Latest news with #OrphanDrugDesignation
Business Wire
24-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Aldeyra Therapeutics Receives Orphan Designation from the European Medicines Agency for ADX-2191 for the Treatment of Inherited Retinal Dystrophies including Retinitis Pigmentosa
LEXINGTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Aldeyra Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALDX) (Aldeyra) today announced that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has granted Orphan Designation for ADX-2191 (methotrexate intravitreal injection) for the treatment of inherited retinal dystrophies of the rod-dominant phenotype, including retinitis pigmentosa. There are currently no approved drug treatments for patients with most forms of retinitis pigmentosa, a clinical group of rare genetic eye diseases characterized by retinal cell death and loss of vision. Retinitis pigmentosa affects more than one million people worldwide and remains a significant cause of inherited blindness. 'Retinitis pigmentosa is a serious and incurable sight-threatening disease that represents a major unmet need in the field of ophthalmology,' stated Todd C. Brady, M.D., Ph.D., President and CEO of Aldeyra. 'The receipt of Orphan Designation from the EMA, in conjunction with the previously announced Orphan Drug Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, highlights the importance of developing a treatment option for patients suffering from retinitis pigmentosa.' The potential activity of ADX-2191 in retinitis pigmentosa is supported by results from a Phase 2 clinical trial, announced in 2023, which demonstrated improvements from baseline in retinal sensitivity following treatment. A planned Phase 2/3 clinical trial of ADX-2191 in retinitis pigmentosa is expected to initiate in 2025. The EMA grants orphan designation to drugs and biologics intended for the treatment, diagnosis, or prevention of rare, life-threatening, or chronically debilitating diseases or conditions that affect fewer than five in 10,000 people in the European Union. Orphan designation allows companies certain benefits, including reduced regulatory fees, clinical protocol assistance, research grants, and up to 10 years of market exclusivity in the European Union. About ADX-2191 ADX-2191 (methotrexate intravitreal injection) is a sterile, non-compounded intravitreal formulation of methotrexate for the potential treatment of specific rare retinal diseases, including primary vitreoretinal lymphoma and retinitis pigmentosa. The ADX-2191 intravitreal formulation is preservative-free, is designed to be vitreous-compatible, and is optimized for excipient composition, viscosity, density, tonicity, pH, concentration, and volume of administration. ADX-2191 has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Orphan Drug Designation for the treatment of primary vitreoretinal lymphoma and retinitis pigmentosa, and EMA Orphan Designation for the treatment of inherited retinal dystrophies of the rod-dominant phenotype, including retinitis pigmentosa. About Retinitis Pigmentosa Retinitis pigmentosa is a group of rare genetic eye diseases characterized by retinal cell death and loss of vision. There are currently no approved treatments for most forms of retinitis pigmentosa. In vivo preclinical research has identified the activity of methotrexate in inducing misfolded rhodopsin (a visual cycle protein) clearance, suggesting the potential of ADX‑2191 to treat genetic forms of retinitis pigmentosa that are characterized by misfolded rhodopsin. About Aldeyra Aldeyra Therapeutics is a biotechnology company devoted to discovering innovative therapies designed to treat immune-mediated and metabolic diseases. Our approach is to develop pharmaceuticals that modulate protein systems, instead of directly inhibiting or activating single protein targets, with the goal of optimizing multiple pathways at once while minimizing toxicity. Our product candidates include RASP (reactive aldehyde species) modulators ADX-629, ADX‑248, ADX-743, ADX-631, ADX-246, and chemically related molecules for the potential treatment of systemic and retinal immune-mediated and metabolic diseases. Our late-stage product candidates are reproxalap, a RASP modulator for the potential treatment of dry eye disease and allergic conjunctivitis, and ADX-2191, a novel formulation of intravitreal methotrexate for the potential treatment of primary vitreoretinal lymphoma and retinitis pigmentosa. Safe Harbor Statement This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, statements regarding Aldeyra's future expectations, plans, and prospects, including without limitation statements regarding: the goals, opportunity, and potential for ADX-2191; and the outcome and timing of any clinical trials of ADX-2191. Aldeyra intends such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as, but not limited to, 'may,' 'might,' 'will,' 'objective,' 'intend,' 'should,' "could," 'can,' 'would,' 'expect,' 'believe,' 'anticipate,' 'project,' 'on track,' 'scheduled,' 'target,' 'design,' 'estimate,' 'predict,' 'contemplates,' 'likely,' 'potential,' 'continue,' 'ongoing,' 'aim,' 'plan,' or the negative of these terms, and similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations that involve risks, changes in circumstances, assumptions, and uncertainties. Aldeyra is at an early stage of development and may not ever have any products that generate significant revenue. All of Aldeyra's development timelines may be subject to adjustment depending on recruitment rate, regulatory review, preclinical and clinical results, funding, and other factors that could delay the initiation, enrollment, or completion of clinical trials. