GemVax Alzheimer's Treatment Designated as Orphan Drug by U.S. FDA

GemVax & KAEL (GemVax), a new drug development company, has had its Alzheimer's disease treatment 'GV1001' designated as an orphan drug by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

According to the U.S. FDA on May 1 (local time), GemVax's GV1001 has been designated as an orphan drug (ODD) for 'progressive supranuclear palsy' by the U.S. FDA. Progressive supranuclear palsy is an atypical Parkinsonian syndrome characterized by a faster disease progression than typical Parkinson's disease and poor response to medications commonly used for Parkinson's disease.

GV1001 is a multi-mechanism drug that simultaneously exhibits various effects, including antioxidant activity, mitochondrial protection, and improvement of the brain's immune environment. It is currently undergoing global Phase 2 clinical trials. Since the first patient was enrolled in the United States in October 2022, the drug has been administered at 43 institutions across seven countries in the U.S. and Europe, with the final results scheduled to be announced within this year. GemVax expects GV1001 to improve the brain's immune environment and reduce inflammation in neurodegenerative diseases such as PSP and Alzheimer's disease.

An orphan drug refers to a medication intended for conditions that are rare and lack appropriate alternative treatments, making their introduction urgent. In the case of the U.S. FDA, orphan drug designation is granted to treatments for rare diseases affecting fewer than 200,000 patients. Companies granted this designation receive benefits such as seven years of market exclusivity after approval and access to priority review programs for orphan drugs.

Through the orphan drug grant program, support is also provided for development and clinical trial costs. Companies receive tax credits for 50% of research and development (R&D) expenses and clinical development grants. Approximately 25% of clinical trial costs incurred in the U.S. for the designated indication are eligible for a tax credit (ODTC). Orphan drug designation is regarded as recognition of the global competitiveness of domestic companies' research and development capabilities.