Ocelot Bio, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of innovative therapeutics to treat complications of end-stage liver disease (ESLD), announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Orphan Drug Designation to its lead candidate OCE-205 for the treatment of ascites due to all etiologies except cancer.
“The FDA granting Orphan Drug Designation for OCE-205 in ascites is validation of the tremendous need for improved therapies offering novel approaches for patients and supports our clinical focus on this important indication,” said Lise Kjems, M.D., Ph.D., chief medical officer at Ocelot Bio. “This milestone serves as a catalyst as we work with patients, healthcare professionals and health authorities to pave a brighter path forward for these patients who have limited treatment options. We are well positioned to further advance our clinical development program for OCE-205 and look forward to progressing this program in ascites.”
Ascites is the abnormal accumulation of fluid within the peritoneal cavity of the abdomen and the hallmark of progression into the decompensated phase of cirrhosis. Data suggest that approximately 400,000 people live with ascites, with 60,000 refractory to standard-of-care treatment and who require much more aggressive treatment approaches.1,2 Current treatments for ascites are limited, are often invasive procedures and may come with significant risks and burden for patients, underscoring the critical need for novel advancements that improve outcomes for those suffering from this devastating condition. Ocelot Bio plans to initiate clinical studies of OCE-205 in refractory ascites in 2024.
The FDA grants Orphan Drug Designation to drugs and biologics intended for the treatment, diagnosis or prevention of rare diseases or conditions affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the United States. Orphan Drug Designation provides Ocelot Bio certain benefits, including financial incentives to support clinical development and the potential for up to seven years of market exclusivity for the drug for the designated orphan indication in the U.S. if the drug is ultimately approved for its designated indication. This is the second Orphan Drug Designation for OCE-205, which previously received the designation in hepatorenal syndrome.