

Drug discovery
1
drug
With orphan designation
Overview
Systemic mastocytosis (SM) is a rare myeloproliferative disorder driven by KIT mutations (often D816V), causing pathological mast cell accumulation in tissues like bone marrow, skin, and gastrointestinal organs. Diagnosis requires bone marrow biopsy demonstrating mast cell clusters with CD25/CD2 co-expression and elevated serum tryptase (>20 ng/mL) [1][11]. Clinical manifestations range from indolent subtypes (urticaria pigmentosa, mediator-related symptoms) to aggressive forms with organ dysfunction [1][16]. Anaphylaxis risk is elevated, particularly with hypotension [5][11].
Population
Prevalence: 13.94–27.43 per 100,000 adults, with indolent SM (ISM) comprising 48–82% of cases [2][7][16].
Median age at diagnosis: 49 years (ISM); advanced subtypes (e.g., aggressive SM) occur in older adults (median ~67 years) [2][7].
Predominantly affects Caucasians; slight female predominance overall, but males are overrepresented in advanced subtypes [2][7][17].
Burden
Median 14 symptoms/patient (fatigue, GI distress, bone pain), with 30% experiencing ER visits for anaphylaxis annually [4][9].
ISM patients report SF-12 scores below population norms (Physical: 46.7; Mental: 47.6 vs. 50) [9].
Diagnostic delays average >5 years; 18% progress from indolent to advanced SM over ~7 years [6][14].
Therapies
Symptom control: H1/H2 antihistamines, leukotriene inhibitors, cromolyn sodium; epinephrine for anaphylaxis [3][13][18].
Advanced disease: Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (midostaurin: 50–75% response; avapritinib: 75–100% response) [3][13]. Bisphosphonates for osteoporosis [13][18].
Emerging therapies: Omalizumab for IgE-mediated anaphylaxis (84% efficacy in symptom reduction) [3][5].
Categories: rare hematological diseases, rare neoplastic diseases
Drug Discovery Landscape
Drug | Therapy type | Regulator | Orphan designation | Approval | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Imatinib mesylate [Gleevec] | small molecules | FDA | 2005-09-09 | 2006-10-19 | Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation |