EU/3/08/540 - orphan designation for treatment of congenital muscular dystrophy with collagen VI deficiency
Omigapil maleate
OrphanHuman
Overview
Please note that this product was withdrawn from the Union Register of orphan medicinal products in December 2024 on request of the Sponsor.
On 8 May 2008, orphan designation (EU/3/08/540) was granted by the European Commission to Santhera Pharmaceuticals (Deutschland) GmbH, Germany, for omigapil maleate for the treatment of congenital muscular dystrophy with collagen VI deficiency (Ullrich Syndrome and Bethlem Myopathy).
The name of the sponsor changed to Santhera Pharmaceuticals (Deutschland) GmbH in September 2010.
Congenital muscular dystrophies (CMD) are a group of hereditary disorders, frequently presenting at birth or within the first six months of life. There are many different forms of CMD and each form is caused by a specific defect in a gene. All forms of CMD share some symptoms and signs; such as weakness and degeneration of muscles, contractures and joint deformities. Usually CMD leads to difficulty in movement, skeletal deformation (scoliosis) and respiratory failure. Mental retardation is sometimes present.
Congenital muscular dystrophy with collagen VI deficiency (Ullrich Syndrome and Bethlem Myopathy) is caused by a defect in one of the collagen VI genes. Collagen is the main protein of connective (supporting) tissue in the body and provides support for the muscle cells. The exact mechanisms how these genetic defects lead to the disease are not fully characterized but the muscle cells of the patients are more sensitive to cell death and there might be a defect in the energy supplying parts of the cells called mitochondria. Bethlem myopathy represents a milder variant of Ullrich Syndrome. Congenital muscular dystrophy with collagen VI deficiency (Ullrich Syndrome and Bethlem Myopathy) is a chronically debilitating and life-threatening disease.
At the time of designation, congenital muscular dystrophy with collagen VI deficiency (Ullrich Syndrome and Bethlem Myopathy) affected approximately 0.03 in 10,000 people in the European Union (EU)*. This is equivalent to a total of around 1,500 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 based on data from the European Union (EU 27), Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein. This represents a population of 502,282,000 (Eurostat 2008). This estimate is based on available information and calculations presented by the sponsor at the time of the application.
No satisfactory methods exist that were authorised at the time of application.
The exact mechanism of action of omigapil maleate is not known. However, it is thought that the product interacts with a protein called glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, which is involved in cell death. By interacting with this protein, omigapil maleate may protect muscle cells from dying.
The effects of omigapil maleate were evaluated in experimental models.
At the time of submission of the application for orphan designation, no clinical trials in patients with congenital muscular dystrophy with collagen VI deficiency (Ullrich Syndrome and Bethlem Myopathy) were initiated.
Omigapil maleate was not authorised anywhere worldwide for congenital muscular dystrophy with collagen VI deficiency (Ullrich Syndrome and Bethlem Myopathy) or designated as orphan medicinal product elsewhere for this condition, at the time of submission.
In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 141/2000 of 16 December 1999, the COMP adopted a positive opinion on 4 March 2008 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
- Omigapil maleate
- Intended use
- Treatment of congenital muscular dystrophy with collagen VI deficiency
- Orphan designation status
- Withdrawn
- EU designation number
- EU/3/08/540
- Date of designation
- Sponsor
Santhera Pharmaceuticals (Deutschland) GmbH
Marie-Curie Strasse 8
D-79539 Lörrach
Germany
Tel. +49 7621 1690200
Fax +49 7621 1690201
E-mail: office@santhera.com
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: