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New Drug Designations – February 2024

Shots:

  • PharmaShots’ designation report provides a concise overview of several drugs and their designations by the US FDA, and EC. This month’s report includes designations allotted to 13 small molecules, 20 biologics, and 2 devices 
  • SN Bioscience’s SNB-101 received ODD from the US FDA for the treatment of pancreatic cancer based on preclinical results. It has previously received the US FDA’s ODD for treating SCLC in Jul 2023 
  • PharmaShots has compiled a list of a total of 33 drugs and 2 devices awarded with designations by multiple regulatory bodies in Feb 2024
  1. Olezarsen  
Sponsor   Ionis Pharmaceuticals 
Indication   Familial Chylomicronemia Syndrome (FCS) 
Phase  P-III 
MOA  Apolipoprotein C III expression inhibitor 
RoA Subcutaneous Injection  
Approval Authority  FDA 
Date  Feb 15, 2024 
  • Ionis Pharmaceuticals’ Olezarsen has received the US FDA’s ODD for the treatment of Familial Chylomicronemia Syndrome (FCS) 
  • Olezarsen is an RNA-targeted LIgand Conjugated Antisense (LICA) drug, it functions by inhibiting the production of apoC-III, which regulates triglyceride metabolism in the blood 
  1. LUT014  
Sponsor   Lutris Pharma 
Indication   EGFR Inhibitor-Induced Acneiform Lesions  
Phase  P-II 
MOA  B-Raf Inhibitor  
RoA Tropical Ointment 
Approval Authority  FDA 
Date  Feb 28, 2024 
  • Lutris Pharma’s LUT014 received the US FDA’s ODD for the treatment of EGFR inhibitor-induced acneiform lesions   
  • P-II study is ongoing in randomized patients. Although, the results P-I trial showed safety and efficacy in colorectal cancer patients who developed grade 2 skin rashes induced by EGFR inhibitorLUT014 (topical application) functions by activating the MAPK pathway to generate new cells and balance cell destruction   
  1. Pitolisant  
Sponsor   Harmony Biosciences 
Indication   Prader-Willi syndrome 
Phase  P-II 
MOA  Histamine 3 (H3) receptor antagonist /inverse agonist 
RoA Oral 
Approval Authority  FDA 
Date  Feb 20, 2024 
  • Harmony Biosciences’ Pitolisant has received orphan drug designation (ODD) from the US FDA for the treatment of Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). 
  • Pitolisant is currently being evaluated in a P-II study (NCT04257929) and is planned to initiate the P-III TEMPO study in Q1’24 for the evaluation of the safety and efficacy of Pitolisant in treating EDS and behavioral disturbances in PWS (age 6+ years). 
  • Pitolisant is an H3 receptor antagonist/inverse agonist developed by Bioprojet. Harmony holds an exclusive license to develop, manufacture, and commercialize Pitolisant in the US 
  1. CardiolRx  
Sponsor   Cardiol Therapeutics 
Indication   Pericarditis 
Phase  P-II 
MOA  5-HT1 Serotonin Receptor Modulator 
RoA Oral 
Approval Authority  FDA 
Date  Feb 15, 2024 
  • Cardiol Therapeutics’ CardiolRx has received ODD from the US FDA for the treatment of pericarditis, including recurrent pericarditis. The designation was supported by the pre-clinical and initial clinical data of P-II study 
  • CardiolRx is currently being evaluated in the P-II (MAvERIC-Pilot) study for recurrent pericarditis and acute myocarditis. The P-II study is evaluating the tolerance, safety, and effects of CardiolRx in patients with recurrent pericarditis and evaluating improvements 
  • CardiolRx (cannabidiol) inhibits the activation of the inflammasome pathway, an intracellular process important in the development and progression of inflammation and fibrosis associated with myocarditis, pericarditis, and heart failure 
  1. Ruxoprubart  
Sponsor   NovelMed Therapeutics  
Indication   Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH) 
