Mirum Submits New Drug Application to FDA for Chenodiol for the Treatment of CTX
Mirum Pharmaceuticals has submitted a New Drug Application (NDA) to the FDA for chenodiol, aiming to treat cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX), a rare genetic disorder of cholesterol metabolism. The submission is based on positive results from the Phase 3 RESTORE study, which showed a significant reduction in bile alcohols and improved serum cholestanol in patients treated with chenodiol. The study's primary endpoint was met with high statistical significance (p<0.0001), and chenodiol demonstrated a 20-fold difference in efficacy compared to placebo. Diarrhea and headache were the most common adverse events, generally mild or moderate. If approved, chenodiol would be the first and only therapy available in the US for CTX, offering hope for early diagnosis and treatment of this debilitating condition.
- Submission of NDA for chenodiol based on positive Phase 3 RESTORE study.
- Chenodiol met primary endpoint with high statistical significance (p<0.0001).
- 20-fold difference in efficacy between chenodiol and placebo.
- Chenodiol significantly improved serum cholestanol levels.
- Potential to be the first and only FDA-approved treatment for CTX in the US.
- Most common adverse events were diarrhea and headache, although generally mild or moderate.
Insights
The submission of a new drug application (NDA) for chenodiol by Mirum Pharmaceuticals is a significant milestone in the treatment of cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX). CTX is a rare genetic disorder that leads to severe and progressive neurological and physical symptoms due to improper cholesterol metabolism. Chenodiol's effectiveness in reducing bile alcohols and cholestanol, as demonstrated in the Phase 3 RESTORE study, is promising. The study's high statistical significance (p<0.0001) indicates a robust clinical benefit. It's worth noting that no current treatments specifically target CTX, so chenodiol's approval could fill a critical unmet need.
For retail investors, the key takeaway is that success in gaining FDA approval would likely position Mirum as a frontrunner in a niche but high-need market. While the reported adverse events were relatively mild and unlikely to impact the drug's approval, keeping an eye on post-market surveillance for any long-term effects will be crucial. The orphan drug designation also suggests a longer market exclusivity, which could be financially beneficial for Mirum.
From a financial perspective, Mirum’s NDA submission for chenodiol is a strategic move that could substantially enhance the company's market value. Being first to market with an approved treatment for CTX in the U.S. not only provides a competitive edge but also aligns with the company's strategy to capitalize on orphan drug markets. Orphan drug status often comes with market exclusivity and potential tax benefits, which can boost profitability.
It's also important to highlight the potential market impact. Though CTX is a rare disorder, commanding high treatment costs in niche markets often leads to significant revenue margins. Investors should consider the long-term revenue projections for chenodiol, the costs associated with bringing the drug to market and any potential competing treatments in the pipeline. Additionally, the successful approval could drive Mirum's stock higher in the short term, but sustained growth will depend on market adoption rates and ongoing clinical success.
The market dynamics surrounding the NDA submission for chenodiol are quite intriguing. By addressing a rare and severe condition like CTX, Mirum is entering a market with high medical need and potentially minimal competition. Chenodiol's strong results in reducing bile alcohol levels and cholestanol, combined with its status as the only potential CTX therapy, suggest a strong market demand once approved. Orphan drug status frequently translates to market exclusivity, which can protect against competition and allow for premium pricing strategies.
Retail investors should also consider the broader market implications. The success of chenodiol might position Mirum as a key player in the rare disease pharmaceutical sector, potentially leading to strategic partnerships or acquisitions. However, it's important to remain cautious about the adoption rates and insurance reimbursements in such specialized markets, which can impact sales revenue. Monitoring competitive pipelines and FDA review timelines will be essential for understanding the drug's market entry and potential uptake fully.
- Submission based on the positive Phase 3 RESTORE study
- Mirum holds orphan designation for chenodiol in CTX
- Potential to have first and only therapy indicated for CTX in the US
CTX is a rare autosomal genetic progressive disorder of cholesterol metabolism that affects many parts of the body. In CTX, a deficiency of the bile acid CDCA leads to a buildup of bile alcohols which precedes a toxic accumulation of cholestanol. Cholestanol is the key driver of symptomatic burden and disease progression, including irreversible neurologic dysfunction. If not treated, patients with CTX can experience symptoms that disrupt their lives and can progress over time, including chronic diarrhea, juvenile bilateral cataracts, tendon xanthomas, and neurologic deterioration.
The submission of the NDA is based on the positive results of the Phase 3 RESTORE study which evaluated chenodiol in adult patients with CTX. The study met its primary endpoint of reduction in bile alcohols with high statistical significance (p<0.0001). The difference observed between placebo and active chenodiol at the end of the randomized double-blind withdrawal period was 20-fold. The RESTORE study also demonstrated that treatment with chenodiol significantly improved serum cholestanol. The most common adverse events were diarrhea and headache, the majority of which were mild or moderate and not considered to be treatment related.
“Following the landmark RESTORE data, we are excited about the potential to have an approved treatment option that may reduce the progressive symptoms associated with this rare disease,” said Chris Peetz, chief executive officer at Mirum. “If approved, chenodiol would be the first and only medication approved to treat patients with CTX, enabling earlier diagnosis and treatment of these life-altering symptoms.”
“When you have CTX, timely diagnosis and treatment can have a transformative impact on the lives of people living with this disease,” said Jean Pickford, executive director, CTX Alliance. “We were excited about the RESTORE data and are hopeful that the chenodiol submission to the FDA will result in an approval, enabling faster access to treatment and helping patients and their families earlier in their disease journey.”
About the RESTORE Phase 3 Study
The Phase 3 RESTORE study was a randomized withdrawal, placebo-controlled clinical trial which evaluated the safety and efficacy of chenodiol in patients with cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX). Chenodiol is administered at 250 mg three times daily in tablet format. The objective of the RESTORE study is to understand how the body responds, as measured by change in blood and urine biomarkers associated with CTX, when treated with chenodiol. The study involved a screening period (4 weeks), four treatment periods (totaling 6 months), and a follow-up phone call (30 days after last dose was administered). The four treatment periods consisted of: an 8-week open-label chenodiol period, a 4-week randomized withdrawal period (placebo or chenodiol), a second 8-week open-label chenodiol period for all patients, and a second 4-week randomized withdrawal period (alternate treatment to first withdrawal period).
The primary analysis assessed change at the end of each double-blind withdrawal period. The study also included an open-label pediatric treatment group where all patients received liquid chenodiol. The study was conducted at multiple sites in
About Cerebrotendinous Xanthomatosis
Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) is a rare, progressive and underdiagnosed disorder of cholesterol metabolism affecting many parts of the body. In people with CTX, the body is unable to break down cholesterol properly causing toxins (e.g., cholestanol and bile alcohols) to build up throughout the body over time. The disorder is inherited in an autosomal recessive genetic manner. Signs and symptoms of CTX include neonatal cholestasis (jaundice or bile flow interruption), chronic diarrhea, the development of bilateral cataracts before the age of 18, development of tendon xanthomas (fatty deposits in the tendons) during teenage years or later, and neurologic deterioration. The types, combinations and severity of symptoms can be different from person to person making diagnosis challenging and often delayed.
