Lexicon Recieves Orphan Drug Designation For LX1032

Lexicon has received orphan drug designation from the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) for LX1032. It is intended for managing gastrointestinal symptoms associated with carcinoid syndrome.

LX1032 is designed to reduce serotonin production in patients with metastatic carcinoid tumors. Elevated levels of serotonin contribute to the gastrointestinal and possibly other symptoms experienced by these patients. 

Lexicon recently initiated a phase 2 clinical trial of LX1032 in the US to evaluate the safety and tolerability of LX1032, and its effects on symptoms associated with carcinoid syndrome.

Philip Brown, senior vice president of clinical development at Lexicon, said: “Gaining orphan designation in Europe for LX1032 provides important regulatory and commercial advantages in the development of this new drug candidate for symptoms associated with carcinoid syndrome.