Phase  P-II 
MOA  Complement C3-C5 convertases inhibitors 
RoA IV 
Approval Authority  FDA  
Date  Feb 12, 2024 
  • NovelMed’s Ruxoprubart received ODD from the US FDA for the treatment of Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH). 
  • Ruxoprubart is currently being evaluated for safety and efficacy in a P-II study with treatment-naive PNH patients. The FDA has also approved a P-Ib/II study for PNH, C3 Glomerulopathy (C3G), Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS), and most recently, for ANCA vasculitis (AAV). 
  • Ruxoprubart is a humanized anti-Bb monoclonal antibody that selectively blocks the alternative pathway while maintaining the functionality of the classical pathway necessary for eliminating infections 
  1. Ocifisertib (CFI-400945)  
Sponsor   Treadwell Therapeutics 
Indication   Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) 
Phase  P-Ib/II 
MOA  PLK4 inhibitor 
RoA Oral 
Approval Authority  FDA 
Date  Feb 20, 2024 
  • Treadwell’s ocifisertib (CFI-400945) has been previously designated with the FTD for the treatment of r/r AML (TP53 mutated) which now received ODD 
  • The P-Ib/II study is currently evaluating ocifisertib in adult patients with r/r AML and the drug is being administered after the SoC 
  1. SNB-101   
Sponsor   SN BioScience  
Indication   Pancreatic Cancer  
Phase  P-I 
MOA  DNA Inhibitors  
RoA IV  
Approval Authority  FDA 
Date  Feb 27, 2024 
  • SN Bioscience’s SNB-101 (API: SN-38) received ODD from the US FDA for the treatment of pancreatic cancer based on preclinical results. It has previously received the US FDA’s ODD for treating SCLC in Jul 2023 
  • The preclinical results demonstrated the drug’s efficacy as compared to Abraxane & Onivyde (existing 1L treatments) in animal models for pancreatic cancer 
  • Additionally, in Nov 2023, the company received approval to conduct P-II for SNB-101 in Korea. The approval for P-I study has been received in the US & Korea while planning to conduct P-II studies in H2’24 across the US and the EU 
  1. IO-202  
Sponsor   Immune-Onc Therapeutics 
Indication   Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML) 
Phase  P-I 
MOA  LILRB4 Inhibitor 
RoA IV 
Approval Authority  FDA 
Date  Feb 21, 2024 
  • Immune-Onc’s IO-202 received ODD from the US FDA for the treatment of CMML and previously received FTD for the treatment of relapsed or refractory CMML in 2023. Furthermore, it was designated with FTD and ODD for AML in 2022 and 2020 respectively 
  • IO-202 is under the P-I dose expansion study in combination with AZA for the evaluation of safety, PK & PD in patients with newly diagnosed CMML  
  • IO-202 is a LILRB4 inhibitor and a humanized IgG1 Ab that functions by killing LILRB4hi cells via ADCC and ADCP and can be indicated for the treatment of blood cancers, autoimmune, and inflammatory diseases 
  1. Tigilanol Tiglate  
Sponsor   Qbiotics 
Indication   Soft Tissue Sarcoma 
Phase  P-I 
MOA  Immunostimulants 
RoA Intratumoral Injection 
Approval Authority  FDA 
Date  Feb 16, 2024 
  • Qbiotics’s Tigilanol Tiglate received ODD from the US FDA for the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma 
  • P-II study is ongoing to evaluate efficacy and safety of intratumoral tigilanol tiglate in patients with a range of advanced and/or metastatic soft tissue sarcoma 
  • The 1EPs is achieved when its ablation rate reduces to >30% tumor volume assessed by ultrasound vs baseline. The 2EPs is to evaluate AEs and serious adverse events and PK 
  1. DISC-3405   
Sponsor   Disc Medicine 
Indication   Polycythemia Vera (PV) 
Phase  P-I 
MOA  TMPRSS6 Protein Inhibitor 
RoA IV 
Approval Authority  FDA  
Date  Feb 09, 2024 