About chenodiol tablets
Chenodiol tablets is another name for chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA). CDCA is a naturally occurring bile acid that was originally approved for the treatment of people with radiolucent stones in the gallbladder. More recently, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted chenodiol orphan drug designation for cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX). CTX is a rare progressive disorder that can affect the brain, spinal cord, tendons, eyes and arteries. Chenodiol is not yet indicated for the treatment of CTX but has received a medical necessity determination in the
About LIVMARLI® (maralixibat) oral solution
LIVMARLI® (maralixibat) oral solution is an orally administered, once-daily, ileal bile acid transporter (IBAT) inhibitor approved by the
LIVMARLI is also the only approved IBAT inhibitor approved by the European Commission for the treatment of cholestatic pruritus in patients with ALGS two months and older, and by Health Canada for the treatment of cholestatic pruritus in ALGS. For more information for
LIVMARLI has received Breakthrough Therapy designation for ALGS and PFIC type 2 and orphan designation for ALGS and PFIC. To learn more about ongoing clinical trials with LIVMARLI, please visit Mirum’s clinical trials section on the company’s website.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Limitation of Use: LIVMARLI is not for use in PFIC type 2 patients who have a severe defect in the bile salt export pump (BSEP) protein.
LIVMARLI can cause side effects, including:
Liver injury. Changes in certain liver tests are common in patients with Alagille syndrome and PFIC but can worsen during treatment. These changes may be a sign of liver injury. In PFIC, this can be serious or may lead to liver transplant or death. Your healthcare provider should do blood tests and physical exams before starting and during treatment to check your liver function. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get any signs or symptoms of liver problems, including nausea or vomiting, skin or the white part of the eye turns yellow, dark or brown urine, pain on the right side of the stomach (abdomen), bloating in your stomach area, loss of appetite or bleeding or bruising more easily than normal.
Stomach and intestinal (gastrointestinal) problems. LIVMARLI can cause stomach and intestinal problems, including diarrhea and stomach pain. Your healthcare provider may advise you to monitor for new or worsening stomach problems including stomach pain, diarrhea, blood in your stool or vomiting. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms more often or more severely than normal for you.
A condition called Fat Soluble Vitamin (FSV) Deficiency caused by low levels of certain vitamins (vitamin A, D, E, and K) stored in body fat is common in patients with Alagille syndrome and PFIC but may worsen during treatment. Your healthcare provider should do blood tests before starting and during treatment and may monitor for bone fractures and bleeding which have been reported as common side effects.
US Prescribing Information
EU SmPC
Canadian Product Monograph
About Mirum Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Mirum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to transforming the treatment of rare diseases affecting children and adults. Mirum has three approved medications: LIVMARLI® (maralixibat) oral solution, CHOLBAM® (cholic acid) capsules, and CHENODAL® (chenodiol) tablets.
LIVMARLI, an IBAT inhibitor, is approved for the treatment of two rare liver diseases affecting children and adults. It is approved for the treatment of cholestatic pruritus in patients with Alagille syndrome in the
Mirum’s late-stage pipeline includes two investigational treatments for debilitating liver diseases. Volixibat, an IBAT inhibitor, is being evaluated in two potentially registrational studies including the Phase 2b VISTAS study for primary sclerosing cholangitis and Phase 2b VANTAGE study for primary biliary cholangitis. Lastly, CHENODAL, has been evaluated in a Phase 3 clinical study, RESTORE, to treat patients with CTX, with positive topline results reported in 2023.
To learn more about Mirum, visit mirumpharma.com and follow Mirum on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter (X).
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements include statements regarding, among other things, the potential benefits of Chenodiol tablets for patients with CTX, the success of any planned regulatory submissions relating to CTX and, if approved, the real world impact of Chenodiol versus the results seen in the RESTORE clinical trial. Because such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Words such as “will,” “could,” “would,” “potential” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon Mirum’s current expectations and involve assumptions that may never materialize or may prove to be incorrect. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation, risks and uncertainties associated with Mirum’s business in general, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the other risks described in Mirum’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made and are based on management’s assumptions and estimates as of such date. Mirum undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made, except as required by law. A further description of risks and uncertainties can be found in Mirum’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 and in its subsequent reports on Form 10-Q, including in the sections thereof captioned “Risk Factors,” as well as in its subsequent reports on Form 8-K, all of which are filed with the
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Media Contact:
Erin Murphy
media@mirumpharma.com
Investor Contact:
Andrew McKibben
investors@mirumphama.com
Source: Mirum Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
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