MannKind Receives U.S. FDA Fast Track Designation for Clofazimine Inhalation Suspension for the Treatment of Nontuberculous Mycobacterial (NTM) Lung Disease

DANBURY, Conn. and WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., May 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MannKind Corporation (Nasdaq: MNKD), a company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative inhaled therapeutic products and devices for patients with endocrine and orphan lung diseases, announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Fast Track designation of Clofazimine Inhalation Suspension (MNKD-101) for the treatment of nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease. Fast track designation is intended to facilitate the development, and expedite the review, of medicines to treat serious conditions and fill an unmet medical need.

“We are pleased with the FDA’s decision to grant Fast Track designation for Clofazimine Inhalation Suspension, providing us an opportunity to accelerate our efforts to potentially bring an important medicine to patients living with NTM,” said Michael Castagna, PharmD, Chief Executive Officer of MannKind Corporation. “We are looking forward to the progression of the ICoN-1 study as well as an expedited review with a rolling submission.”

ICoN-1 is a multi-national, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Clofazimine Inhalation Suspension when added to guideline-based therapy in adults with refractory NTM lung disease caused by Mycobacterium Avium Complex (MAC), followed by an open-label extension. This single registrational study anticipates getting underway in June 2024 in the U.S., and internationally in the second half of 2024.

The U.S. FDA previously designated Clofazimine Inhalation Suspension as both an orphan drug and a qualified infectious disease product (QIDP) for the treatment of pulmonary NTM infections. A drug that receives orphan drug exclusivity receives seven years of exclusivity, and one that also earns QIDP designation, may receive an additional five years of market exclusivity.

Pulmonary NTM infection is recognized as a major global health concern due to its rising prevalence worldwide, association with shortened life span and significant impact on patients’ daily living. NTM is a group of bacteria naturally found in our environment, including water and soil, that can lead to cough, fatigue, a reduction in lung function, and poor quality of life. While most people are exposed to NTM daily, the organisms generally do no harm. Individuals with underlying conditions such as COPD, asthma, and bronchiectasis are prone to NTM getting established in the lungs, creating an infection and progressive worsening of lung function.