The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Fast Track designation to bertilimumab for the treatment of bullous pemphigoid, a skin disorder characterized by large blisters. Although the blisters are usually located on the arms, legs, or middle of the body, in some people, the mouth or genitals are also affected. The blisters may break open and form ulcers or open sores. Bullous pemphigoid usually occurs in older persons and is rare in young people. Symptoms may come and go. In most patients, the condition goes away after several years. Bullous pemphigoid is an autoimmune disorder which occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys healthy body tissue by mistake. Treatment may include corticosteroids taken by mouth or applied to the skin. Medicines that suppress the immune system may also be prescribed. For some, antibiotics in the tetracycline family are useful.
“I am truly grateful that the FDA has granted Fast Track designation to bertilimumab for the treatment of bullous pemphigoid. This important achievement follows the recent granting of Orphan Drug Designation in both the United States and Europe, which together demonstrate the regulatory affairs momentum our team has achieved,” commented Immune’s Interim Chief Executive Officer, Tony Fiorino, MD, PhD. “There is no doubt that bertilimumab development will benefit from the opportunity to have more frequent contact with the FDA, particularly now, as we move forward with a new manufacturing process and plan for a phase 2/3 pivotal study in bullous pemphigoid.”
The FDA’s Fast Track program is designed to facilitate the development and expedite the review of drugs to treat serious conditions that are unmet medical needs. Fast Track designation enables more frequent interactions with the FDA in order to shorten the development and review process, and may include potential eligibility for Accelerated Approval, Priority Review and Rolling Review.
Previously, bertilimumab was granted orphan drug designation by the FDA.