Kumar Budur
Analyst · Needham.
Yes. Sure, Ami. I mean I guess you are referring to some of the cardiovascular issues that Fintepla has, which also acts via histaminergic mechanism of action. The histaminergic mechanism of action, Ami, with this particular indication, set of indications like DEE, is a proven mechanism of action, particularly with the D-fenfluramine, which is the active [ mighty ] Fintepla, does show some cardiovascular effects, like pulmonary arterial hypertension, which in turn results in thickening of the heart valves. And that's why that particular product has a black box warning. And is also subject to the REMS program.
With the clemizole hydrochloride, there is a huge body of safety data, one from the time that it was introduced as a first-generation antihistamine in 1950s, 60s, and 70s. And on top of it, we conducted a full battery of nonclinical safety studies including 6-month studies, repeat dose study in rats, 9-month repeat dose studies in dogs. And as seen dogs are extremely sensitive when it comes to the findings of cardiovascular issues. We did not see anything to suggest that the clemizole hydrochloride has any cardiovascular impact, including QDC.
And then these data were reviewed by the FDA and they did not ask us to conduct any additional cardiovascular monitoring apart from protein [ EC ] and the monitoring of pulse and blood pressure. And on top of it, Ami, earlier I mentioned that the patients who complete the double-blind randomized study rolling to open-label extension study. And that's a 3-year open-label extension study and some of these patients have exposure past 1 year, and the safety profile looks pretty good, in the sense none of them have had any cardiovascular issue. And also, we haven't seen any laboratory abnormalities as well.
There are 2 tests that are often used in this indication, one of them has significant GI issues and requires liver function monitoring on a regular basis. And the other one, as you mentioned had issue -- has issue with cardiovascular system and we haven't seen either of them. The safety profile is pretty benign and the efficacy data that we have seen in the open-label part is pretty compelling potential to offer a very unique benefit risk profile in this patient population.