EU/3/12/1012 - orphan designation for treatment of Cushing's syndrome
2S, 4R ketoconazole
OrphanHuman
Overview
On 4 July 2012, orphan designation (EU/3/12/1012) was granted by the European Commission to Cortendo AB, Sweden, for 2S, 4R ketoconazole for treatment of Cushing's syndrome.
Cushing's syndrome is a disease characterised by an excess of the hormone cortisol in the blood. It is usually caused by a tumour of the pituitary gland (a gland located at the base of the brain) that produces large amounts of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which in turn stimulates the production of excess cortisol from the adrenal glands, which are situated above the kidneys. Patients with Cushing's syndrome have 'central' weight gain (affecting the face and torso but not the limbs), growth of fat above the collar bone and the back of the neck, a roundish face, easy bruising, excessive growth of coarse hair on the face, weakening of the muscles and bones, depression, diabetes and high blood pressure.
Cushing's syndrome is a severe disease that is long lasting and may be life threatening because of its complications, including diabetes, high blood pressure and mental problems.
At the time of designation, Cushing's syndrome affected approximately 0.4 in 10,000 people in the European Union (EU)*. This is equivalent to a total of around 20,000 people, and is below the ceiling 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 506,300,000 (Eurostat 2011).
At the time of designation, the main treatment for ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome involved surgery to remove the tumour responsible for causing the high cortisol levels, sometimes followed by radiotherapy (treatment with radiation). Several medicines were authorised in the EU to reduce the production of cortisol or prevent it from working, including pasireotide, metyrapone, aminoglutethimide and mitotane.
The sponsor has provided sufficient information to show that 2S, 4R ketoconazole might be of significant benefit for patients with Cushing's syndrome because it works in a different way to existing treatments and early studies show that it might be used in patients before surgery or when surgery is not possible, in combination with existing treatments or when these are not indicated. These assumptions will need to be confirmed at the time of marketing authorisation, in order to maintain the orphan status.
2S, 4R ketoconazole is closely related to ketoconazole which is an antifungal medicine used to treat fungal skin infections. Apart from its well-known antifungal activity, studies show that ketoconazole also blocks the activity of enzymes involved in production of steroids, including cortisol. In Cushing's syndrome, 2S, 4R ketoconazole is expected to block the action of these enzymes via different pathways, thereby decreasing the production of cortisol and relieving the symptoms of the disease. 2S, 4R ketoconazole works in the same way as ketoconazole but it is expected to be safer and more potent in its ability to decrease cortisol levels.
The effects of 2S, 4R ketoconazole have been evaluated in experimental models.
At the time of submission of the application for orphan designation, clinical trials with 2S, 4R ketoconazole in patients with Cushing's syndrome were planned.
At the time of submission, 2S, 4R ketoconazole was not authorised anywhere in the EU for Cushing's syndrome. Orphan designation has been granted in the United States of America for this condition.
In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 141/2000 of 16 December 1999, the COMP adopted a positive opinion on 11 May 2012 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 EU) 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
- 2S, 4R ketoconazole
- Intended use
- Treatment of Cushing's syndrome
- Orphan designation status
- Positive
- EU designation number
- EU/3/12/1012
- Date of designation
- Sponsor
S-Cubed Pharmaceutical Services ApS
Review of designation
The Committee for Orphan Medicinal Products reviews the orphan designation of a product if it is approved for marketing authorisation.
Update history
| Date | Update |
|---|---|
| March 2024 | The sponsorship was transferred from Cortendo AB to S-cubed Pharmaceutical Services ApS in March 2024. |
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:
Patients' organisations
For contact details of patients’ organisations whose activities are targeted at rare diseases, see:
European Organisation for Rare Diseases (EURORDIS), a non-governmental alliance of patient organisations and individuals active in the field of rare diseases.
Orphanet, a database containing information on rare diseases, which includes a directory of patients’ organisations registered in Europe.
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: