutation.

Choose a GAA triplet-repeat expansion analysis

Only a genetic test that includes a GAA triplet-repeat expansion analysis can detect pathogenic repeat expansion variants. Standard multigene panels that include only a sequence analysis cannot detect the triplet-repeat expansion variants.1

Genetic tests: More than just a diagnosis—a prognosis

One way to determine the anticipated severity of FA is by identifying the number of GAA triplet repeats.4 Currently, only an FA repeat expansion analysis that includes sizing of the repeat expansion can give you this information.

Whether you use a multi- or single-gene test, confirm that the test includes a GAA repeat-expansion analysis, which may be denoted by the CPT code 81284.1,5

Measuring functional abilities can help
track your patient's disease progression

Learn about the mFARS scale
Start your patient on SKYCLARYS

INDICATION

  • SKYCLARYS® (omaveloxolone) is indicated for the treatment of Friedreich ataxia in adults and adolescents aged 16 years and older

 

Important Safety Information

 

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Elevation of Aminotransferases

  • Treatment with SKYCLARYS can cause an elevation in hepatic transaminases (alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and aspartate aminotransferase [AST]). The incidence of elevations of ALT or AST above 5 times and 3 times the upper limit of normal (ULN) was 16% and 31%, respectively, in patients treated with SKYCLARYS. There were no cases of concomitant elevation of transaminases and total bilirubin observed. Maximum increases in ALT and AST occurred within 12 weeks after starting SKYCLARYS. Increases in serum aminotransferases were generally asymptomatic and reversible following discontinuation of SKYCLARYS
  • Monitor ALT, AST, and total bilirubin prior to initiation of SKYCLARYS, every month for the first 3 months of treatment, and periodically thereafter. If transaminases increase to levels greater than 5 times the ULN, or greater than 3 times the ULN with evidence of liver dysfunction (e.g., elevated bilirubin), immediately discontinue SKYCLARYS and repeat liver function tests as soon as possible. If transaminase levels stabilize or resolve, SKYCLARYS may be reinitiated with an appropriate increased frequency of monitoring of liver function
 

Elevation of B-Type Natriuretic Peptide

  • Treatment with SKYCLARYS can cause an increase in B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), a marker of cardiac function. A total of 14% of patients treated with SKYCLARYS had an increase from baseline in BNP value above the ULN (100 pg/mL), compared to 4% of patients who received placebo. The incidence of elevation of BNP above 200 pg/mL was 4% in patients treated with SKYCLARYS. Cardiomyopathy and cardiac failure are common in patients with Friedreich ataxia. Whether the elevations in BNP are related to SKYCLARYS or cardiac disease associated with Friedreich ataxia is unclear
  • Elevations in BNP may indicate cardiac failure and should prompt an evaluation of cardiac function. Check BNP prior to initiation of SKYCLARYS. Monitor patients for the signs and symptoms of fluid overload, such as sudden weight gain (3 pounds or more of weight gain in one day, or 5 pounds or more of weight gain in a week), peripheral edema, palpitations, and shortness of breath. If signs and symptoms of fluid overload develop, worsen, or require hospitalization, evaluate BNP and cardiac function, and manage appropriately. Management of fluid overload and heart failure may require discontinuation of SKYCLARYS
 

Lipid Abnormalities

  • Treatment with SKYCLARYS can cause changes in cholesterol. In Study 1, 29% of patients treated with SKYCLARYS reported elevated cholesterol above ULN at one or more time points. Mean increases were observed within 2 weeks of initiation of SKYCLARYS and returned to baseline within 4 weeks of discontinuing treatment. A total of 16% of patients treated with SKYCLARYS had an increase in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) from baseline, compared to 8% of patients who received placebo. The mean increase in LDL-C for all SKYCLARYS-treated patients was 23.5 mg/dL at 48 weeks. A total of 6% of patients treated with SKYCLARYS had decreases in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) from baseline compared to 4% of patients who received placebo. The mean decrease in HDL-C for all SKYCLARYS-treated patients was 5.3 mg/dL at 48 weeks
  • Assess lipid parameters prior to initiation of SKYCLARYS and monitor periodically during treatment. Manage lipid abnormalities according to clinical guidelines
 

ADVERSE REACTIONS

  • The most common adverse reactions in Study 1 (≥20% and greater than placebo) were elevated liver enzymes (AST/ALT), headache, nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, diarrhea, and musculoskeletal pain
 

DRUG INTERACTIONS

  • Avoid concomitant use of SKYCLARYS with moderate or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. If use cannot be avoided, dosage modifications are recommended
  • Avoid concomitant use of SKYCLARYS with moderate or strong CYP3A4 inducers
  • Refer to the prescribing information for dosing instructions for concomitant use of CYP3A4 and CYP2C8 substrates and monitor for lack of efficacy of the concomitant treatment
  • Advise patients to avoid concomitant use with combined hormonal contraceptives, implants, and progestin only pills
 

SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
Pregnancy

  • There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to SKYCLARYS during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to enroll pregnant patients, or pregnant women may register themselves in the program by calling 1-866-609-1785 or by sending an email to SkyclarysPregnancySurveillance@ppd.com
  • There are no adequate data on the development risks associated with the use of SKYCLARYS in pregnant women
 

Lactation

  • There are no data on the presence of omaveloxolone or its metabolites in human milk. The effects on milk production and the breastfed infant are unknown. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for SKYCLARYS and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from SKYCLARYS or from the underlying maternal condition
 

Hepatic Impairment

  • Avoid treatment with SKYCLARYS in patients with severe hepatic impairment, including those who develop severe hepatic impairment
  • Reduced dosage in patients with moderate hepatic impairment with close monitoring for adverse reactions is recommended
 

Please see full Prescribing Information.

References

1. Williams CT, De Jesus O. Friedreich ataxia. National Center for Biotechnology Information Bookshelf. Revised August 23, 2023. Accessed October 8, 2025. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563199. 2. Wallace SE, Bird TD. Molecular genetic testing for hereditary ataxia: what every neurologist should know. Neurol Clin Pract. 2018;8(1):27–32. 3. Galea CA, Hua A, Lockhart PJ, et al. Compound heterozygous FXN mutations and clinical outcomes in Friedreich ataxia. Ann Neurol. 2016;79(3):485–495. 4. Parkinson MH, Boesch S, Nachbauer W, Mariotti C, Giunti P. Clinical features of Friedreich’s ataxia: classical and atypical phenotypes. J Neurochem. 2013;126(suppl 1):103–117. 5. Bidichandani SI, Delatycki MB, Napierala M, Duquette A. Friedreich Ataxia. GeneReviews® [Internet]. Seattle (WA): University of Washington, Seattle; 1993–2024. Updated October 31, 2024. Accessed March 6, 2025. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK1281/.

Intended for a US HCP audience.
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