Immix Biopharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: IMMX) has received Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for NXC-201, a next-generation CAR-T cell therapy, in the treatment of Amyloid Light Chain (AL) Amyloidosis. This designation aims to support the development of treatments for rare diseases affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the U.S.
Clinical Significance of NXC-201
NXC-201 is currently under evaluation in the Phase 1b/2a NEXICART-1 clinical trial (NCT04720313). Early results from the clinical trials of NXC-201 have demonstrated a 100% hematologic response rate and organ responses in patient hearts, livers and kidneys, for AL amyloidosis patients who received a median of 6 earlier treatments that previously failed to halt the disease.
Benefits of Orphan Drug Designation
The FDA's Orphan Drug Designation provides Immix Biopharma with several key benefits:
- Market Exclusivity: Seven years of U.S. market exclusivity upon regulatory approval.
- Financial Incentives: Tax credits for qualified clinical testing.
- Fee Waivers: Waiver of the Prescription Drug User Fee, which is currently almost $3 million for a new drug.
Understanding AL Amyloidosis
AL amyloidosis is a rare systemic disorder characterized by the abnormal production of misfolded amyloid proteins by plasma cells in the bone marrow. These misfolded proteins accumulate in tissues, nerves, and organs, impairing their function and leading to progressive organ damage and high mortality rates. It affects approximately 30,000 to 40,000 patients in the U.S. and Europe, with an estimated 3,000 to 4,000 new cases diagnosed annually in the U.S.
Immix Biopharma's Perspective
"We are pleased to receive FDA’s orphan drug designation in AL amyloidosis for NXC-201, the only clinical-stage CAR-T cell therapy in development for AL amyloidosis," said Ilya Rachman, MD PhD, Immix Biopharma Chief Executive Officer. "We are thrilled to potentially expand therapeutic options for relapsed and refractory AL amyloidosis patients."
Gabriel Morris, Immix Biopharma Chief Financial Officer, added, "We believe one-time treatment NXC-201 could offer AL amyloidosis patients a convenient therapeutic option."
Market Landscape
According to Grand View Research, the amyloidosis market was valued at $3.6 billion in 2017 and is projected to reach $6 billion by 2025, highlighting the growing need for effective treatments for this rare and life-threatening condition.
