Mithra, a company dedicated to Women's Health, has received Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) for E4 in Neonatal Encephalopathy (NE). Mithra intends to develop E4 to treat Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE), a subset of NE which accounts for 50-80% of cases and affects pre-term and new born babies (>36 weeks gestation).

Based on promising preclinical results of E4 in HIE, including improvements in pathophysiology, general well-being and motor function, the EMA granted ODD Designation for E4 in this indication. Although Mithra's primary focus is on Women's Health, the company is investigating E4's potential in a wider range of indications including neuroprotection and wound-healing. The preclinical study in HIE was conducted in collaboration with the University of Liège, Belgium. Mithra intends to advance the study of the potential neuroprotective properties of E4 in HIE over the next two years and seek a partner for further clinical development.

HIE is a condition affecting approximately 30,000 newborns each year in the European Union and the U.S. HIE is a consequence of the reduction in the supply of blood or oxygen to the baby's brain before, during or shortly after birth. With approximately 25% of infants dying prior to discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit, HIE is a major cause of mortality. Moreover, research shows severe neurological impairment and long-term disability among survivors, with 46% affected at 18-22 months' follow-up. Currently, HIE is treated with therapeutic hypothermia, or 'cooling' the infant in order to reduce brain damage, but this treatment has limited efficacy and comes at a high cost. Hence, HIE remains a serious unmet medical need.

François Fornieri, CEO of Mithra Pharmaceuticals, commented: "The ODD for E4 in Neonatal Encephalopathy underlines the potential of our unique natural E4 estrogen platform in areas beyond Women's Health, including neuroprotection. HIE is a serious and prevalent syndrome under the umbrella of NE that causes significant mortality and morbidity in infants.

Limitations with current treatment options in terms of efficacy and access highlight the unmet medical need. Given the promising initial preclinical data and the ODD, we look forward to exploring this important indication further."