EU/3/05/329 - orphan designation for treatment of localised scleroderma

Peptide 144 TGF-beta1-inhibitor (TSLDASIIWAMMQN)
OrphanHuman

Overview

On 28 October 2005, orphan designation (EU/3/05/329) was granted by the European Commission to Digna Biotech S.L., Spain, for peptide 144 TGF-beta1-inhibitor (TSLDASIIWAMMQN) treatment of localised scleroderma.

Localised scleroderma involves the abnormal growth of connective tissue, which supports the skin leading to a chronic, localised hardening and thickening of the skin. Depending on the way they grow, lesions may be categorised as “morphea” (shape of a drop) or “linear” (forming lines). It is more common in women than in men. Due to the damage caused by thickening of the skin, which can cause severe restrictions of movements, the disease is considered seriously debilitating.

At the time of designation, localised scleroderma affected not more than 3 in 10,000 people in the European Union (EU)*. This is equivalent to a total of not more than 138,000 people, and is below the threshold for orphan designation, which is 5 people in 10,000. This is based on the information provided by the sponsor and the knowledge of the Committee for Orphan Medicinal Products (COMP).

* Disclaimer: For the purpose of the designation, the number of patients affected by the condition is estimated and assessed based on data from the European Union (EU 25), Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein. This represents a population of 459,700,000 (Eurostat 2004)

One medicinal product with anti-fibrotic activity (limiting new formation of a basic substance of connective tissue) was authorised for the condition in some countries in the Community at the time of submission of the application for orphan drug designation. Other disease-modifying products were generally used for the condition at the time of submission of the application for orphan drug designation. Peptide 144 TGF-beta1-inhibitor (TSLDASIIWAMMQN) might be of potential significant benefit for the treatment of localised scleroderma in particular because it may act differently from other medicinal products. This benefit will have to be confirmed at the time of marketing authorisation and will be necessary to maintain the orphan status.

Transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF- ?1) is a substance secreted by cells in the human body that plays a role in the abnormal growth of connective tissue (fibrosis). Peptide 144 TGF-ß1-inhibitor (TSLDASIIWAMMQN) is expected to stop the activation of this substance and thereby it might stop or reduce the production of connective tissue (fibrosis) and thus reduce the thickness of the skin.

The effects of peptide 144 TGF-beta1-inhibitor (TSLDASIIWAMMQN) were evaluated in experimental models.

At the time of submission of the application for orphan designation, no clinical trials in patients with localised scleroderma were initiated.

The medicinal product was not authorised anywhere worldwide for localised scleroderma or designated as orphan medicinal product elsewhere for this condition, at the time of submission.

In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 141/2000 of 16 December 1999, the COMP adopted a positive opinion on 9 September 2005 recommending the granting of this designation.

  • the seriousness of the condition,
  • the existence of alternative methods of diagnosis, prevention or treatment and
  • either the rarity of the condition (affecting not more than 5 in 10,000 people in the European Union) or insufficient returns on investment.

Designated orphan medicinal products are products that are still under investigation and are considered for orphan designation on the basis of potential activity. An orphan designation is not a marketing authorisation. As a consequence, demonstration of quality, safety and efficacy is necessary before a product can be granted a marketing authorisation.

Key facts

Active substance
Peptide 144 TGF-beta1-inhibitor (TSLDASIIWAMMQN)
Intended use
Treatment of localised scleroderma
Orphan designation status
Positive
EU designation number
EU/3/05/329
Date of designation
Sponsor

Digna Biotech S.L.
Avenida Pio XII, 22
Oficina 2 
31008 Pamplona 
Navarra Spain
Telephone: +34 91 18 52 510
Telefax: +34 91 18 52 519
E-mail: info@dignabiotech.com

EMA list of opinions on orphan medicinal product designation

EMA publishes information on orphan medicinal product designation adopted by the Committee for Orphan Medicinal Products (COMP) on the IRIS online platform:

EU register of orphan medicines

The list of medicines that have received an orphan designation in the EU is available on the European Commission's website:

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