Protagonist Therapeutics and Takeda presented longer-term Phase 3 data showing rusfertide reduced the need for therapeutic phlebotomy in patients with polycythemia vera. Results were disclosed at ASH and framed as a potential shift away from repeated blood removal toward a targeted peptide therapy. Investigators reported sustained control of hematocrit and decreased transfusion or phlebotomy requirements, and Takeda reiterated its partnership to develop the drug for broader clinical use. The presentation emphasized durability of effect and tolerability as key attributes for chronic disease management. Companies will next pursue regulatory discussions and potential label expansions based on the Phase 3 dataset and post-hoc analyses shared at the meeting.