Conatus (CNAT) granted orphan drug designation for IDN-7314 for treatment of PSC
Conatus Pharmaceuticals (CNAT) announced that the U.S. FDA has granted Orphan Drug Designation to Conatus’ drug candidate IDN-7314 for the treatment of primary sclerosing cholangitis, a disease affecting bile ducts in the liver which can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure.
The FDA’s Orphan Drug Designation program is intended to encourage the development of drugs and biologics that may provide benefit to patients suffering from rare diseases or conditions.
IDN-7314 is an orally active pan-caspase protease inhibitor designed to reduce the activity of enzymes that mediate inflammation and cell death, which has demonstrated reduction of relevant biomarkers in two preclinical models of PSC. One nonclinical model, the Mdr2-/- mouse model, is considered the current benchmark nonclinical model of PSC.
A new preclinical model, second mitochondria-derived activator of caspases-mimetic induced PSC in mice, has recently been reported that reproduces much of the phenotype of human PSC. IDN-7314 significantly improved biochemical indices of hepatic and biliary damage in these murine models of PSC, and these results suggest the involvement of caspases in the progression of PSC.
Other stocks to watch include: ICPT, INCY and AZN.
To read stories similar to this, sign up for a free trial membership to Stockwinners; be sure to check the Market Radar section.
The article does not constitute investment advice. Each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her individual financial professional and any action a reader takes as a result of information presented here is his or her own responsibility.