X-linked erythropoietic protoporphyria
MONDO:0010420An erythropoietic protoporphyria in which the cause of the disease is a hemizygous, heterozygous, or homozygous (rare) gain-of-function (GOF) variant (X-linked inheritance pattern) in the terminal regulatory exon of ALAS2. GOF variants increase ALAS2 activity resulting in pathway upregulation and high levels of protoporphyrin IX (PPIX). Males with hemizygous variants frequently present in early childhood with severe cutaneous photosensitivity and laboratory markers of liver disease. Heterozygous females can present with symptoms ranging from as severe as affected males to asymptomatic due to random X-chromosome inactivation. This disease is clinically indistinguishable from FECH-related erythropoietic protoporphyria.
Also known as: ALAS2-related erythropoietic protoporphyria, X-linked dominant erythropoietic protoporphyria, X-linked dominant protoporphyria, XLDPP, XLPP, erythropoietic protoporphyria, X-linked, Erythrohepatic protoporphyria, X-linked, XLEPP
10 clinical trials for this condition and its sub-types.
Follow this condition — get notified about new trialsBroader categories
-
New drug bitopertin offers hope for sunlight pain relief in rare blood disorders
Disease control ENROLLING_BY_INVITATIONThis long-term study tests the safety and effectiveness of bitopertin (DISC-1459) in people with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) or X-linked protoporphyria (XLP), rare conditions that cause severe pain from sunlight exposure. About 230 participants who previously took bitoper…
Phase: PHASE2, PHASE3 • Sponsor: Disc Medicine, Inc • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Aug 14, 2026 00:00 UTC
-
New pill could let Sun-Sensitive patients enjoy the outdoors
Disease control OngoingThis Phase 3 trial tests whether bitopertin, a daily pill, can help people with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) or X-linked protoporphyria (XLP) spend more time in sunlight without pain. About 183 participants aged 12 and older will take bitopertin or a placebo for 6 months. …
Phase: PHASE3 • Sponsor: Disc Medicine, Inc • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Aug 14, 2026 00:00 UTC
-
Liver drug study for rare disease pulled before it started
Disease control TerminatedThis study aimed to see if the drug bitopertin is safe for people with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) or X-linked protoporphyria (XLP) who also have early signs of liver disease. Researchers planned to check for side effects and measure changes in protoporphyrin levels in bl…
Phase: PHASE1 • Sponsor: Wake Forest University Health Sciences • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:00 UTC