American biotechnology firm XOMA has obtained orphan drug designation by the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for its IL-1 beta modulating antibody 'Gevokizumab', which treats non-infectious intermediate, posterior, pan-uveitis, or chronic non-infectious anterior uveitis.
Gevokizumab (XOMA 052) is a potent monoclonal antibody that strongly binds to interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and possesses allosteric modulating properties capable of treating patients suffering from a wide variety of inflammatory diseases and other diseases.
The company claims that the antibody would modulate the cellular signaling events producing inflammation by activating the IL-1 receptor.
The FDA Office of Orphan Products Development (OOPD) assesses scientific and clinical data submissions works aimed at treating or diagnosing rare diseases or conditions, and helps advance the development of those products.