  • Disc Medicine’s DISC-3405 has received the US FDA’s ODD for the treatment of Polycythemia Vera (PV). 
  • DISC-3405 is currently being evaluated in a Phase I study since Oct 2023, and the company plans to develop DISC-3405 initially as a treatment for PV, as well as other hematologic conditions. 
  • DISC-3405 is an anti-TMPRSS6 (Transmembrane Serine Protease 6, also known as Matriptase-2) monoclonal antibody that functions by increasing the production of hepcidin and suppressing serum iron levels. 
  1. Soquelitinib (CPI-818) 
Sponsor   Corvus Pharmaceuticals 
Indication   T-cell lymphoma 
Phase  P-Ib 
MOA  Emt Protein-tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor 
RoA Oral 
Approval Authority  FDA 
Date  Feb 08, 2024 
  • Corvus’ Soquelitinib has received ODD from the US FDA for the treatment of T cell lymphoma (TCL). 
  • Soquelitinib, which has shown positive interim results from a P-I/IB study in patients with refractory TCL, is expected to advance into a P-III trial in patients with relapsed peripheral T cell lymphoma (PTCL) in Q2’24. 
  • Soquelitinib selectively inhibits ITK and has the potential to control the differentiation of normal T helper cells, enhancing immune responses to tumors by augmenting the generation of cytotoxic killer T cells and the production of cytokines that inhibit cancer cell survival. 
  1. AIT-101  
Sponsor   OrphAI Therapeutics 
Indication   Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) 
Phase  P-IIa 
MOA  Selective inhibitor of the lipid kinase PIKfyve 
RoA Oral 
Approval Authority  EMA 
Date  Feb 15, 2024 
  • OrphAI Therapeutics’, AIT-101, has received Orphan Drug Designation from the EMA for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and was already designated with the ODD by the US FDA in Jun 2023. 
  • AIT-101 has recently completed a Phase IIa clinical study in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). 
  • AIT-101 is a potent and highly selective inhibitor of the lipid kinase PIKfyve. This inhibition leads to the activation of the transcription factor TFEB, which drives increased clearance of toxic protein aggregates via the lysosomal autophagy pathway. 
  1. NXC-201  
Sponsor   Immix Biopharma 
Indication   AL Amyloidosis 
Phase  P-Ib/IIa 
MOA  T lymphocyte replacements 
RoA IV 
Approval Authority  EMA 
Date  Feb 07, 2024 
  • The European Commission (EC) designated the drug for Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) for AL amyloidosis, while the US FDA had already designated ODD for both AL amyloidosis and multiple myeloma in Sep 2023 
  • NXC-201 is currently undergoing evaluation in an ongoing Phase Ib/IIa NEXICART-1 (NCT04720313) trial involving patients with multiple myeloma and AL amyloidosis. 
  • NXC-201 (HBI0101) is an investigational autologous CAR-T therapy designed to target B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) 
  1. ARCT-032  
Sponsor   Arcturus Therapeutics 
Indication   Cystic Fibrosis (CF) 
Phase  P-Ib 
MOA  Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Stimulant 
RoA Nasal 
Approval Authority  EMA 
Date  Feb 22, 2024 
  • Arcturus’s ARCT-032 has received Orphan Medicinal Product Designation from the EC based on the positive opinion of the EMA for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) and was already designated with the ODD by the US FDA in Nov 2023 
  • ARCT-032 is currently being evaluated in a P-Ib study, with the first patient enrolled and administered two doses of ARCT-032. Arcturus expects to share the interim data of the P-Ib study in H1’24 
  • ARCT-032 utilizes Arcturus’ LUNAR lipid-mediated aerosolized platform to deliver CFTR messenger RNA into the lungs and decrease the effects that cause the progressive lung disease 

