EU/3/13/1158 - orphan designation for treatment of ataxia telangiectasia

Dexamethasone sodium phosphate encapsulated in human autologous erythrocytes

Overview

On 17 July 2013, orphan designation (EU/3/13/1158) was granted by the European Commission to Erydel S.p.A., Italy, for dexamethasone sodium phosphate encapsulated in human autologous erythrocytes for the treatment of ataxia telangiectasia.

What is ataxia telangiectasia?

Ataxia telangiectasia is an inherited disorder that affects the part of the brain that controls balance and movement, leading to an increasing inability to control movement (ataxia) and other neurological symptoms. The disorder also affects the immune system, increasing patients' risk of infections and certain blood cancers. Patients may also have telangiectasias, which are clusters of dilated blood vessels, which may occur in the white of the eyes.

Ataxia telangiectasia is life-threatening and debilitating due to the progressive destruction of parts of the brain and increased risk of infections and cancers.

What is the estimated number of patients affected by the condition?

At the time of designation, ataxia telangiectasia affected approximately 0.1 in 10,000 people in the European Union (EU). This was equivalent to a total of around 5,000 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).

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*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 509,000,000 (Eurostat 2013).

What treatments are available?

At the time of designation, there were no medicinal products authorised for treating ataxia telangiectasia. Treatments were used to alleviate the symptoms but none were satisfactory.

How is this medicine expected to work?

Dexamethasone sodium phosphate encapsulated in human autologous erythrocytes is intended to deliver low and persistent levels of the anti-inflammatory medicine dexamethasone. The dexamethasone is enclosed within red blood cells (erythrocytes) taken from the patient's own blood. When given to the patient by infusion (drip), it is expected to reduce the inflammatory processes associated with ataxia telangiectasia and thereby to alleviate the symptoms of the disease and slow down its progression.

What is the stage of development of this medicine?

The effects of the medicinal product have been evaluated in experimental models.

At the time of submission of the application for orphan designation, clinical trials with the medicinal product in patients with ataxia telangiectasia were ongoing.

At the time of submission, the medicinal product was not authorised anywhere in the EU for ataxia telangiectasia. Orphan designation had been granted in the United States for the condition.

In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 141/2000 of 16 December 1999, the COMP adopted a positive opinion on 13 June 2013 recommending the granting of this designation.

Opinions on orphan medicinal product designations are based on the following three criteria:

• 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.

EU/3/13/1158: Public summary of opinion on orphan designation: Dexamethasone sodium phosphate encapsulated in human autologous erythrocytes for the treatment of ataxia telangiectasia

Adopted Reference Number: EMA/COMP/417562/2013

Key facts

• Active substance:
  Dexamethasone sodium phosphate encapsulated in human autologous erythrocytes
• Intended use:
  Treatment of ataxia telangiectasia
• Orphan designation status:
  Positive
• EU designation number:
  EU/3/13/1158
• Date of designation:
  17/07/2013
• Sponsor:

  EryDel SpA; Via Sasso 36; 61029 Urbino; Italy; Tel. [phone]; Fax [phone]; E-mail: [e-mail]

Review of designation

The Committee for Orphan Medicinal Products reviews the orphan designation of a product if it is approved for marketing authorisation.