Disc Medicine Updates Clinical Programs for DISC-3405 and Bitopertin
Disc Medicine is adjusting its regulatory strategy for DISC-3405 and bitopertin following FDA feedback while targeting polycythemia vera and EPP treatments.
By Muhamed Porić
September 26, 2026 at 2:20 PM

Disc Medicine is advancing its two primary clinical candidates, DISC-3405 and bitopertin, as the company adjusts its regulatory strategy following FDA feedback. The firm is focused on demonstrating clinical efficacy for polycythemia vera while pursuing a traditional approval pathway for its erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) treatment.
Clinical Progress for DISC-3405
The company’s Phase II study of DISC-3405 for polycythemia vera has yielded positive results, according to recent company commentary. Data from the trial shows an 85% reduction in phlebotomy rates among participants, and 78% of patients on stable doses achieved a phlebotomy-free status.
"The most kind of side effect-free control of hematocrit that you can achieve for these patients," said John Quisel, CEO of Disc Medicine, in a statement at the Wells Fargo healthcare conference.
Regulatory Pivot for Bitopertin
Disc Medicine is adjusting its development plan for bitopertin, a treatment for EPP. After receiving a Complete Response Letter from the FDA regarding an earlier bid for accelerated approval, the company is shifting toward a traditional regulatory path. Quisel characterized the initial attempt at accelerated approval as "a highly controversial path" for the program.
Financial Position and Market Valuation
As a clinical-stage biotechnology firm, Disc Medicine remains pre-revenue. According to recent financial disclosures, the company reported a negative EBITDA of $268 million over the last twelve months. As of September 11, 2026, Disc Medicine (NASDAQ: IRON) trades at $70.06 per share, resulting in a market capitalization of approximately $2.94 billion.
What Is at Stake for Disc Medicine
The company's ability to navigate the transition from early-stage trials to late-stage regulatory submission drives its current valuation. By moving away from the accelerated approval route for bitopertin, Disc Medicine aims to align its clinical data with the requirements of a traditional FDA review process. The success of these two programs is necessary for the firm, as it currently lacks commercialized products to offset its ongoing operational burn rate.
Muhamed Porić
Founder and Editor of Embers.
Newsletter
Get Embers in your inbox
The stories that actually moved something, delivered when there's something worth sending, not daily filler.