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in Aldeyra's forward-looking statements include, among others, the timing of enrollment, commencement and completion of Aldeyra's clinical trials, the timing and success of preclinical studies and clinical trials conducted by Aldeyra and its development partners; delay in or failure to obtain regulatory approval of Aldeyra's product candidates, including as a result of the FDA not accepting Aldeyra's regulatory filings, issuing a complete response letter, or requiring additional clinical trials or data prior to review or approval of such filings or in connection with resubmissions of such filings; the ability to maintain regulatory approval of Aldeyra's product candidates, and the labeling for any approved products; the risk that prior results, such as signals of safety, activity, or durability of effect, observed from preclinical or clinical trials, will not be replicated or will not continue in ongoing or future studies or clinical trials involving Aldeyra's product candidates in clinical trials focused on the same or different indications; the scope, progress, expansion, and costs of developing and commercializing Aldeyra's product candidates; uncertainty as to Aldeyra's ability to commercialize (alone or with others) and obtain reimbursement for Aldeyra's product candidates following regulatory approval, if any; the size and growth of the potential markets and pricing for Aldeyra's product candidates and the ability to serve those markets; Aldeyra's expectations regarding Aldeyra's expenses and future revenue, the timing of future revenue, the sufficiency or use of Aldeyra's cash resources and needs for additional financing; the rate and degree of market acceptance of any of Aldeyra's product candidates; Aldeyra's expectations regarding competition; Aldeyra's anticipated growth strategies; Aldeyra's ability to attract or retain key personnel; Aldeyra's commercialization, marketing and manufacturing capabilities and strategy; Aldeyra's ability to establish and maintain development partnerships; Aldeyra's ability to successfully integrate acquisitions into its business; Aldeyra's expectations regarding federal, state, and foreign regulatory requirements; political, economic, legal, social, and health risks, public health measures, and war or other military actions, that may affect Aldeyra's business or the global economy; regulatory developments in the United States and foreign countries; Aldeyra's ability to obtain and maintain intellectual property protection for its product candidates; the anticipated trends and challenges in Aldeyra's business and the market in which it operates; and other factors that are described in the 'Risk Factors' and 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations' sections of Aldeyra's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and Aldeyra's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, which are on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and available on the SEC website at Additional factors may be described in those sections of Aldeyra's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, expected to be filed with the SEC in the third quarter of 2025, and Aldeyra's other filings with the SEC. In addition to the risks described above and in Aldeyra's other filings with the SEC, other unknown or unpredictable factors also could affect Aldeyra's results. No forward-looking statements can be guaranteed and actual results may differ materially from such statements. The information in this release is provided only as of the date of this release, and Aldeyra undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release on account of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Precision BioSciences Receives FDA Orphan Drug Designation for PBGENE-DMD for the Treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
DURHAM, N.C., July 23, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Precision BioSciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: DTIL), a clinical stage gene editing company utilizing its novel proprietary ARCUS® platform to develop in vivo gene editing therapies for diseases with high unmet need, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Orphan Drug Designation for PBGENE-DMD for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). "Receipt of Orphan Drug Designation from the FDA for PBGENE-DMD underscores the tremendous unmet need and urgency to deliver safe treatments that significantly improve muscle function over time for boys living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy," said Cindy Atwell, Chief Development and Business Officer at Precision BioSciences. "This regulatory milestone builds on our recent receipt of Rare Pediatric Disease designation and, together with our preclinical body of evidence, gives us tremendous confidence as we move this program towards the clinic. Looking ahead, we remain in active dialogue with the FDA as we advance PBGENE-DMD toward regulatory milestones, with clinical data anticipated in 2026." The FDA grants Orphan Drug Designation to drugs and biologics intended for the treatment, diagnosis, or prevention of rare diseases or conditions affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the United States. Orphan Drug Designation provides sponsors certain benefits, including financial incentives to support clinical development and the potential for up to seven years of market exclusivity for the drug for the designated orphan indication in the U.S. if the drug is ultimately approved for that use. About PBGENE-DMD PBGENE-DMD is Precision's development program for the treatment of DMD. The approach uses two complementary ARCUS nucleases delivered via a one-time administration in a single AAV to excise exons 45-55 of the dystrophin gene with the aim of restoring near full-length dystrophin protein within the body to improve functional outcomes. PBGENE-DMD is intended to address up to 60% of the DMD patient population. In preclinical studies, PBGENE-DMD demonstrated the ability to target key muscle types involved in the progression of DMD and produced significant, durable functional improvements in a humanized DMD mouse model. PBGENE-DMD restored the body's ability to produce a near full-length functional dystrophin protein across multiple muscles, including cardiac tissue and various key skeletal muscle groups. In addition, PBGENE-DMD edited satellite muscle stem cells, believed to be critical for long-term durability and sustained functional improvement. PBGENE-DMD was recently granted FDA Rare Pediatric Disease (RPD) designation for the treatment of DMD. The Company is advancing the final IND-enabling toxicology studies and is working closely with leading DMD clinicians to design a first in human trial optimized for safety and efficacy. Clinical grade material is in preparation, with initial clinical data expected in 2026. About Precision BioSciences, Inc. Precision's two lead programs, PBGENE-HBV, for chronic Hepatitis B, and PBGENE-DMD, for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, are focused on areas with large patient populations with high unmet need. Precision BioSciences, Inc. is a clinical stage gene editing company dedicated to improving life (DTIL) with its novel and proprietary ARCUS® genome editing platform that differs from other technologies in the way it cuts, its smaller size, and its simpler structure. Key capabilities and differentiating characteristics enable ARCUS nucleases to drive more intended, defined therapeutic outcomes. Using ARCUS, the Company's pipeline prioritizes in vivo gene editing candidates designed to deliver lasting cures for the broadest range of genetic and infectious diseases where no adequate treatments exist. For more information about Precision BioSciences, please visit Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained in this press release that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding the clinical development and expected safety, efficacy and benefit of our and our partners' and licensees' product candidates and gene editing approaches; the potential of PBGENE-DMD to safely drive meaningful improvement in functional and durable benefit over time for up to 60% of patients with DMD; the design on PBGENE-DMD to permanently edit a patient's own DNA sequence, resulting in naturally-produced, near full-length dystrophin protein proven known to be functional in humans; the benefits of an Orphan Drug Designation including financial incentives and regulatory exclusivity; the potential value of a Priority Review Voucher(if awarded) including priority review for a different product or sale to another sponsor; the expected timing of regulatory processes and clinical operations (including IND and/or CTA filings, studies, enrollment and clinical data for PBGENE-DMD; and anticipated timing of clinical data. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as "aim," "anticipate," "appear," "approach," "believe," , "confidence", "contemplate," "could," "design" "designed," "estimate," "expect," "goal," "intend," "look," "may," "mission," "plan," "possible," "potential," "predict," "project," "pursue," "should," "strive," "suggest," "target," "will," "would," or the negative thereof and similar words and expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations, beliefs, and assumptions and on information currently available to us. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements due to various important factors, including, but not limited to, our ability to become profitable; our ability to procure sufficient funding to advance our programs; risks associated with our capital requirements, anticipated cash runway, requirements under our current debt instruments and effects of restrictions thereunder, including our ability to raise additional capital due to market conditions and/or our market capitalization; our operating expenses and our ability to predict what those expenses will be; our limited operating history; the progression and success of our programs and product candidates in which we expend our resources; our limited ability or inability to assess the safety and efficacy of our product candidates; the risk that other genome-editing technologies may provide significant advantages over our ARCUS technology; our dependence on our ARCUS technology; the initiation, cost, timing, progress, achievement of milestones and results of research and development activities and preclinical and clinical studies, including clinical trial and investigational new drug applications; public perception about genome editing technology and its applications; competition in the genome