CDSCO panel rejects Optimus Pharma Phase III CT protocol of Tofacitinib Ointment for androgenic alopecia

Published On 2022-07-20 12:30 GMT   |   Update On 2022-07-20 12:30 GMT

New Delhi: Citing that there is no scientific rationality data and supportive published literature, the Subject Expert Committee (SEC) functional under Central Drug Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has rejected Optimus pharma's proposal of Phase III clinical trial protocol of Tofacitinib Ointment 2% w/v for androgenic alopecia.

Furthermore, the expert panel opined the drug maker Optimus Pharma to submit pre-clinical data, published clinical data and scientific rationality with respect to Tofacitinib Ointment 2% w/v for androgenic alopecia.

This came after the firm presented its proposal for Phase III clinical trial protocol of Tofacitinib Ointment 2% w/v for androgenic alopecia without any pre-clinical and published clinical data about the proposed indication.

Androgenetic alopecia is a common form of hair loss in both men and women. Androgenic alopecia can be caused by a variety of factors tied to the actions of hormones, including some ovarian cysts, taking high androgen index birth control pills, pregnancy, and menopause. Recently, JAK inhibitors have been considered for treatment of other types of hair loss, such as androgenetic alopecia.

Tofacitinib is in a class of medications called Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. It acts by decreasing the activity of the immune system. It is used to treat rheumatic conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, and ulcerative colitis.
Tofacitinib inhibits Janus kinases, a group of intracellular enzymes involved in signalling pathways that affect hematopoiesis and immune cell function.Tofacitinib is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with moderately-to-severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA), active psoriatic arthritis, active ankylosing spondylitis, or moderately-to-severely active ulcerative colitis who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to one or more TNF( tumor necrosis factor) blockers.

Tofacitinib is a non-FDA approved treatment for hair loss secondary to alopecia areata. This Janus kinase inhibitor (JAK inhibitor) interferes with the immune system to prevent the autoimmune disease alopecia areata. Tofacitinib encourages hair regrowth and healthy hair follicles.

The inhibition of JAKs can simultaneously block the function of multiple cytokines. Therefore, JAK inhibitors are emerging as a new class of drugs, which in dermatology can either be used systemically as oral drugs or locally in topical formulations.

At the recent SEC meeting for Dermatology and Allergy held on 12.07.2022, the expert panel reviewed the proposal for Phase III clinical trial protocol of Tofacitinib Ointment 2% w/v for androgenic alopecia presented by drug maker Optimus Pharma.
After detailed deliberation, the committee opined that the firm did not present any scientific rationality data and supportive published literature for the proposed indication.
Accordingly, the committee recommended that the firm should submit pre-clinical data, published clinical data, and scientific rationality with respect to the proposed indication for further consideration.
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