FDA Extends PDUFA Date of Biohaven's Troriluzole NDA for Rare Disease Spinocerebellar Ataxia

Core Viewpoint - Troriluzole is a potential first and only FDA-approved treatment for Spinocerebellar Ataxia (SCA), a rare and life-threatening neurodegenerative disease, with the FDA extending the review period for its new drug application [2][3]. Group 1: Troriluzole and FDA Review - The FDA has extended the PDUFA date for the new drug application of Troriluzole by three months to allow for a full review of recent submissions [2]. - The FDA has not raised any new concerns regarding the application, and a meeting with an advisory committee is planned [2][4]. - Troriluzole has received Fast-Track, Orphan Drug Designation, and Priority Review from the FDA, indicating its potential to significantly improve treatment options for SCA [3][4]. Group 2: Impact of Troriluzole - Clinical data suggests that Troriluzole can slow disease progression by 50-70% as measured by the f-SARA scale and reduce the risk of falls [4]. - SCA affects approximately 15,000 people in the United States and 24,000 in Europe and the UK, leading to significant morbidity and no current approved therapies [5]. Group 3: Mechanism of Action - Troriluzole is a third-generation novel prodrug that modulates glutamate levels, addressing glutamate deregulation associated with neurodegeneration in SCA patients [6]. - The drug increases glutamate uptake from the synapse, enhancing the function of excitatory amino acid transporters on glial cells [6]. Group 4: Company Overview - Biohaven is focused on developing life-changing treatments in key therapeutic areas, including neuroscience, and has a diverse portfolio of drug candidates [7].