Disc Medicine, Inc. (NASDAQ:IRON) will host a conference call on Monday, November 4, at 8:00 am EST to discuss feedback received from its end-of-Phase 2 (EOP2) meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding bitopertin for the treatment of Erythropoietic Protoporphyria (EPP). This meeting marks a crucial step in the development of bitopertin, a potential first-in-class therapy for this rare and debilitating disease.
Bitopertin: A Novel Approach to EPP Treatment
Bitopertin is an investigational, clinical-stage, orally administered inhibitor of glycine transporter 1 (GlyT1). GlyT1 is essential for supplying glycine, a key building block for heme biosynthesis, within developing red blood cells. By modulating GlyT1, bitopertin aims to address the underlying pathophysiology of EPP and related hematologic diseases.
Disc Medicine is focusing on developing bitopertin as a potential disease-modifying therapy for erythropoietic porphyrias. Bitopertin has been evaluated in multiple clinical trials, including the Phase 2 BEACON trial (open-label), the Phase 2 AURORA trial (double-blind, placebo-controlled), and the open-label extension HELIOS trial. These trials have provided valuable insights into the safety and efficacy profile of bitopertin in patients with EPP.
Erythropoietic Protoporphyria: An Unmet Medical Need
Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) and X-linked Protoporphyria (XLP) are rare genetic disorders characterized by mutations affecting heme biosynthesis. This leads to the accumulation of protoporphyrin IX (PPIX), a toxic and photoactive intermediate, in red blood cells, plasma, and the liver. Patients with EPP and XLP experience severe, often excruciating, pain upon exposure to sunlight, along with edema, burning sensations, and potential blistering and disfigurement. In 20-30% of patients, PPIX accumulation can lead to gallstones, cholestasis, and liver damage, potentially progressing to liver failure.
The current standard of care for EPP and XLP primarily involves strict avoidance of sunlight through protective clothing, opaque shields, and limiting outdoor activities to nighttime. While afamelanotide (Scenesse®), a surgically implanted synthetic hormone designed to stimulate melanin production, is an approved therapy, there remains a significant unmet need for more effective and disease-modifying treatments. The psychosocial impact of EPP and XLP is substantial, particularly for young children and their families, affecting their quality of life and daily activities.
Disc Medicine's Commitment
Disc Medicine is dedicated to developing innovative treatments for patients with serious hematologic diseases. Their portfolio focuses on addressing fundamental biological pathways of red blood cell biology, specifically heme biosynthesis and iron homeostasis. The company's efforts with bitopertin represent a significant step towards providing a potential first-in-class therapy for EPP and XLP, offering hope for improved outcomes and quality of life for affected individuals.
