First Gene Therapy Fda-Approved for An

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

First Gene Therapy Fda-Approved for An s FEATURE FIRST GENE THERAPY FDA-APPROVED FOR AN INHERITED RETINAL DISEASE The approval has stimulated research into gene therapies for other IRDs. BY MEGHAN J. DEBENEDICTIS, MS, LGC, MED, AND ALEKSANDRA V. RACHITSKAYA, MD he idea of gene therapy has been for clustered regularly interspaced short Scientists and companies have discussed in the medical litera- palindromic repeats) could allow edit- spent decades perfecting the use ture since as early as the 1970s. In ing of one or several sites within the of vectors for genetic material and 1972, Friedman and Roblin pro- mammalian genome.5 identifying ways to deliver them to posed that it was theoretically The most common type of gene increase therapeutic efficacy and possibleT to introduce “good” DNA to therapy is replacement gene therapy, treatment duration. Early investiga- replace defective DNA.1 Over the years, which involves replacing a mutated tions used viruses that delivered a number of gene therapy clinical trials gene that causes disease with a genes to every cell in the body, which emerged in efforts to treat genetic dis- healthy copy of that gene. It is first triggered a massive immune response eases of inborn errors of metabolism, necessary to identify the causative that could lead to organ failure. More all with varying degrees of success. mutated gene. This technology recently designed vectors deliver The basic principle of gene therapy works best in autosomal recessive specific genes to specific cells. is to put corrective genetic material biallelic disease with loss-of-function into cells to treat genetic disease. mutations. A vector is then created TARGET: IRDS Several gene therapy approaches, to carry a wild-type copy of the With the eye’s unique immunologic including replacement gene therapy, gene into the cell of interest. The privilege, inherited retinal diseases optogenetics, addition of a growth transfected gene is not incorporated (IRDs) have become one of the lead- factor, suppression gene therapy, and into the host DNA but is expressed, ing targets in gene therapy research gene editing, have been proposed in resulting in production of a protein over the past 15 years. Successful attempts to treat various ophthalmo- with normal function. treatment and restoration of vision logic conditions. Optogenetics focuses on creating artificial photoreceptors to restore AT A GLANCE photosensitivity. This is accomplished by gene delivery of light-activated s The most common type of gene therapy is replacement gene therapy, in optogenetic tools (channels or pumps) to surviving cells, such as ganglion cells, which a mutated gene that causes disease is replaced with a healthy that remain intact in the retinal circuit copy of that gene. in various diseases.2 It has been posited that genetically added growth factor s RPE65 gene mutations account for up to 10% of autosomal recessive proteins, such as adenovirus-expressed endostatin and angiostatin gene prod- Leber congenital amaurosis and early-onset retinal dystrophy cases. ucts, could have anti-VEGF properties.3 Short-interfering RNAs could be s The positive results of gene therapy clinical trials for RPE65-mediated used for down-regulation of gene retinal dystrophy led to the first US regulatory approval of a gene expression, resulting in functional inac- tivation of the targeted genes.4 Finally, therapy in January 2018. technologies such as CRISPR (standing 36 RETINA TODAY | APRIL 2018 FEATURE s ©istockphoto in vivo was first achieved in canine regeneration in photoreceptor cells.7 with this condition have an early-onset models with RPE65-related retinal However, despite the inability of retinal dystrophy phenotype with degeneration.6 The successful delivery the RPE cells to provide sufficient profound night blindness from birth of a wild-type RPE65 gene using a 11-cis retinal to the photoreceptors but residual cone-mediated vision and recombinant adeno-associated virus in RPE65-related retinal degeneration, often mild, if any, nystagmus. The dis- (AAV), with positive results, paved the photoreceptors degenerate ease usually manifests in childhood. the way for human clinical trials. slowly, so that phenotypic recovery In healthy eyes, RPE65 is expressed is possible through restoration of CLINICAL TRIAL RESULTS in the retinal pigment epithelium the missing enzyme to the RPE.8 Initially restricted to adults and (RPE) and encodes an RPE-specific RPE65-mediated retinal dystrophy is involving treatment of only one eye, 65 kD protein, all-trans retinyl ester an autosomal recessive disease that RPE65 gene therapy trials have since isomerase, an enzyme crucial to the occurs due to biallelic loss-of-function expanded to include children and retinoid cycle. The enzyme plays an mutations in the RPE65 gene, making bilateral treatment. The results of a essential role in the visual cycle. RPE65 it an attractive condition for gene phase 3 RPE65 gene therapy clinical is responsible for the conversion of replacement therapy.7 trial, published last year, showed all-trans retinyl esters to 11-cis reti- RPE65 gene mutations account for improvement in functional vision in nol during phototransduction. The up to 10% of autosomal recessive treated patients, in comparison with 11-cis retinol is converted to 11-cis Leber congenital amaurosis and early- untreated control participants, at retinal and is used in visual pigment onset retinal dystrophy cases.9 Patients 1 year.8 APRIL 2018 | RETINA TODAY 37 s FEATURE WITH THE PIVOTAL SUCCESS AND FDA APPROVAL Leber hereditary optic neuropathy, and Usher syndrome (MYO7A and USH2A). OF VORETIGENE FOR TREATMENT OF BIALLELIC Advances in the field of gene ther- apy make the accurate diagnosis of hereditary retinal dystrophies more RPE65-MEDIATED INHERITED RETINAL DISEASE, important than ever. Genetic testing is crucial to identify the underlying ONGOING RESEARCH IN OTHER INHERITED RETINAL cause of disease in this patient popu- lation and to allow potential inter- DYSTROPHIES HAS EXPLODED. vention with gene therapy and other novel therapies. The burgeoning field of gene therapy provides hope to patients who previously had no hope Eligible participants for this trial (Luxturna; Spark Therapeutics) of preserving or regaining vision. n included patients aged 3 years or older is approved for the treatment of with best corrected visual acuity of patients with confirmed biallelic 1. Friedmann T, Roblin R. Gene therapy for human genetic disease? Science. 20/60 or worse in each eye or visual RPE65 mediated IRD. It is the first 1972;175(4025):949-955. 2. Busskamp V, Picaud S, Sahel JA, Roska B. Optogenetic therapy for retinitis field of less than 20°. The primary out- directly administered gene therapy pigmentosa. Gene Ther. 2012;19(2):169-175. come of the study was multiluminance approved in the United States that 3. Hajitou A, Grignet C, Devy L, et al. The antitumoral effect of endostatin and angiostatin is associated with a down-regulation of vascular endothelial mobility testing (MLMT). Patients targets a genetic disease caused by growth factor expression in tumor cells. FASEB J. 2002;16(13):1802-1804. were required to follow a maze at dif- mutations in a single gene. 4. Cong L, Ran FA, Cox D, et al. Multiplex genome engineering using CRISPR/Cas systems. Science. 2013;339(6121):819-823. ferent illumination (lux) levels ranging Voretigene is administered via 5. Cong L, Ran FA, Cox D, Lin S, Barretto R, Habib N, Hsu PD, Wu X, Jiang from a brightly lit office environment subretinal injection in both eyes W, Marraffini L, Zhang F. Multiplex genome engineering using CRISPR/Cas systems. Science. 2013;3:1231143. to a moonless night. separately and on separate days. The 6. Acland GM, Aguirre GD, Ray J, et al. Gene therapy restores vision in a At 1 year, there was a statistically surgery, which is performed by a canine model of childhood blindness. Nat Genet. 2001;28(1):92-95. 7. Cai X, Conley SM, Naash MI. RPE65: role in the visual cycle, human retinal significant difference in improve- vitreoretinal surgeon, requires pars disease, and gene therapy. Ophthalmic Genet. 2009;30(2):57-62. ment in mean bilateral MLMT plana vitrectomy and subretinal 8. Russell S, Bennett J, Wellman JA,. Efficacy and safety of voretigene neparvovec (AAV2-hRPE65v2) in patients with RPE65-mediated inherited favoring the intervention group. injection of a total volume of 0.3 mL. retinal dystrophy: a randomised, controlled, open-label, phase 3 trial. Moreover, 13 (65%) of 20 interven- The recommended site of injection Lancet. 2017;390(10097):849-860. 9. Kumaran N, Moore AT, Weleber RG, Michaelides M. Leber congenital amau- tion participants, but no control is located along the superior vascular rosis/early-onset severe retinal dystrophy: clinical features, molecular genetics participants, passed MLMT at arcade, at least 2 mm distal to the and therapeutic interventions. Br J Ophthalmol. 2017;101(9):1147-1154. 10 10. Luxturna [package insert]. Spark Therapeutics. 2017. the lowest luminance level tested center of the fovea. Given the small 11. A US drugmaker offers to cure rare blindness for $850,000. CNBC (1 lux), demonstrating the maximum number of patients who qualify for website. January 3, 2018. www.cnbc.com/2018/01/03/spark-therapeutics- luxturna-gene-therapy-will-cost-about-850000.html. Accessed March possible improvement. The authors this specific gene therapy, there are a 16, 2018. reported no product-related serious few dedicated sites across the coun- adverse events or deleterious try that are offering the treatment. immune responses. Improvements The cost of treatment is currently MEGHAN J. DEBENEDICTIS, MS, LGC, MED in both navigational abilities and $425,000 per eye.11 n Licensed, Certified Genetic Counselor, Cole Eye light sensitivity were evident within Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio the first 30 days after subretinal MORE TO COME n [email protected] delivery and remained stable for With the pivotal success and US n Financial disclosure: Consultant (Spark Therapeutics, 1 year, as they have for at least Food and Drug Administration Second Sight Medical Products) 3 years in participants in the previ- approval of voretigene for treatment ALEKSANDRA V.
Recommended publications
  • CADTH ISSUES in EMERGING HEALTH TECHNOLOGIES Informing Decisions About New Health Technologies
    CADTH ISSUES IN EMERGING HEALTH TECHNOLOGIES Informing Decisions About New Health Technologies Issue Mar 171 2018 Gene Therapy: An Overview of Approved and Pipeline Technologies CADTH ISSUES IN EMERGING HEALTH TECHNOLOGIES 1 Authors: Alison Sinclair, Saadul Islam, Sarah Jones Cite as: Gene therapy: an overview of approved and pipeline technologies. Ottawa: CADTH; 2018 Mar. (CADTH issues in emerging health technologies; issue 171). Acknowledgments: Louis de Léséleuc, Jeff Mason, Teo Quay, Joanne Kim, Lesley Dunfield, Eftyhia Helis, Iryna Magega, Jane Hurge ISSN: 1488-6324 (online) Disclaimer: The information in this document is intended to help Canadian health care decision-makers, health care professionals, health systems leaders, and policy- makers make well-informed decisions and thereby improve the quality of health care services. While patients and others may access this document, the document is made available for informational purposes only and no representations or warranties are made with respect to its fitness for any particular purpose. The information in this document should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice or as a substitute for the application of clinical judgment in respect of the care of a particular patient or other professional judgment in any decision-making process. The Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) does not endorse any information, drugs, therapies, treatments, products, processes, or services. While CADTH has taken care to ensure that the information prepared by it in this document is accurate, complete, and up-to-date as at the applicable date the material was first published by CADTH, CADTH does not make any guarantees to that effect.
    [Show full text]
  • Luxturna Voretigene Neparvovec Rzyl Molina Clinical Policy
    Subject: Luxturna (Voretigene neparvovec-rzyl) Original Effective Date: 7/10/2018 Policy Number: MCP-318 Revision Date(s): Review Date(s): 7/10/2018 DISCLAIMER This Molina Clinical Policy (MCP) is intended to facilitate the Utilization Management process. It expresses Molina's determination as to whether certain services or supplies are medically necessary, experimental, investigational, or cosmetic for purposes of determining appropriateness of payment. The conclusion that a particular service or supply is medically necessary does not constitute a representation or warranty that this service or supply is covered (i.e., will be paid for by Molina) for a particular member. The member's benefit plan determines coverage. Each benefit plan defines which services are covered, which are excluded, and which are subject to dollar caps or other limits. Members and their providers will need to consult the member's benefit plan to determine if there are any exclusion(s) or other benefit limitations applicable to this service or supply. If there is a discrepancy between this policy and a member's plan of benefits, the benefits plan will govern. In addition, coverage may be mandated by applicable legal requirements of a State, the Federal government or CMS for Medicare and Medicaid members. CMS's Coverage Database can be found on the CMS website. The coverage directive(s) and criteria from an existing National Coverage Determination (NCD) or Local Coverage Determination (LCD) will supersede the contents of this MCP document and provide the directive for all Medicare members. SUMMARY OF EVIDENCE/POSITION This policy addresses the coverage of Luxturna (Voretigene neparvovec-rzyl), a one-time gene therapy product indicated for the treatment of individuals with confirmed bi-allelic RPE65 mutation-associated retinal dystrophy, when appropriate criteria are met.