editing, biopharmaceutical, and biotechnology fields; our or our collaborators' or other licensees' ability to identify, develop and commercialize product candidates; pending and potential product liability lawsuits and penalties against us or our collaborators or other licensees related to our technology and our product candidates; the U.S. and foreign regulatory landscape applicable to our and our collaborators' or other licensees' development of product candidates; our or our collaborators' or other licensees' ability to advance product candidates into, and successfully design, implement and complete, clinical trials; potential manufacturing problems associated with the development or commercialization of any of our product candidates; delays or difficulties in our and our collaborators' and other licensees' ability to enroll patients; changes in interim "top-line" and initial data that we announce or publish; if our product candidates do not work as intended or cause undesirable side effects; risks associated with applicable healthcare, data protection, privacy and security regulations and our compliance therewith; our or our licensees' ability to obtain orphan drug designation or fast track designation for our product candidates or to realize the expected benefits of these designations; our or our collaborators' or other licensees' ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approval of our product candidates, and any related restrictions, limitations and/or warnings in the label of an approved product candidate; the rate and degree of market acceptance of any of our product candidates; our ability to effectively manage the growth of our operations; our ability to attract, retain, and motivate executives and personnel; effects of system failures and security breaches; insurance expenses and exposure to uninsured liabilities; effects of tax rules; effects of any pandemic, epidemic, or outbreak of an infectious disease; the success of our existing collaboration and other license agreements, and our ability to enter into new collaboration arrangements; our current and future relationships with and reliance on third parties including suppliers and manufacturers; our ability to obtain and maintain intellectual property protection for our technology and any of our product candidates; potential litigation relating to infringement or misappropriation of intellectual property rights; effects of natural and manmade disasters, public health emergencies and other natural catastrophic events; effects of sustained inflation, supply chain disruptions and major central bank policy actions; market and economic conditions; risks related to ownership of our common stock, including fluctuations in our stock price; our ability to meet the requirements of and maintain listing of our common stock on Nasdaq or other public stock exchanges; and other important factors discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2025, as any such factors may be updated from time to time in our other filings with the SEC, which are accessible on the SEC's website at and the Investors page of our website under SEC Filings at All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and, except as required by applicable law, we have no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein, whether as a result of any new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise. View source version on Contacts Investor and Media Contact: Naresh TannaVice President of Investor
Business Wire
23-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Precision BioSciences Receives FDA Orphan Drug Designation for PBGENE-DMD for the Treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
BUSINESS WIRE)--Precision BioSciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: DTIL), a clinical stage gene editing company utilizing its novel proprietary ARCUS® platform to develop in vivo gene editing therapies for diseases with high unmet need, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Orphan Drug Designation for PBGENE-DMD for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). 'Receipt of Orphan Drug Designation from the FDA for PBGENE-DMD underscores the tremendous unmet need and urgency to deliver safe treatments that significantly improve muscle function over time for boys living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy,' said Cindy Atwell, Chief Development and Business Officer at Precision BioSciences. 'This regulatory milestone builds on our recent receipt of Rare Pediatric Disease designation and, together with our preclinical body of evidence, gives us tremendous confidence as we move this program towards the clinic. Looking ahead, we remain in active dialogue with the FDA as we advance PBGENE-DMD toward regulatory milestones, with clinical data anticipated in 2026.' The FDA grants Orphan Drug Designation to drugs and biologics intended for the treatment, diagnosis, or prevention of rare diseases or conditions affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the United States. Orphan Drug Designation provides sponsors certain benefits, including financial incentives to support clinical development and the potential for up to seven years of market exclusivity for the drug for the designated orphan indication in the U.S. if the drug is ultimately approved for that use. About PBGENE-DMD PBGENE-DMD is Precision's development program for the treatment of DMD. The approach uses two complementary ARCUS nucleases