EU/3/14/1236 - orphan designation for treatment of epidermolysis bullosa
Diacerein
OrphanHuman
Overview
On 19 February 2014, orphan designation (EU/3/14/1236) was granted by the European Commission to Prof. Johann W. Bauer, Austria, for diacerein for the treatment of epidermolysis bullosa.
The sponsorship was transferred to Medpace Finland OY, Finland, in November 2016.
The sponsorship was transferred to Diaderm GmbH, Austria in September 2021.
Epidermolysis bullosa describes a group of diseases of the skin, in which the skin is very fragile and forms severe blisters upon minor mechanical friction or injury. The condition is usually present from birth, although some forms occur in adults. The diseases are caused by abnormalities in the genes responsible for the production of certain proteins that make the skin strong and elastic, such as collagen or keratins.
Epidermolysis bullosa is a long-term debilitating and life-threatening condition because the severe blistering and associated scarring and deformities result in poor quality of life and may also reduce life expectancy.
At the time of designation, epidermolysis bullosa affected approximately 0.25 in 10,000 people in the European Union (EU). This was equivalent to a total of around 13,000 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 28), Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. This represents a population of 511,100,000 (Eurostat 2014).
At the time of designation, no satisfactory methods were authorised in the EU to treat epidermolysis bullosa. A high standard of personal hygiene and skincare were recommended to help blisters heal, to avoid infections and to protect the skin from damage. Painkillers were also used. Surgery was sometimes necessary if there were complications such as deformed hands or the development of skin cancer.
Oral diacerein (taken by mouth) is authorised in some EU countries to treat symptoms of osteoarthritis (swelling and pain in the joints) and other degenerative joint diseases.
Diacerein belongs to a class of substances called anthraquinones. It works by blocking the actions of interleukin-1 beta, a protein involved in the inflammation process. Interleukin-1 beta is thought to be over-activated in some patients with epidermolysis bullosa. By blocking its action, diacerein is expected to reduce the inflammation and the number of blisters in patients with the disease.
This medicine is expected to be available as a cream.
The effects of diacerein have been evaluated in experimental models.
At the time of submission of the application for orphan designation, clinical trials with diacerein in patients with epidermolysis bullosa were planned.
At the time of submission, diacerein was not authorised anywhere in the EU for epidermolysis bullosa or designated as an orphan medicinal product elsewhere for this condition.
In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 141/2000 of 16 December 1999, the COMP adopted a positive opinion on 9 January 2014 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
- Diacerein
- Intended use
- Treatment of epidermolysis bullosa
- Orphan designation status
- Positive
- EU designation number
- EU/3/14/1236
- Date of designation
- Sponsor
FGK Representative Service GmbH
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 |
|---|---|
| February 2024 | The sponsorship was transferred from Diaderm GmbH to FGK Representative Service GmbH. |
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: