Orphan drug development

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Soligenix Announces Expansion of European Medical Advisory Board for Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma
Prnewswire· 2025-09-30 11:30
Core Viewpoint - Soligenix, Inc. is expanding its European Medical Advisory Board to enhance strategic guidance for the Phase 3 study of HyBryte™ in treating cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), with top-line results expected in the second half of 2026 [1][2]. Company Overview - Soligenix is a late-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing treatments for rare diseases with unmet medical needs, particularly through its Specialized BioTherapeutics segment [20]. - The company is advancing HyBryte™ (SGX301), a novel photodynamic therapy utilizing synthetic hypericin, aimed at treating CTCL [20]. Clinical Study Details - The confirmatory Phase 3 study, named FLASH2, will enroll approximately 80 patients and is designed to replicate the successful elements of the previous Phase 3 FLASH trial, which showed a 49% treatment response rate [15]. - The FLASH2 study will extend the double-blind, placebo-controlled assessment to 18 weeks, with the primary endpoint assessed at the end of this period [15]. Advisory Board Expansion - The European Medical Advisory Board now includes five esteemed dermatologists, enhancing the company's expertise in clinical strategies and regulatory interactions [2][3][4][7][8]. - The board members are recognized leaders in the field of dermatology and CTCL, contributing valuable insights for the upcoming clinical study [2][3][4][7][8]. Treatment Mechanism and Efficacy - HyBryte™ employs synthetic hypericin activated by visible light, which penetrates deeper into the skin compared to ultraviolet light, potentially treating more severe skin conditions [9]. - In previous studies, HyBryte™ demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in lesion reduction compared to placebo, with a 16% response rate in the first treatment cycle [10]. Safety Profile - HyBryte™ is noted for its safety, with no systemic absorption and a mechanism of action that does not involve DNA damage, making it a safer alternative to existing therapies [14]. - The treatment has been well tolerated across multiple cycles, with a significant portion of patients opting to continue treatment in the optional safety cycle [13]. Market Context - CTCL is a rare form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma affecting approximately 31,000 individuals in the U.S. and 38,000 in Europe, with no current cure available [19][18]. - The company aims to address the significant safety risks associated with existing treatments, positioning HyBryte™ as a potentially safer and effective option for patients [14].
Jaguar Health(JAGX) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-15 21:15
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The total net revenue for the company's prescription products was approximately $2.2 million in Q1 2025, a decrease of about 6% compared to $2.4 million in Q1 2024 and a 37% decrease from $3.5 million in Q4 2024 [25] - Loss from operations increased by $1.2 million from $8.2 million in Q1 2024 to $9.4 million in Q1 2025 [26] - Net loss attributable to common shareholders increased by approximately $1.2 million from $9.2 million in Q1 2024 to $10.4 million in Q1 2025 [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Mytesi prescription volume increased by approximately 1.8% in Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024 but decreased by approximately 13.5% compared to Q4 2024 [26] - Dispensed prescriptions for Mytesi and Profelymer increased by approximately 2% in Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024, indicating increased demand for treatments [5] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Short bowel syndrome affects approximately 10,000 to 20,000 people in Europe and a similar number in the United States, qualifying for orphan designation [19] - MVID is an ultra-rare condition with an estimated prevalence of just a couple hundred patients globally [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on the convergence of key catalysts that are expected to be transformational for stakeholders, including paradigm-shifting medicines and mechanisms of action [5] - There are ongoing proof of concept trials for crofelemer in both pediatric and adult patients with rare diseases, with results expected throughout 2025 and into 2026 [21] - The company is exploring expedited regulatory approval pathways for its products, including the FDA's breakthrough therapy program [19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the multiple expected near-term catalysts throughout 2025 and early 2026, viewing them as important and potentially transformative [27] - The management highlighted the significance of the initial proof of concept results for crofelemer, which could modify disease progression for patients with intestinal failure [12] Other Important Information - The company is also pursuing business development opportunities related to its product CANALIVIA CA1, which is conditionally approved for chemotherapy-induced diarrhea in dogs [28] - The management emphasized the importance of addressing supportive care needs in cancer treatment, as diarrhea can impact treatment outcomes [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expected catalysts for the company in the near term? - Management highlighted multiple expected catalysts throughout 2025 and early 2026 that are viewed as important for stakeholders [27] Question: How does the company plan to address the regulatory pathways for its products? - The company is exploring expedited regulatory approval pathways, including the FDA's breakthrough therapy program and EMA's PRIME program [19]
SNY's Rilzabrutinib Gets FDA's Orphan Drug Tag for Two Rare Diseases
ZACKS· 2025-04-03 16:30
Core Viewpoint - Sanofi's investigational BTK inhibitor, rilzabrutinib, has received orphan drug designation from the FDA for treating warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (wAIHA) and IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD), addressing significant unmet medical needs in these rare diseases [1][2]. Company Developments - Rilzabrutinib is currently undergoing mid-stage studies for both wAIHA and IgG4-RD, with no approved therapies available for these conditions [1]. - Data from a phase IIb study for wAIHA indicated clinically meaningful outcomes in response rates and disease markers [5]. - A phase IIa study for IgG4-RD patients showed a reduction in disease flare and other disease markers after 52 weeks of treatment, with further details to be announced at an upcoming medical conference [6]. Regulatory Status - A regulatory application for rilzabrutinib to treat immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is under review in the United States, with a decision expected on August 29, 2025. The drug has received both fast-track and orphan drug designations for ITP [8]. - Rilzabrutinib is also under review in the European Union and China for ITP treatment [9]. Market Performance - Year-to-date, Sanofi's shares have increased by 11.9%, outperforming the industry average rise of 0.8% [3].