Last week, our team had the opportunity to attend the World Orphan Drug Congress in Boston. The event was a dynamic gathering, where leaders from biopharma, regulatory agencies, and patient advocacy groups came together to discuss the challenges and advancements in treating rare diseases.
Here’s a closer look at the important discussions and innovative ideas that were highlighted during the congress.
Involving patients early
A recurring point of discussion was the importance of engaging patients early in the clinical trial process. Patients with rare diseases are often experts in their conditions, and their insights can make clinical trials more effective and efficient. Working closely with patient advocacy organisations not only helps understand the impact of diseases but also tailors trials to meet patient needs better. This approach improves trial experiences and can speed up the approval processes.
Tackling enrollment challenges
Clinical trial enrollment continues to be a major bottleneck, exacerbated by complex protocols and high patient screen failure rates. Innovations such as at-home biomarker testing and omnichannel recruitment strategies are proving helpful. These strategies reduce the burden on participants and trial sites while helping to gather a diverse range of data, which is crucial for the successful development of treatments for rare conditions.
Using AI in drug development
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in drug development was a hot topic of discussion. Opinions are divided: Some are excited about how AI can speed up processes and bring about efficiencies, while others are more cautious, focusing on the potential impacts on patient safety and the unique nuances of each clinical program. The Congress underscored the need for a balanced approach in integrating AI into drug development, particularly in the precision medicine space.
Tackling ethical and regulatory challenges in early access programs
A significant ethical and commercial issue discussed was the decision-making around when to stop treatment during early access programs. Often, this decision is left to physicians, which can lead to ethical dilemmas and practical challenges. Moreover, regulatory differences across countries can compel drug developers to continue providing treatments indefinitely, which brings its own set of challenges. This underscores the necessity for clear, ethical guidelines and thoughtful planning for treatment over the long term.
Accelerating approvals
For rare diseases, the traditional timelines and clinical endpoints for drug approvals are often impractical. Accelerated approvals have become essential, though they come with the need for thorough post-market surveillance to manage risks effectively. The Congress emphasised ongoing dialogue with advocacy groups to design drug development strategies that address patient needs promptly and safely.
Collaborating for success
In an insightful keynote, Kinnari Patel, President and COO of Rocket Pharma, shared insights on navigating the regulatory landscape through strategic collaborations. Through examples like paediatric targeted gene therapies, Patel illustrated how collaboration has been crucial for navigating regulatory landscapes and speeding up drug development processes.
Reflecting on the Congress, it's clear that patient-centric approaches, ethical considerations, and smart use of technology are driving the development of orphan drugs. As we move forward, these insights will undoubtedly influence how treatments for rare diseases are developed, making a significant difference in the lives of patients who need these therapies the most.
To chat about the work Sano is doing to accelerate rare disease research, get in touch below!
