EU/3/10/730 - orphan designation for treatment of hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia
raloxifene hydrochloride
Orphan
Human
Overview
On 10 June 2010, orphan designation (EU/3/10/730) was granted by the European Commission to Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas (CSIC), Spain, for raloxifene hydrochloride for the treatment of hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia.
Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT, also known as Rendu-Osler-Weber syndrome) is a genetic disease that causes abnormalities in the capillaries (small blood vessels that connect arteries with veins). This results in direct connections between arteries and veins, which are fragile, increasing the risk of bleeding. The most common symptoms of the disease are spontaneous and frequent nosebleeds, and red spots on the skin, particularly on the face and hands and in the mouth. Bleeding can also occur in the stomach, gut, brain, liver and lungs, and often leads to anaemia (low red blood cell counts).
HHT is a long-term debilitating disease that may be life threatening because of its complications, such as stroke and liver problems.
At the time of designation, HHT affected approximately 2 in 10,000 people in the European Union (EU)*. This is equivalent to a total of around 101,000 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 on the basis of data from the European Union (EU 27), Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. This represents a population of 506,500,000 (Eurostat 2010).
At the time of designation, no satisfactory methods were authorised in the EU for the treatment of HHT. Different methods were used to control bleeding, which depended mainly on where in the body it occurred. For nosebleeds, patients used nasal humidifiers and lubricants. Laser treatment and surgery were used to stop internal bleeding. In patients with severe liver problems, liver transplantation was performed. When bleeding caused anaemia, patients were given iron supplements and blood transfusions.
Patients with HHT have a genetic defect that affects the production of two proteins known as ALK1 and ENG. These proteins are involved in angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels) and wound healing. Raloxifene is expected to increase the production of these proteins, and to relieve the symptoms of bleeding in HHT.
The effects of raloxifene hydrochloride have been evaluated in experimental models.
At the time of submission of the application for orphan designation, two observational studies with raloxifene hydrochloride in HHT postmenopausal women had been conducted.
At the time of submission, raloxifene hydrochloride was not authorised anywhere in the EU for HHT or designated as an orphan medicinal product elsewhere for this condition.
In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 141/2000 of 16 December 1999, the COMP adopted a positive opinion on 3 February 2010 recommending the granting of this designation.
- the seriousness of the condition;
- the existence of alternative methods of diagnosis, prevention or treatment;
- either the rarity of the condition (affecting not more than 5 in 10,000 people in the Community) 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
- raloxifene hydrochloride
- Intended use
- Treatment of hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia
- Orphan designation status
- Positive
- EU designation number
- EU/3/10/730
- Date of designation
- Sponsor
Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas (CSIC)
C/ Serrano 142
28006 Madrid
Spain
Telephone: +34 91 568 1542
Telefax: +34 91 568 15 51
E-mail: blara@orgc.csic.es
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: