The FDA has granted Rare Pediatric Disease Designation to zaltenibart (Omeros Corporation; OMS906) for the treatment of complement 3 glomerulopathy (C3G), a rare and progressive renal disorder primarily affecting children and young adults. This designation underscores the urgent need for effective treatments, as currently, there are no approved therapies to prevent or treat C3G.
Addressing Unmet Needs in C3 Glomerulopathy
C3G encompasses two forms: dense deposit disease (DDD) and C3 glomerulonephritis (C3GN). While symptoms of DDD often manifest earlier, both conditions typically present in adulthood with symptoms including hematuria, proteinuria, edema, gout, recurrent infections, oliguria, hypertension, and fatigue. According to the National Kidney Foundation, if left untreated, approximately 70% of children and 30% to 50% of adults with C3G progress to end-stage renal disease within 10 years of diagnosis.
Gregory A. Demopulos, chairman and CEO of Omeros, stated, "C3G is devastating for children as well as for adults, and our receipt of FDA’s rare pediatric disease designation is a welcome acknowledgment of zaltenibart as a potential therapeutic for this disease that has no approved treatment."
Mechanism of Action and Clinical Development
Zaltenibart functions as a proximal inhibitor of the alternative complement pathway by blocking mannan-binding lectin-associated serine protease-3 (MASP-3), which is crucial for activating the alternative pathway. This action prevents the conversion of pro-complement factor D (pro-CFD) to mature CFD, thereby modulating the complement system's activity.
A phase 3 clinical trial is planned to commence next year to evaluate zaltenibart for C3G treatment. Zaltenibart has also received FDA orphan drug designation for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), a rare and life-threatening blood disorder characterized by immune-mediated destruction of red blood cells and platelets. Untreated PNH can lead to hemolytic anemia, chronic kidney disease, or thrombosis. A phase 3 trial is currently underway to assess zaltenibart's role in treating PNH.
"With zaltenibart clinical studies ongoing in both PNH and C3G and preparations underway to begin Phase 3 trials, we look forward to bringing zaltenibart to market, expanding its list of targeted indications and demonstrating its advantages over other alternative pathway inhibitors," added Demopulos.
