- The FDA designates Idera Pharmaceuticals' (IDRA -2.4%) lead product candidate, IMO-8400, an Orphan Drug for the potential treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. IMO-8400 is an antagonist of endosomal Toll-like receptors (TLRs) 7,8 and 9. TLRs are a class of proteins that play a key role in the innate immune system. They employ a type of pattern recognition to identify pathogenic molecules. In certain diseases, TLRs are over-activated which leads to chronic inflammation and disease progression. Inhibiting their activity, therefore, may have a clinical benefit.
- Among the benefits of Orphan Drug status is a seven-year period of market exclusivity for the indication, if approved.