delivered via a one-time administration in a single AAV to excise exons 45-55 of the dystrophin gene with the aim of restoring near full-length dystrophin protein within the body to improve functional outcomes. PBGENE-DMD is intended to address up to 60% of the DMD patient population. In preclinical studies, PBGENE-DMD demonstrated the ability to target key muscle types involved in the progression of DMD and produced significant, durable functional improvements in a humanized DMD mouse model. PBGENE-DMD restored the body's ability to produce a near full-length functional dystrophin protein across multiple muscles, including cardiac tissue and various key skeletal muscle groups. In addition, PBGENE-DMD edited satellite muscle stem cells, believed to be critical for long-term durability and sustained functional improvement. PBGENE-DMD was recently granted FDA Rare Pediatric Disease (RPD) designation for the treatment of DMD. The Company is advancing the final IND-enabling toxicology studies and is working closely with leading DMD clinicians to design a first in human trial optimized for safety and efficacy. Clinical grade material is in preparation, with initial clinical data expected in 2026. About Precision BioSciences, Inc. Precision's two lead programs, PBGENE-HBV, for chronic Hepatitis B, and PBGENE-DMD, for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, are focused on areas with large patient populations with high unmet need. Precision BioSciences, Inc. is a clinical stage gene editing company dedicated to improving life (DTIL) with its novel and proprietary ARCUS® genome editing platform that differs from other technologies in the way it cuts, its smaller size, and its simpler structure. Key capabilities and differentiating characteristics enable ARCUS nucleases to drive more intended, defined therapeutic outcomes. Using ARCUS, the Company's pipeline prioritizes in vivo gene editing candidates designed to deliver lasting cures for the broadest range of genetic and infectious diseases where no adequate treatments exist. For more information about Precision BioSciences, please visit Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained in this press release that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding the clinical development and expected safety, efficacy and benefit of our and our partners' and licensees' product candidates and gene editing approaches; the potential of PBGENE-DMD to safely drive meaningful improvement in functional and durable benefit over time for up to 60% of patients with DMD; the design on PBGENE-DMD to permanently edit a patient's own DNA sequence, resulting in naturally-produced, near full-length dystrophin protein proven known to be functional in humans; the benefits of an Orphan Drug Designation including financial incentives and regulatory exclusivity; the potential value of a Priority Review Voucher(if awarded) including priority review for a different product or sale to another sponsor; the expected timing of regulatory processes and clinical operations (including IND and/or CTA filings, studies, enrollment and clinical data for PBGENE-DMD; and anticipated timing of clinical data. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as 'aim,' 'anticipate,' 'appear,' 'approach,' 'believe,' , 'confidence', 'contemplate,' 'could,' 'design' 'designed,' 'estimate,' 'expect,' 'goal,' 'intend,' 'look,' 'may,' 'mission,' 'plan,' 'possible,' 'potential,' 'predict,' 'project,' 'pursue,' 'should,' 'strive,' 'suggest,' 'target,' 'will,' 'would,' or the negative thereof and similar words and expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations, beliefs, and assumptions and on information currently available to us. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements due to various important factors, including, but not limited to, our ability to become profitable; our ability to procure sufficient funding to advance our programs; risks associated with our capital requirements, anticipated cash runway, requirements under our current debt instruments and effects of restrictions thereunder, including our ability to raise additional capital due to market conditions and/or our market capitalization; our operating expenses and our ability to predict what those expenses will be; our limited operating history; the progression and success of our programs and product candidates in which we expend our resources; our limited ability or inability to assess the safety and efficacy of our product candidates; the risk that other genome-editing technologies may provide significant advantages over our ARCUS technology; our dependence on our ARCUS technology; the initiation, cost, timing, progress, achievement of milestones and results of research and development activities and preclinical and clinical studies, including clinical trial and investigational new drug applications; public perception about genome editing technology and its applications; competition in the genome editing, biopharmaceutical, and biotechnology fields; our or our collaborators' or other licensees' ability to identify, develop and commercialize product candidates; pending and potential product liability lawsuits and penalties against us or our collaborators or other licensees related to our technology and our product candidates; the U.S. and foreign regulatory landscape applicable to our and our collaborators' or other licensees' development of product candidates; our or our collaborators' or