EU/3/21/2444: Orphan designation for the treatment of primary IgA nephropathy

In patients with primary IgA nephropathy (IgAN) the immune system (the body's natural defences) produces a faulty version of an antibody called immunoglobulin A (IgA), which builds up in clusters of small blood vessels in the kidney, called glomeruli, that filter the blood. This build-up damages the glomeruli, causing leakage of blood and protein into the urine.
The medicine, also known as sibeprenlimab, is an antibody (a type of protein) that attaches to a naturally-occurring protein called A Proliferation-Inducing Ligand (APRIL). APRIL stimulates immune cells to produce antibodies, including the faulty version of antibodies produced in patients with IgAN. By attaching to APRIL, the medicine is expected to limit the activity of APRIL leading to a reduction in the body’s production of immunoglobulin A. This is expected to prevent the build-up of immunoglobulin A in the glomeruli, allowing the kidneys to function more normally.

Based on description provided by sponsor

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

• The effects of the medicine had been evaluated in experimental models.
• Clinical trials with the medicine in patients with primary IgA nephropathy were ongoing.

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