Fast Track Designation 

  1. BXCL701  
Sponsor   BioXcel  
Indication   SCNC and Adenocarcinoma 
Phase  P-III 
MOA  B-Cell Maturation Antigen Antagonists 
Approval Authority  FDA 
Date  Feb 16, 2024 
  • BioXcel’s BXCL701 + CPI received FTD from the FDA for the treatment of metastatic small cell neuroendocrine prostate cancer (mSCNC) with progression on CT and no evidence of microsatellite instability, and previously the BXCL701 received ODD in 2019  
  • BXCL701 is being evaluated for the rendering of “cold” and “hot” tumors making them more detectable by additive immune system therefore developing a strong anti-cancer immune response 
  • BXCL701 is an oral innate immune activator that functions by initiating inflammation in the tumor microenvironment 
  1. Bepirovirsen  
Sponsor   GSK 
Indication   Chronic Hepatitis B (CHB) 
Phase  P-III 
MOA  RNA interference 
Approval Authority  FDA 
Date  Feb 12, 2024 
  • GSK’s  Bepirovirsen received FTD from the US FDA for the treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B (CHB)   
  • The FTD was granted based on the results from the P-IIb trials incl. (B-Clear) evaluating the safety, efficacy & durability of Bepirovirsen vs PBO in patients (n=440) with chronic HBV infection randomized as those on stable NA (Cohort 1)/ or not (Cohort 2) & (B-Sure) follow-up study evaluating patients achieving a complete or partial response in the (B-Clear) study 
  • Bepirovirsen, an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO), is currently being evaluated in a confirmatory P-III (B-Well) trial 
  1. Vepdegestrant  
Sponsor   Arvinas and Pfizer 
Indication   ER+/HER2- Breast Cancer 
Phase  P-III 
MOA  Estrogen Receptor Degraders 
RoA Oral  
Approval Authority  FDA  
Date  Feb 06, 2024 
  • The Arvinas and Pfizer’s Vepdegestrant (ARV-471) received the US FDA’s FTD for the treatment of ER+/HER2- Breast Cancer in patients who have already received prior endocrine-based therapy. 
  • The companies are currently evaluating Vepdegestrant in an ongoing P-III (VERITAC-2) study in patients with locally advanced or metastatic ER+/HER2- breast cancer who have already received prior endocrine-based therapy. 
  • Vepdegestrant is a PROTAC protein degrader that has already shown 97% ER degradation in tumor cells and increased anti-tumor activity versus standard of care (fulvestrant), both as monotherapy and in combination with a CDK4/6 inhibitor 
  1. 9MW2821  
     
Sponsor   Mabwell Bioscience 
Indication   Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (ESCC) 
Phase  P-II 
MOA  Apoptosis Stimulant 
RoA IV 
Approval Authority  FDA 
Date  Feb 27, 2024 
  • Mabwell Bioscience’s 9MW2821 has received the US FDA’s Fast Track Designation for advanced, recurrent, or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). 
  • 9MW2821 is currently being evaluated in an ongoing Phase II study, as indicated by preliminary data showing an objective response rate (ORR) of 30% and disease control rate (DCR) of 73.3% at a dose of 1.25 mg/kg in 30 patients with advanced EC who have already undergone monotherapy and completed at least one tumor assessment. 
  • 9MW2821 is a Nectin-4-targeting drug developed using an ADC platform and an automated high-throughput hybridoma antibody discovery platform. 
  1. EDG-5506  
Sponsor   Edgewise Therapeutics 
Indication   Duchenne 
Phase  P-II 
MOA  Myosin Inhibitor 
RoA Oral 
Approval Authority  FDA 
Date  Feb 13, 2024 
  • Edgewise Therapeutics’ EDG-5506 has received FTD from the US FDA for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. It has also been granted ODD for both Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies, Rare Pediatric Disease Designation (RPDD) for Duchenne, and FTD for Becker. 
  • Edgewise is currently evaluating EDG-5506 in a P-II study (LYNX) for Duchenne in children aged 4-9 years, as well as in another P-II study (FOX) involving children and adolescents. 
  • EDG-5506 is a small molecule that prevents contraction-induced muscle damage in dystrophinopathies. The drug acts by selectively reducing injurious mechanical stress caused by the absence of functional dystrophin, thereby allowing for a greater range of muscle contraction 
  1. UV1  
     
Sponsor   Ultimovacs ASA 
Indication   Plural-Mesothelioma 
Phase  P-II 
MOA  Immunostimulants 
RoA ID 
Approval Authority  FDA 
Date  Feb 05, 2024 
  • Ultimovacs’s UV1 has received Fast Track Designation (FTD) by the US FDA for unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma to improve overall survival (OS), supported by the results of the Phase II (NIPU) clinical trial presented at the ESMO Congress 2023. UV1 previously received ODD from the US FDA in 2023. 
  • UV1 is currently being evaluated in a Phase II study comparing UV1 + ipilimumab and nivolumab versus ipilimumab and nivolumab as second-line treatment, following first-line treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy. The results have shown improvement in OS with no observed toxicity. 
  1. BST02  
Sponsor   Biosyngen 
Indication   Liver Cancer  
Phase  P-I/II 
MOA  T lymphocyte replacements 
Approval Authority  FDA 
Date  Feb 1, 2024 
  • The US FDA has granted FTD to the Biosyngen’s BST02 for treating multiple types of liver cancer such as hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma  
  • BST02 is currently being evaluated in a P-I/II dose escalation & expansion study for its safety, tolerability, and initial efficacy for the treatment of locally advanced/metastatic liver cancer  
  • BST02 is a T-cell therapy that employs the patient’s own tumor infiltrating lymphocytes and has the potential of overcoming distance constraints because of its cryopreserved form and the reduced need for high interleukin-2 dosage 
  1. DISC-0974  
Sponsor   Disc Medicine 
Indication   Non-dialysis Dependent Chronic Kidney Disease (NDD-CKD) and Anemia 
Phase  P-Ib/II 
MOA  HFE2 Protein Inhibitor 
RoA Subcutaneous 
Approval Authority  FDA  
Date  Feb 20, 2024 
  • Disc Medicine’s DISC-0974 received US FDA’s FTD for the treatment of NDD-CKD and anemia. 
  • Disc is currently conducting P-I studies in patients with myelofibrosis and anemia and in patients with NDD-CKD and anemia. 
  • DISC-0974 is a mAb that targets a BMP-signaling co-receptor called hemojuvelin (HJV) and functions by suppressing the production of hepcidin, increasing the levels of serum iron in patients suffering from anemia of inflammation 
  1. IDP-023  
Sponsor   Indapta Therapeutics 
Indication   Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Multiple Myeloma. 
Phase  P-I 
MOA  Natural killer Cell Therapy 
Approval Authority  FDA 
Date  Feb 29, 2024 
  • The US FDA grants Fast Track Designation (FTD) to Indapta Therapeutics for IDP-023 for the treatment of patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and multiple myeloma. 
  • Indapta is now recruiting patients for Phase I trials of IDP-023 and will receive up to three planned doses of IDP-023 with or without interleukin-2 
  1. AlloNK (AB-101)  
Sponsor   Artiva Biotherapeutics 
Indication   lupus nephritis   
Phase  P-I 
MOA  NK Cell Therapy 
RoA IV 
Approval Authority  FDA 
Date  Feb 22, 2024 
  • Artiva Biotherapeutics’ AlloNK + rituximab or obinutuzumab received FTD by the US FDA for the treatment of lupus nephritis (LN)  
  • The P-I/II data showed the ability of AlloNK + rituximab to drive deep B-cell depletion in patients with late-line B-cell cancers 
  • AlloNK MOA is very similar to the B-cell targeted autologous CAR-T therapies, but it offers the advantage of self-therapy with a better safety profile 
  1. PGN-EDODM1  
Sponsor   PepGen Inc.   
Indication   Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 (DM1) 
Phase  P-I 
MOA  RNA splicing modulator 
RoA IV 
Approval Authority  FDA  
Date  Feb 20, 2024 
  • PepGen’s PGN-EDODM1 has received the US FDA’s FTD for the treatment of Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 (DM1) and it was already designated with ODD last year. 
  • PepGen is currently conducting the P-I study (FREEDOM-DM1) to evaluate PGN-EDODM1 in patients with DM1 and expects to report the initial data this year. 
  • PGN-EDODM1 functions by delivering a peptide-conjugated antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) for the restoration of cellular function  