other licensees' ability to advance product candidates into, and successfully design, implement and complete, clinical trials; potential manufacturing problems associated with the development or commercialization of any of our product candidates; delays or difficulties in our and our collaborators' and other licensees' ability to enroll patients; changes in interim 'top-line' and initial data that we announce or publish; if our product candidates do not work as intended or cause undesirable side effects; risks associated with applicable healthcare, data protection, privacy and security regulations and our compliance therewith; our or our licensees' ability to obtain orphan drug designation or fast track designation for our product candidates or to realize the expected benefits of these designations; our or our collaborators' or other licensees' ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approval of our product candidates, and any related restrictions, limitations and/or warnings in the label of an approved product candidate; the rate and degree of market acceptance of any of our product candidates; our ability to effectively manage the growth of our operations; our ability to attract, retain, and motivate executives and personnel; effects of system failures and security breaches; insurance expenses and exposure to uninsured liabilities; effects of tax rules; effects of any pandemic, epidemic, or outbreak of an infectious disease; the success of our existing collaboration and other license agreements, and our ability to enter into new collaboration arrangements; our current and future relationships with and reliance on third parties including suppliers and manufacturers; our ability to obtain and maintain intellectual property protection for our technology and any of our product candidates; potential litigation relating to infringement or misappropriation of intellectual property rights; effects of natural and manmade disasters, public health emergencies and other natural catastrophic events; effects of sustained inflation, supply chain disruptions and major central bank policy actions; market and economic conditions; risks related to ownership of our common stock, including fluctuations in our stock price; our ability to meet the requirements of and maintain listing of our common stock on Nasdaq or other public stock exchanges; and other important factors discussed under the caption 'Risk Factors' in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2025, as any such factors may be updated from time to time in our other filings with the SEC, which are accessible on the SEC's website at and the Investors page of our website under SEC Filings at All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and, except as required by applicable law, we have no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein, whether as a result of any new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise.
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
ImCheck's ICT01 Receives FDA Orphan Drug Designation for Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia
ImCheck's ICT01 Receives FDA Orphan Drug Designation for Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Clinical data showing unprecedented remission rates in newly diagnosed AML patients support advancing ICT01 into pivotal trials Marseille, France, July 18, 2025, 11:00 am CET – ImCheck Therapeutics today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) to its lead program, ICT01, a humanized anti-butyrophilin 3A (BTN3A) monoclonal antibody designed to selectively activate γ9δ2 T cells, for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). AML remains a significant clinical challenge, particularly for older or unfit patients who are not eligible for intensive chemotherapy. 'Receiving FDA orphan drug designation for ICT01 is a significant recognition of ICT01's innovative therapeutic potential to meet the urgent unmet medical needs of AML patients," said Stephan Braun, MD, PhD, Chief Medical Officer of ImCheck Therapeutics. "This important regulatory milestone reinforces our confidence that ICT01 will become the first immunotherapy for AML patients and supports our goal of rapidly advancing ICT01 into pivotal studies based on the unprecedented results observed in the clinic to date.' In an oral presentation at the 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting, ImCheck reported results from the Phase I/II EVICTION study, evaluating ICT01 in combination with azacitidine and venetoclax (Aza-Ven) in newly diagnosed AML patients unfit for intensive chemotherapy. Remarkably high remission rates and a positive overall survival signal were observed across a broad range of molecular subtypes, in particular those that are typically less responsive to Aza-Ven. The combination demonstrated a clinically well-manageable safety profile, with Grade ≥3 adverse events consistent with the expected hematological toxicity of Aza-Ven and AML itself. 'Orphan drug designation is a catalyst,' added Pierre d'Epenoux, Chief Executive Officer of ImCheck Therapeutics. 