EU/3/21/2432: Orphan designation for the treatment of fragile X syndrome

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) results from a mutation in the FMR1 gene located on the X chromosome. As consequence, FXS patients are deficient of the protein product of this gene, FMR1. In the brain, this protein has an important role in the communication between nerve cells. The loss of FMR1 may explain the behavioural and physical abnormalities in FXS patients. This medicine is expected to work by interacting with signaling pathways that influence ‘synaptic plasticity’ (capability of nerve cells to modify how they communicate with other nerve cells).

Based on description provided by sponsor

At the time of submission of the application for orphan designation:

• The evaluation of the effects of the medicine in experimental models was ongoing.
• No clinical trials with the medicine in patients with fragile X syndrome had been started.

More information on how potential new medicines are tested during their development is available on Authorisation of medicines.

Medicines intended for rare diseases can be granted an orphan designation during their development.

The orphan designation allows the developer to benefit from:

• scientific and regulatory support to advance their medicine to the stage where they can request marketing authorisation;

• market exclusivity once the medicine is on the market.

To qualify for orphan designation, a medicine must meet a number of criteria:

• it must be intended for the treatment, prevention or diagnosis of a disease that is life-threatening or chronically debilitating;

• the prevalence of the condition in the EU must not be more than 5 in 10,000 or it must be unlikely that marketing of the medicine would generate sufficient returns to justify the investment needed for its development;

• there are no satisfactory alternative methods for the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of the condition or, if such a method exists, the medicine is of significant benefit to those affected by the condition.

EMA's Committee for Orphan Medicinal Products (COMP) is responsible for issuing opinions on applications for orphan designations.

The Agency sends the COMP opinion to the European Commission, which is responsible for granting the orphan designation. The full list of orphan designations is available in the Community register of orphan medicinal products for human use.

For more information, see:

• Orphan designation: Overview

• Rare diseases, orphan medicines: Getting the facts straight