Orphan Drug Designation

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Dyne Therapeutics Receives Orphan Drug Designation in Japan for DYNE-251 in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Globenewswire· 2025-09-29 12:35
Core Insights - Dyne Therapeutics has received Orphan Drug designation for DYNE-251 in Japan for treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) with specific gene mutations, complementing similar designations in the U.S. and Europe [1][2] - The ongoing DELIVER trial has shown sustained functional improvement over 18 months, indicating the potential of DYNE-251 to significantly impact DMD care [1][2] - DYNE-251 is designed to produce near full-length dystrophin, which is crucial for muscle function, and has received multiple designations from regulatory authorities, including Breakthrough Therapy and Fast Track from the FDA [4][2] Company Overview - Dyne Therapeutics focuses on developing therapeutics for genetically driven neuromuscular diseases, including DMD and myotonic dystrophy type 1, with a mission to deliver functional improvement for affected individuals [8] - The company is advancing clinical programs and has preclinical initiatives targeting other exons related to DMD, indicating a broader strategy to address this condition [5][8] Clinical Trial Details - The DELIVER trial is a Phase 1/2 global study evaluating the safety and efficacy of DYNE-251 in DMD patients with mutations amenable to exon 51 skipping, with a registrational dose of 20 mg/kg administered every four weeks [3][4] - The primary endpoint for the registrational expansion cohort is the change in dystrophin protein levels from baseline at 6 months, which is critical for regulatory submission [3]
Jaguar Health (NasdaqCM:JAGX) 2025 Conference Transcript
2025-09-25 19:57
Summary of Jaguar Health Conference Call Company Overview - **Company Name**: Jaguar Health (NasdaqCM:JAGX) - **Industry**: Pharmaceutical - **Focus**: Developing proprietary prescription medicines derived from plants for gastrointestinal distress in humans and animals [2][3] Key Points and Arguments - **Catalysts and Business Development**: The company is in a critical phase of business development, aiming to secure non-dilutive funding to support cash needs and move towards profitability [3][4] - **Key Asset**: Crofelemer, marketed as Mytesi, is the only FDA-approved oral drug under botanical guidance, providing exclusivity without a generic pathway [4][5] - **Current Indications**: Mytesi is currently approved for HIV-related diarrhea, with ongoing studies for cancer therapy-related diarrhea and intestinal failure associated with short bowel syndrome and MVID [5][6] - **FDA Meetings**: Recent FDA meetings have focused on expediting approval pathways for expanding Mytesi's indications to include breast cancer patients [6][7] - **Orphan Drug Designation**: The company has filed for orphan drug designation for metastatic breast cancer, which allows for greater regulatory flexibility and support [7][8] - **Market Size**: The orphan population for metastatic breast cancer is approximately 150,000 patients, with specific focus on those with brain metastases [8][9] - **Animal Health Product**: Crofelmer has received conditional approval for treating chemotherapy-induced diarrhea in dogs, with a grant of $250,000 to support confirmatory trials [10][11] - **Corporate Partnerships**: The company is actively seeking corporate partners to expand indications and secure funding, particularly in the context of rare diseases [14][16] Additional Important Information - **Regulatory Strategy**: The shift towards orphan indications has broadened discussions with potential corporate partners, enhancing the company's funding prospects [16][17] - **Future Expectations**: The company anticipates receiving comments on its orphan drug designation filings within the next four to six weeks [19]
Akeso's Ligufalimab (CD47 mAb) Receives FDA Orphan Drug Designation for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
Prnewswire· 2025-09-16 02:27
Core Viewpoint - Akeso Inc. has received Orphan Drug Designation from the U.S. FDA for its monoclonal antibody ligufalimab (AK117) aimed at treating acute myeloid leukemia (AML) [1][2]. Company Overview - Akeso is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative biological medicines, with a robust pipeline of over 50 assets in various disease areas, including cancer and autoimmune diseases [15]. - The company utilizes an integrated R&D innovation system and has developed a comprehensive drug development platform [15]. Drug Development and Clinical Trials - Ligufalimab is currently in international clinical development for both hematologic malignancies and solid tumors, with completed patient enrollment in a Phase II study for higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes [3][4]. - It is the first CD47 monoclonal antibody to enter Phase III trials for solid tumors, with ongoing studies for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and pancreatic cancer [4]. Clinical Need and Market Opportunity - AML is the most common type of acute leukemia in adults, with limited treatment options for patients ineligible for intensive chemotherapy [5]. - Current treatments, such as venetoclax combined with azacitidine, show a high relapse rate, indicating a significant unmet clinical need [6]. Mechanism of Action - Ligufalimab targets CD47 on tumor cells, enhancing macrophage-mediated phagocytosis and inhibiting tumor growth, with improved safety and efficacy compared to other CD47-targeting agents [7]. Efficacy and Safety Profile - Clinical trials indicate that ligufalimab combined with azacitidine has a favorable safety profile, achieving a complete remission rate of 50% and a composite complete remission rate of 55% [9]. - A Phase II study is underway to further assess the safety and efficacy of ligufalimab in combination with venetoclax and azacitidine for AML patients [10].
Interim results for the six months ended June 30, 2025
Globenewswire· 2025-09-12 12:30
Core Insights - Biodexa Pharmaceuticals PLC reported its interim results for the six months ended June 30, 2025, highlighting significant operational and financial developments in its clinical pipeline and financial management [2][5][28]. Operational Highlights - The US Patent and Trademark Office granted a patent for "Oral Rapamycin Nanoparticle Preparations and Use," exclusively licensed to the company [4]. - Precision for Medicine, LLC was appointed to conduct the European component of the Phase 3 study of eRapa in Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) [4]. - The company successfully held a Type C meeting with the FDA regarding the protocol for the Phase 3 study of eRapa in FAP [4]. - eRapa received Orphan Drug Designation from the European Commission for FAP [4]. - The first patient was recruited in a Phase 2a study of tolimidone for Type 1 Diabetes [4]. - The company launched a dedicated website for the Serenta trial of eRapa in FAP [4]. - The first clinical study site for the Serenta trial was activated in the US [4]. - A Clinical Trial Application was filed with the European Medicines Agency for the Serenta trial [4]. - The company signed a $35 million Equity Line of Credit with C/M Capital Master Fund LP [4]. - Emtora Biosciences, a collaboration partner, received an additional grant of $3 million, totaling $20 million in non-dilutive funding for the Phase 3 program of eRapa in FAP [4]. Financial Highlights - R&D costs decreased to £1.67 million in 1H25 from £2.19 million in 1H24, reflecting a 24% reduction [10][32]. - Administrative costs increased to £2.38 million in 1H25 from £2.03 million in 1H24, driven by a foreign exchange charge [33]. - Net cash used in operating activities was £3.30 million in 1H25, down from £4.81 million in 1H24 [35]. - The company's cash balance at June 30, 2025, was £4.04 million [38]. - The company reported a consolidated loss from operations of £3.81 million in 1H25, compared to a loss of £3.31 million in 1H24 [55]. Research and Development Update - The company advanced its R&D pipeline, moving eRapa in FAP into Phase 3 and tolimidone for Type 1 Diabetes into Phase 2 [7]. - eRapa is a proprietary oral formulation of rapamycin, designed to improve bioavailability and reduce toxicity [9]. - The Phase 3 study of eRapa in FAP is a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial recruiting 168 high-risk patients [14]. - The ongoing Phase 2 study in Non-muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer is fully enrolled with 166 patients [16]. Financing Activities - The company raised gross proceeds of £8.56 million from the Equity Line of Credit as of June 30, 2025 [27]. - The company experienced a net cash inflow of £2.37 million in 1H25, compared to a net outflow of £0.92 million in 1H24 [38].
Grace Therapeutics Announces Presentation at The H.C. Wainwright 27th Annual Global Investment Conference
Globenewswire· 2025-09-04 12:00
Core Insights - Grace Therapeutics, Inc. is a late-stage biopharma company focused on developing GTx-104, an injectable formulation of nimodipine for IV infusion targeting aSAH patients [1][4] - The company will present at the H.C. Wainwright 27th Annual Global Investment Conference from September 8-10, 2025, with opportunities for one-on-one meetings with institutional investors [2][3] Company Overview - Grace Therapeutics specializes in drug candidates for rare and orphan diseases, with innovative drug delivery technologies aimed at improving drug performance [4] - The lead clinical asset, GTx-104, has received Orphan Drug Designation from the FDA, granting seven years of marketing exclusivity post-launch in the U.S. and additional intellectual property protection with over 40 patents [4] Conference Details - The conference will be held at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel, featuring over 550 company presentations available live or on demand [2] - Prashant Kohli, CEO of Grace Therapeutics, will be available for one-on-one meetings with institutional investors during the event [2]
Grace Therapeutics Announces U.S. Food and Drug Administration Acceptance for Review of New Drug Application for GTx-104
Globenewswire· 2025-08-27 12:00
Core Viewpoint - The FDA has accepted Grace Therapeutics' New Drug Application (NDA) for GTx-104, targeting a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) date of April 23, 2026, for the treatment of aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (aSAH) patients, supported by positive results from the Phase 3 STRIVE-ON safety trial [1][2][3] Company Overview - Grace Therapeutics, Inc. is a late-stage biopharma company focused on developing innovative treatments for rare and orphan diseases, with GTx-104 as its lead clinical asset [9] - The company has received Orphan Drug Designation for GTx-104, which provides seven years of marketing exclusivity in the U.S. upon FDA approval [3] Product Details - GTx-104 is a novel injectable formulation of nimodipine designed for IV infusion in aSAH patients, addressing significant unmet medical needs [7][8] - The unique nanoparticle technology of GTx-104 allows for a standard peripheral IV infusion, potentially improving patient outcomes and convenience [8] Clinical Trial Insights - The STRIVE-ON safety trial involved 102 patients, comparing GTx-104 with oral nimodipine, and demonstrated a 19% reduction in clinically significant hypotension incidents for GTx-104 [4] - Additional findings showed that 54% of GTx-104 patients achieved a relative dose intensity of 95% or higher, compared to only 8% for oral nimodipine [4] - GTx-104 also resulted in fewer ICU readmissions and days compared to oral nimodipine, with comparable adverse events between both treatment arms [4] Market Potential - The standard of care for aSAH has not seen significant innovation in nearly 40 years, positioning GTx-104 as a potential breakthrough treatment if approved [2] - The company believes that its patent estate will protect the market value of GTx-104 beyond the exclusivity period provided by the Orphan Drug Designation [3]
Crinetics Receives FDA Orphan Drug Designation for Atumelnant in the Treatment of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)
Globenewswire· 2025-08-21 12:45
Core Insights - Crinetics Pharmaceuticals received Orphan Drug Designation from the FDA for atumelnant, a novel oral ACTH receptor antagonist aimed at treating classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) [1][4] - Atumelnant is the first and only small molecule ACTH receptor antagonist in clinical development, highlighting its potential significance in addressing unmet medical needs in CAH [1][5] Company Overview - Crinetics Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on developing novel therapeutics for endocrine diseases and related tumors, with all drug candidates being small molecules from in-house discovery efforts [6] - The company's lead candidate, PALSONIFY™ (paltusotine), is in clinical development for acromegaly and carcinoid syndrome associated with neuroendocrine tumors, while atumelnant targets congenital adrenal hyperplasia and ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome [6] Clinical Development - The Phase 2 TouCAHn trial of atumelnant showed robust positive topline results, including up to an 80% mean reduction in androstenedione and significant improvements in clinical signs and symptoms of CAH [2][3] - Crinetics plans to initiate the CALM-CAH Phase 3 study in adults and the BALANCE-CAH Phase 2/3 study in pediatrics in the second half of 2025 [2] Mechanism of Action - Atumelnant acts selectively at the melanocortin type 2 receptor (MC2R) on the adrenal gland, demonstrating strong binding affinity and suppression of glucocorticoids and androgens controlled by ACTH [5] - The innovative mechanism aims to restore normal levels of adrenal androgens and reduce glucocorticoid supplementation to physiological levels, improving the quality of life for patients [2][3]
FDA Grants Soligenix Orphan Drug Designation for the Treatment of Behçet's Disease after Reviewing Recent Phase 2 Clinical Study Results
Prnewswire· 2025-08-18 11:30