Breakthrough Therapy Designation  

  1. NVL-520    
Sponsor   Nuvalent 
Indication   ROS1-Positive mNSCLC 
Phase  P-III 
MOA  ROS1 Selective Inhibitor 
Approval Authority  FDA 
Date  Feb 27, 2024 
  • Nuvalent’s NVL-520 received BTD from the US FDA to treat ROS1-Positive mNSCLC and was supported by the P-I part of the P-I/II ARROS-1 clinical trial. 
  • NVL-520 is currently being evaluated in a P-I/II ARROS-1 trial for patients with solid tumors, including advanced ROS1-positive NSCLC. 
  • NVL-520 is a brain-penetrant ROS1 Selective Inhibitor designed to act on tumors that have developed resistance to currently available ROS1 inhibitors. Furthermore, it aims to enhance brain penetration to address brain metastases and to avoid inhibition of structurally related TRK. 
  1. Sibeprenlimab   
Sponsor   Otsuka and Visterra’s 
Indication   IgAN 
Phase  P-III 
MOA  B-Cell Maturation Antigen Antagonists 
Approval Authority  FDA 
Date  Feb 16, 2024 
  • Otsuka and Visterra’s Sibeprenlimab received the US FDA’s BTD for the treatment of immunoglobulin A nephropathy. 
  • Sibeprenlimab is currently evaluated in P-III study and the companies has reported promising results in P-II ENVISION trial for IgAN in Nov 2023 
  • Sibeprenlimab (VIS649) is a humanized IgG2 mAb that decreases the production of Gd-IgA1 by binding to specific signaling molecule called APRIL (A ProlifeRation-Inducing Ligand), which has been demonstrated to be a driver of IgA and Gd-IgA1 production 
  1. Nipocalimab (mAb)  
Sponsor   Johnson & Johnson 
Indication   Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (HDFN) 
Phase  P-III 
MOA  Neonatal Fc receptor antagonists 
RoA IV 
Approval Authority  FDA  
Date  Feb 09, 2024 
  • J&J’s Nipocalimab received BTD from the US FDA for the treatment of Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (HDFN) 
  • BTD was backed by P-II (UNITY) study that has met the primary endpoint with minimal adverse events. The P-II (UNITY) clinical trial is a non-blinded study to evaluate the safety, efficacy, PK, and PD of nipocalimab in pregnant participants with EOS HDFN 
  • Nipocalimab is currently evaluated in a P-III (AZALEA) pivotal trial enrolling pregnant patients who are at risk for severe HDFN and who have a history of severe HDFN in a prior pregnancy(ies) 
  • Nipocalimab is a mAb that functions by selectively blocking the FcRn to decrease the levels of IgG Ab, incl. auto-Ab and allo-Ab that cause various conditions 
  1. Latozinemab (AL001)   
Sponsor   Alector and GSK 
Indication   Frontotemporal Dementia with a progranulin gene mutation 
Phase  P-III 
MOA  Sortilin Inhibitor 
RoA IV  
Approval Authority  FDA  
Date  Feb 07, 2024 
  • Alector and GSK’s Latozinemab received BTD from the US FDA for the treatment of Frontotemporal Dementia with a progranulin gene mutation (FTD-GRN) in patients 
  • The BTD was supported by data from the Phase II (INFRONT-2) study of Latozinemab in FTD-GRN patients. Latozinemab is currently being evaluated in a Phase III (INFRONT-3) study in FTD-GRN patients 
  • Latozinemab (AL001) is a monoclonal antibody that modulates progranulin (PGRN), which is linked to various neurodegenerative disorders. The drug aims to increase PGRN levels in humans by inhibiting sortilin 
  1. AlphaMedix (212Pb-DOTAMTATE)  
Sponsor   RadioMedix, and Orano Med 
Indication   Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (GEP-NETs) 
Phase  P-II 
MOA  Ionising Radiation Emitters 
RoA IV 
Approval Authority  FDA  
Date  Feb 12, 2024 
  • RadioMedix and Orano Med’s AlphaMedix (212Pb-DOTAMTATE) received BTD from the US FDA for the treatment of adults with unresectable/metastatic, progressive somatostatin receptor-expressing GEP-NETs who are not treated with peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT). 
  • The designation was supported by P-I data, demonstrating an ORR of 62.5%, and an ongoing P-II study investigating the safety and efficacy of AlphaMedix. The target response rate has been attained in the P-II, while top-line results are anticipated in mid-2024 
  • AlphaMedix comprises SSTR-targeting peptide complex radiolabeled with 212Pb, which produces alpha particles for destroying cancer cells while reducing toxicity to nearby healthy tissues 
  1. BAY 2927088  
Sponsor   Bayer  
Indication   Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) 
Phase  P-I/II 
MOA  EGFR Antagonist 
RoA Oral 
Approval Authority  FDA 
Date  Feb 26, 2024 
  • Bayer’s BAY 2927088 received BTD from the US FDA for the treatment of NSCLC patients with age ≥18yrs. 
  • The BTD was granted based on the results from the P-I clinical trial evaluating the safety, efficacy & PK of BAY 2927088 in NSCLC patients (n=460, age ≥18yrs.) with HER2 mutations & who have received prior systemic therapy 
  • BAY 2927088 is an oral reversible TKI that functions by inhibiting the mutant HER2 incl. HER2 exon 20 insertions & HER2 point mutations & EGFR. The product was developed under the collaboration of Bayer & Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard 

Rare Pediatric Disease Designation 

  1. AOC 1044  
Sponsor   Avidity Biosciences 
Indication   Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) 
Phase  P-I/II 
MOA  Dystrophin Expression Stimulants 
RoA IV 
Approval Authority  FDA  
Date  Feb 20, 2024 
  • Avidity Biosciences’ AOC 1044 was previously designated as ODD and FTD by the US FDA and ODD by the EMA 
  • P-I/II EXPLORE44 is a randomized, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, PK, and PD effects of single and multiple ascending doses of AOC 1044 in healthy individuals and patients with DMD44 
  • AOC 1044 functions by delivering phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PMOs) to skeletal muscle and heart tissue to specifically skip exon 44 of the dystrophin gene to initiate the production of dystrophin in people living with DMD44 

Breakthrough Device Designation 

  1. ARC-BCI System  
Sponsor   Onward 
Indication   Spinal Cord Injury 
Phase  N/A 
MOA  N/A 
RoA N/A 
Approval Authority  FDA 
Date  Feb 29, 2024 
  • ONWARD Medical’s ARC-BCI System has received the US FDA’s BDD based on the results from two feasibility clinical studies.  
  • ARC-BCI System utilizes brain-computer interface (BCI) technology + ARC-IM therapy to restore thought-driven lower limb mobility after spinal cord injury (SCI). The company anticipates the launch of its first product in 2024. 
  • The implanted BCI in the system captures brain activities and signals indicating movement intentions that are decoded into instructions using AI. Afterward, the system stimulates the injured spinal cord to restore thought-driven movement after paralysis 
  1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) 
Sponsor   Better Therapeutics 
Indication   Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) 
Phase  N/A 
MOA  N/A 
RoA N/A 
Approval Authority  FDA 
Date  Feb 20, 2024 
  • Better Therapeutics’ CBT platform has received the US FDA’s BDD to treat adults with MASH/NASH. 
  • The company has received BDD status on the LivVita study results and meets its 1EPs and 2EPs by reducing liver fat within 90 days and improving liver health without any device-related AEs respectively. 
  • In 2023, based on clinical results on Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), Better’s CBT platform led to FDA authorization of AspyreRx, the first prescription digital therapy delivering CBT as a treatment for T2D 

Priority Medicine Designation 

  1. GTX-102  
Sponsor   Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical 
Indication   Angelman Syndrome (AS) 
Phase  P-I/II 
MOA  UBE3A Protein Expression Stimulants 
RoA IT 
Approval Authority  EMA  
Date  Feb 05, 2024 
  • GTX-102, which is already designated with ODD by EMA, is now assigned with PRIME Designation for treating pediatric patients with Angelman Syndrome (AS). Furthermore, the drug has already been designated with ODD, RPDD, and FTD by the US FDA.  
  • PRIME Designation is supported by early clinical data from P-I/II extension arms showing meaningful improvements in several neurodevelopmental domains in AS patients 
  • P-I/II is a multiple-dose, dose-escalating study to evaluate the safety and tolerability of GTX-102. Patients in earlier extension arms (4-7) transitioned to long-term maintenance dosing, and enrollment for a new expansion arm has been completed to determine the dose range and treatment regimen to be used in P-III study. 
  • GTX-102 is an oligonucleotide that functions by targeting and inhibiting the expression of UBE3A-AS. Preclinical studies have shown that it stimulates UBE3A expression and decreases the level of UBE3A-AS 

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