Genkyotex, a developer of selective NOX inhibitors, has announced that GKT137831, its lead NOX1&4 inhibitor, was granted Orphan Drug designation for the treatment of systemic sclerosis from the FDA and the EMA.

The Orphan Drug designations are based on preclinical data obtained in multiple models of fibrotic disorders, including scleroderma. Regulators concluded that GKT137831 may be of significant benefit for patients with systemic sclerosis as studies in experimental models show that the compound may reduce the abnormal growth of connective tissue (fibrosis) and improve survival. GKT137831 has demonstrated an excellent safety profile in multiple phase I and phase II clinical studies. In a recently completed phase II clinical trial, GKT137831 treatment produced a statistically significant reduction in both liver enzymes and inflammatory markers.

“Systemic sclerosis or scleroderma is one of several fibrotic diseases under evaluation with GKT137831. We believe that NOX inhibition has the potential to dampen multiple biological pathways causing the skin and internal organs of affected patients to undergo fibrosis,” said Philippe Wiesel, M.D., executive vice president and chief medical officer at Genkyotex. “The Orphan Drug designation will allow us to accelerate the clinical assessment of GKT137831 in scleroderma, and to hopefully deliver a much needed therapeutic option for this severe, and life-threatening condition.”

Orphan Drug designation is granted to drugs or biologics that treat a rare disease or condition. In the U.S., that term applies to diseases affecting fewer than 200,000 people, while in Europe, no more than five in 10,000. Each offers the sponsor incentives, which can include protocol assistance during clinical development, and market exclusivity post approval of 10 years in the U.S. and seven years in the E.U.