Core Insights - Soligenix, Inc. has received orphan drug designation from the FDA for dusquetide, the active ingredient in SGX945, for the treatment of Behçet's Disease, which provides seven years of market exclusivity upon final approval [1][2][3] Group 1: Orphan Drug Designation - The U.S. Orphan Drug Act aims to encourage the development of therapies for rare diseases affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the U.S. [2] - Orphan drug designation offers financial and regulatory benefits, including government grants for clinical trials and waivers of FDA user fees [2] Group 2: Behçet's Disease Overview - Behçet's Disease affects approximately 18,000 people in the U.S., 50,000 in Europe, and up to 1 million worldwide, representing a significant unmet medical need [3][10] - The disease is characterized by symptoms such as mouth sores, skin rashes, genital sores, and eye inflammation, severely impacting patients' quality of life [9][11] Group 3: Dusquetide's Mechanism and Efficacy - Dusquetide is an innate defense regulator (IDR) that modulates the immune response to promote anti-inflammatory and tissue healing effects [4] - In a Phase 2a study, dusquetide showed a 40% improvement in the number of ulcers compared to placebo, which is comparable to the 37% improvement seen with apremilast [6] Group 4: Clinical Study Results - Dusquetide demonstrated safety and tolerability in a Phase 1 study with 84 healthy volunteers and positive efficacy in over 350 subjects with oral mucositis due to chemoradiation therapy [5] - The Phase 2a study for Behçet's Disease indicated that SGX945 was well-tolerated with no treatment-related adverse events, unlike common side effects associated with apremilast [7][6] Group 5: Intellectual Property and Development - Soligenix holds a strong intellectual property position for the IDR technology platform, including composition of matter for dusquetide [8] - The company is also developing other products, including HyBryte™ for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and SGX942 for oral mucositis [12]
Fortress Biotech Reports Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results and Recent Corporate Highlights
Globenewswire· 2025-08-14 20:05
Core Insights - Fortress Biotech, Inc. achieved significant milestones in Q2 2025, including the acquisition of its subsidiary Checkpoint Therapeutics by Sun Pharma, which provided approximately $28 million upfront and potential additional payments [2][3] - The FDA accepted the New Drug Application for CUTX-101 for Menkes disease, with a PDUFA goal date set for September 30, 2025 [2][6] - Journey Medical launched Emrosi™ for treating inflammatory lesions of rosacea, with commercial uptake expanding to cover 65% of U.S. commercial lives [2][5] Financial Performance - Fortress reported consolidated net revenue of $16.4 million for Q2 2025, an increase from $14.9 million in Q2 2024, primarily driven by dermatology product sales [11][18] - Consolidated cash and cash equivalents rose to $74.4 million as of June 30, 2025, up from $57.3 million at the end of 2024 [11][16] - The company recorded a net income attributable to common stockholders of $13.4 million, or $0.50 per share basic, compared to a net loss of $(13.3) million in the same quarter of the previous year [11][18] Regulatory Developments - The FDA granted Orphan Drug Designation to Mustang Bio for MB-101, enhancing the potential of the combination strategy with MB-108 for treating high-grade gliomas [6][12] - The NDA submission for CUTX-101 is under priority review, with expectations for a Priority Review Voucher upon approval [2][6] Commercial Updates - Journey Medical's Emrosi™ has seen expanded payer access, now covering over 100 million commercial lives in the U.S., up from 54 million in May 2025 [10][12] - The commercial launch of Emrosi™ began on April 7, 2025, following initial distribution and prescription filling [10][12] Corporate Developments - Fortress Biotech's subsidiary Journey Medical was added to the small-cap Russell 2000 Index and the broad-market Russell 3000 Index as of June 27, 2025 [8]
Jaguar Health(JAGX) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-08-14 13:30
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The combined net revenue for Q2 2025 was approximately $3 million, representing a 35% increase compared to Q1 2025 and a 10% increase compared to Q2 2024 [6][29] - Loss from operations increased by $800,000 from $7.2 million in Q2 2024 to $8 million in Q2 2025 [30] - Net loss attributable to common shareholders increased by approximately $900,000 from $9.5 million in Q2 2024 to $10.4 million in Q2 2025 [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Mytesi prescription volume increased by approximately 6.5% in 2025 compared to 2024, with Q2 2025 volume equal to Q2 2024 [29] - The company is focusing on business development partnerships for licensing rights to its products, aiming to generate non-dilutive funding [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is conducting trials for Crofelimer in pediatric patients with MVID and short bowel syndrome, with initial results showing significant benefits [10][11] - The prevalence of MVID is estimated to be just a couple of hundred patients globally, indicating a niche market opportunity [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to seek business development partnerships to enhance funding opportunities during a period of reduced investor support for emerging pharma companies [7] - The strategy includes expanding the indication of Crofelimer for cancer therapy-related diarrhea, targeting metastatic breast cancer patients [23][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the convergence of key clinical and regulatory catalysts in 2025, which are expected to enhance value for stakeholders [6][31] - The company is preparing to submit a protocol to the FDA for a pivotal treatment trial for Crofelimer in metastatic breast cancer patients [23] Other Important Information - The company is also pursuing regulatory approval for Canalevia, a product for chemotherapy-induced diarrhea in dogs, with plans to expand its indication [25][26] - The company is in discussions with potential partners for both human and animal health products [26] Q&A Session Summary - No specific questions or answers were recorded in the provided content, indicating that the session may have concluded without a formal Q&A segment [34]