Triheptanoin (UX007) is being developed for the treatment of long chain fatty acid oxidation disorders (LC-FAOD). LC-FAOD is a group of six rare genetic disorders in which the body is unable to convert dietary fatty acids into energy. This inability to produce energy from fat can lead to severe depletion of glucose in the body and serious, unpredictable complications, which can lead to hospitalizations or early death despite the best current care. LC-FAOD has no specifically approved treatments. The current disease management includes avoidance of fasting, maintenance of a low fat diet, and supplementation of diet with oils rich in essential fatty acids.
Triheptanoin is an orally administered synthetic (artificially produced) fat, which is broken down in the liver into substances that can be used to generate energy. Triheptanoin could provide a source of calories and fatty acids for patients with LC-FAOD, potentially improving their muscle function, exercise tolerance, and health-related quality of life. If licenced, triheptanoin could provide a treatment option for paediatric and adult patients with molecularly confirmed LC-FAOD who currently have no approved therapies.
Drugs
November 2020
Leriglitazone for X-linked andrenoleukodystrophy
Leriglitazone is expected to work in patients with ALD by activating receptors called ‘PPAR gamma’, found in the mitochondria, which are components within cells that generate energy. Leriglitazone will improve the ALD pathogenic cascade by improving mitochondrial dysfunction, reducing oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, promoting demyelination and halting axonal degeneration. Hence, leriglitazone is expected to protect cells from damage and slow the progression of the disease. If licensed, leriglitazone would offer the first drug treatment option for adult ALD patients with AMN who currently have no effective therapies available.