OxThera: A two-for-one offer

By concentrating on two forms of a single indication for which no therapeutics are available and few are in development, OxThera AB is hoping to corner the Orphan market for primary hyperoxaluria and maintain a role in the larger secondary hyperoxaluria indication.

Primary hyperoxaluria is a rare genetic disease affecting about 2,000 patients in the U.S. and Europe, resulting from an enzyme defect in the liver that causes the organ to produce excess oxalate. According to President and CEO Jon Heimer, the only available treatment is a drastic one, usually requiring both kidney and liver transplant because the liver is the source of the excess oxalate and both organs become calcified over time...