Disc Medicine Announces Grant of US Patent for Methods of Treating Erythropoietic Protoporphyrias with Bitopertin
15 Nov 2023
Phase 2License out/in
Disc Medicine, Inc. (NASDAQ:IRON), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of novel treatments for patients suffering from serious hematologic diseases, today announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued patent No. 11,813,257 for methods of treating erythropoietic protoporphyrias (EPPs) with glycine transport inhibitors.
“We are pleased to have been issued this patent that further secures IP protection for bitopertin for the treatment of erythropoietic protoporphyria as we work to deliver a potentially transformative therapy to patients,” said John Quisel, J.D., Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Disc. “This patent further highlights the innovative approach we are taking to treat EPP, as demonstrated by the data we shared in June, which we will update at ASH in December.”
This patent covers uses of bitopertin, a glycine transport inhibitor, in treating erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) or X-linked protoporphyria (XLP) with an anticipated expiration in 2041, before any available term extensions or adjustments. Disc intends to continue to prosecute additional patent applications to support use of bitopertin in treating hematologic disorders.
About Bitopertin
Bitopertin is an investigational, clinical-stage, orally-administered inhibitor of glycine transporter 1 (GlyT1) that is designed to modulate heme biosynthesis. GlyT1 is a membrane transporter expressed on developing red blood cells and is required to supply sufficient glycine for heme biosynthesis and support erythropoiesis. Disc is planning to develop bitopertin as a potential treatment for a range of hematologic diseases including erythropoietic porphyrias, where it has potential to be the first disease-modifying therapy. There are currently two ongoing Phase 2 clinical trials of bitopertin in patients with erythropoietic porphyria, including an open-label trial called BEACON and a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial called AURORA.
Bitopertin is an investigational agent and is not approved for use as a therapy in any jurisdiction worldwide. Disc obtained global rights to bitopertin under a license agreement from Roche in May 2021.
About Erythropoietic Protoporphyria (EPP) and X-linked Protoporphyria (XLP)
Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) and X-linked Protoporphyria (XLP) are rare, debilitating and potentially life-threatening diseases caused by mutations that affect heme biosynthesis, resulting in the accumulation of a toxic, photoactive intermediate called protoporphyrin IX (PPIX). This causes severe reactions when patients are exposed to sunlight, characterized by excruciating pain, edema, burning sensations and potential blistering and disfigurement. PPIX also accumulates in the hepatobiliary system and can result in complications including gallstones, cholestasis, and liver damage in 20-30% of patients and in extreme cases liver failure. Current standard of care involves extreme measures to avoid sunlight, including restricting outdoor activities to nighttime, use of protective clothing and opaque shields, and pain management. This has a significant impact on the psychosocial development, quality of life, and daily activities of patients, particularly in young children and families. There is currently no cure for EPP and only one FDA-approved therapy, a surgically implanted synthetic hormone designed to stimulate melanin production called Scenesse® (afamelanotide).
About Disc Medicine
Disc Medicine (NASDAQ:IRON) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to discovering, developing, and commercializing novel treatments for patients who suffer from serious hematologic diseases. We are building a portfolio of innovative, potentially first-in-class therapeutic candidates that aim to address a wide spectrum of hematologic diseases by targeting fundamental biological pathways of red blood cell biology, specifically heme biosynthesis and iron homeostasis. For more information, please visit www.discmedicine.com.
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