'It validates our regulatory strategy, de-risks and supports clinical development acceleration, and sends a strong signal about the unique potential of ICT01 to transform AML treatment as well as other solid tumor indications.' The FDA's orphan drug designation is granted to drugs and biologics intended for the treatment, diagnosis, or prevention of rare diseases affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the United States. The designation is designed to encourage the development of therapies for underserved patient populations and offers benefits including tax credits for clinical trials, exemption from certain FDA fees, and up to seven years of marketing exclusivity upon approval. Additionally, the designation gives access to regulatory assistance for the drug development process. About the medical need in AML Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains a significant clinical challenge, particularly for older or unfit patients who cannot tolerate intensive chemotherapy. While the combination of venetoclax and azacitidine has become the standard non-intensive regimen, it is not curative and relapse rates remain high. Most patients are not eligible for stem cell transplantation, often due to age, comorbidities, or insufficient response, and face limited treatment options and poor overall survival. Despite AML's known sensitivity to immune-mediated control, current immunotherapies targeting PD-1, TIM-3, or CD47 have not delivered meaningful clinical benefit. This underscores the urgent need for novel immuno-oncology approaches. Recently, γ9δ2 T cells, with their cytotoxic activity and unique dual role in both innate and adaptive immunity, have emerged as promising immune modulators. Their association with reduced relapse and prolonged survival, particularly in the post-transplant setting, suggests that enhancing their anti-leukemic potential could offer a meaningful new treatment option for high-risk AML patients. About ICT01 ICT01 is a humanized, anti-BTN3A (also known as CD277) monoclonal antibody that selectively activates γ9δ2 T cells, which are responsible for immunosurveillance of malignancy and infections. The three isoforms of BTN3A targeted by ICT01 are overexpressed on many solid tumors (e.g., melanoma, urothelial cell, colorectal, ovarian, pancreatic, and lung cancer) and hematologic malignancies (e.g., leukemia and lymphomas) and also expressed on the surface of innate (e.g., γδ T cells and NK cells) and adaptive immune cells (T cells and B cells). BTN3A is essential for the activation of the anti-tumor immune response of γ9δ2 T cells. As demonstrated by data presented at past AACR, ASCO, ASH, ESMO and SITC conferences, ICT01 selectively activates circulating γ9δ2 T cells leading to migration of γ9δ2 T cells out of the circulation and into the tumor tissue and triggers a downstream immunological cascade through secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including but not limited to IFNγ and TNFα, further augmenting the anti-tumor immune response. Anti-tumor activity and efficacy of ICT01 have been shown in patients across several cancer IMCHECK THERAPEUTICS ImCheck Therapeutics is developing a new generation of immunotherapeutic antibodies targeting butyrophilins, a novel superfamily of immunomodulators. By unlocking the power of γ9δ2 T cells, ImCheck's innovative approach has the potential to transform treatments across oncology, autoimmune, and infectious diseases. The lead clinical-stage program, ICT01, has been advancing to late-stage trials, demonstrating a unique mechanism of action that modulates both innate and adaptive immunity. These 'first-in-class' activating antibodies may deliver superior clinical outcomes compared to first-generation immunotherapy approaches, in particular in rationale combinations with immune checkpoint inhibitors and immunomodulatory anti-cancer drugs. Additionally, ImCheck's pipeline compounds are progressing toward clinical development for autoimmune and infectious diseases. The company benefits from the pioneering research of Prof. Daniel Olive (INSERM, CNRS, Institut Paoli Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University), a global leader in γ9δ2 T cells and butyrophilins, as well as the expertise of a seasoned management team and the commitment of leading U.S. and European investors. For further information: Press contacts: US and EU Trophic CommunicationsGretchen Schweitzer +49 (0) 172 861 8540imcheck@ FranceATCG PARTNERSCéline Voisin+33 (0)6 62 12 53 39imcheck@ Attachment PR in EnglishError while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
ImCheck's ICT01 Receives FDA Orphan Drug Designation for Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia
ImCheck's ICT01 Receives FDA Orphan Drug Designation for Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Clinical data showing unprecedented remission rates in newly diagnosed AML patients support advancing ICT01 into pivotal trials Marseille, France, July 18, 2025, 11:00 am CET – ImCheck Therapeutics today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) to its lead program, ICT01, a humanized anti-butyrophilin 3A (BTN3A) monoclonal antibody designed to selectively activate γ9δ2 T cells, for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). AML remains a significant clinical challenge, particularly for older or unfit patients who are not eligible for intensive chemotherapy. 'Receiving FDA orphan drug designation for ICT01 is a significant recognition of ICT01's innovative therapeutic potential to meet the urgent unmet medical needs of AML patients," said Stephan Braun, MD, PhD, Chief Medical Officer of ImCheck Therapeutics. "This important regulatory milestone reinforces our confidence that ICT01 will become the first immunotherapy for AML patients and supports our goal of rapidly advancing ICT01 into pivotal studies based on the unprecedented results observed in the clinic to date.' In an oral presentation at the 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting, ImCheck reported results from the Phase I/II EVICTION study, evaluating ICT01 in combination with azacitidine and venetoclax (Aza-Ven) in newly diagnosed AML patients unfit for intensive chemotherapy. Remarkably high remission rates and a positive overall survival signal were observed across a broad range of molecular subtypes, in particular those that are typically less responsive to Aza-Ven. The combination demonstrated a clinically well-manageable safety profile, with Grade ≥3 adverse events consistent with the expected hematological toxicity of Aza-Ven and AML itself. 'Orphan drug designation is a catalyst,' added Pierre d'Epenoux, Chief Executive Officer of ImCheck Therapeutics. 'It validates our regulatory strategy, de-risks and supports clinical development acceleration, and sends a strong signal about the unique potential of ICT01 to transform AML treatment as well as other solid tumor indications.' The FDA's orphan drug designation is granted to drugs and biologics intended for the treatment, diagnosis, or prevention of rare diseases affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the United States. The designation is designed to encourage the development of therapies for underserved patient populations and offers benefits including tax credits for clinical trials, exemption from certain FDA fees, and up to seven years of marketing exclusivity upon approval. Additionally, the designation gives access to regulatory assistance for the drug development process. About the medical need in AML Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains a significant clinical challenge, particularly for older or unfit patients who cannot tolerate intensive chemotherapy. While the combination of venetoclax and azacitidine has become the standard non-intensive regimen, it is not curative and relapse rates remain high. Most patients are not eligible for stem cell transplantation, often due to age, comorbidities, or insufficient response, and face limited treatment options and poor overall survival. Despite AML's known sensitivity to immune-mediated control, current immunotherapies targeting PD-1, TIM-3, or CD47 have not delivered meaningful clinical benefit. This underscores the urgent need for novel immuno-oncology approaches. Recently, γ9δ2 T cells, with their cytotoxic activity and unique dual role in both innate and adaptive immunity, have emerged as promising immune modulators. Their association with reduced relapse and prolonged survival, particularly in the post-transplant setting, suggests that enhancing their anti-leukemic potential could offer a meaningful new treatment option for high-risk AML patients. About ICT01 ICT01 is a humanized, anti-BTN3A (also known as CD277) monoclonal antibody that selectively activates γ9δ2 T cells, which are responsible for immunosurveillance of malignancy and infections. The three isoforms of BTN3A targeted by ICT01 are overexpressed on many solid tumors (e.g., melanoma, urothelial cell, colorectal, ovarian, pancreatic, and lung cancer) and hematologic malignancies (e.g., leukemia and lymphomas) and also expressed on the surface of innate (e.g., γδ T cells and NK cells) and adaptive immune cells (T cells and B cells). BTN3A is essential for the activation of the anti-tumor immune response of γ9δ2 T cells. As demonstrated by data presented at past AACR, ASCO, ASH, ESMO and SITC conferences, ICT01 selectively activates circulating γ9δ2 T cells leading to migration of γ9δ2 T cells out of the circulation and into the tumor tissue and triggers a downstream immunological cascade through secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including but not limited to IFNγ and TNFα, further augmenting the anti-tumor immune response. Anti-tumor activity and efficacy of ICT01 have been shown in patients across several cancer IMCHECK THERAPEUTICS ImCheck Therapeutics is developing a new generation of immunotherapeutic antibodies targeting butyrophilins, a novel superfamily of immunomodulators. By unlocking the power of γ9δ2 T cells, ImCheck's innovative approach has the potential to transform treatments across oncology, autoimmune, and infectious diseases. The lead clinical-stage program, ICT01, has been advancing to late-stage trials, demonstrating a unique mechanism of action that modulates both innate and adaptive immunity. These 'first-in-class' activating antibodies may deliver superior clinical outcomes compared to first-generation immunotherapy approaches, in particular in rationale combinations with immune checkpoint inhibitors and immunomodulatory anti-cancer drugs. Additionally, ImCheck's pipeline compounds are progressing toward clinical development for autoimmune and infectious diseases. The company benefits from the pioneering research of Prof. Daniel Olive (INSERM, CNRS, Institut Paoli Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University), a global leader in γ9δ2 T cells and butyrophilins, as well as the expertise of a seasoned management team and the commitment of leading U.S. and European investors. For further information: Press contacts: US and EU Trophic CommunicationsGretchen Schweitzer +49 (0) 172 861 8540imcheck@ FranceATCG PARTNERSCéline Voisin+33 (0)6 62 12 53 39imcheck@ Attachment PR in EnglishError in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