    [Show full text]
  • Luxturna, INN-Voretigene Neparvovec
    20 September 2018 EMA/CHMP/700911/2018 Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) Assessment report Luxturna International non-proprietary name: voretigene neparvovec Procedure No. EMEA/H/C/004451/0000 Note Assessment report as adopted by the CHMP with all information of a commercially confidential nature deleted. 30 Churchill Place ● Canary Wharf ● London E14 5EU ● United Kingdom Telephone +44 (0)20 3660 6000 Facsimile +44 (0)20 3660 5555 Send a question via our website www.ema.europa.eu/contact An agency of the European Union © European Medicines Agency, 2019. Reproduction is authorised provided the source is acknowledged. Table of contents 1. Background information on the procedure .............................................. 6 1.1. Submission of the dossier ...................................................................................... 6 1.2. Steps taken for the assessment of the product ......................................................... 7 2. Scientific discussion ................................................................................ 9 2.1. Problem statement ............................................................................................... 9 2.1.1. Disease or condition ........................................................................................... 9 2.1.2. Epidemiology .................................................................................................... 9 2.1.3. Biologic features ...............................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Spark Therapeutics and Pfizer Announce That SPK-9001, An
    Spark Therapeutics and Pfizer Announce that SPK-9001, an Investigational Hemophilia B Medicine, has been Granted Access to the PRIority MEdicines (PRIME) Program by the European Medicines Agency PHILADELPHIA and NEW YORK, March 1, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE)— Spark Therapeutics (NASDAQ:ONCE) and Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) announced today that SPK-9001, the lead investigational candidate in the companies' SPK-FIX program has been granted support through the European Medicines Agency (EMA) PRIority MEdicines (PRIME) program. According to the EMA, PRIME is intended to enhance support for new treatments in development “that may offer a major therapeutic advantage over existing treatments, or benefit patients without treatment options.” “We are pleased that investigational SPK-9001 has been granted access to the PRIME program, which potentially will help accelerate the delivery of this potential gene therapy to European patients living with hemophilia B,” said Jeffrey D. Marrazzo, chief executive officer of Spark Therapeutics. “We appreciate the EMA’s dedication to moving treatments forward for patients who are underserved with current options, and we look forward to our continued collaboration on SPK-9001.” SPK-9001 is an experimental treatment for hemophilia B that is currently being investigated in an ongoing Phase 1/2 trial as a potential single-dose therapy. The PRIME program provides enhanced interaction and early dialogue with developers of promising medicines, which is intended to optimize development plans and speed up evaluation so these medicines can reach patients earlier. SPK-9001 received orphan product designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in September 2015, and later received breakthrough therapy designation from the FDA in July 2016.
    [Show full text]
  • Clinical Guideline Luxturna (Voretigene Neparvovec-Rzyl)
    Clinical Guideline Guideline Number: CG060, Ver. 1 Luxturna (voretigene neparvovec-rzyl) Disclaimer Clinical guidelines are developed and adopted to establish evidence-based clinical criteria for utilization management decisions. Oscar may delegate utilization management decisions of certain services to third-party delegates, who may develop and adopt their own clinical criteria. Clinical guidelines are applicable to certain plans. Clinical guidelines are applicable to members enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans only if there are no criteria established for the specified service in a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) national coverage determination (NCD) or local coverage determination (LCD) on the date of a prior authorization request. Services are subject to the terms, conditions, limitations of a member’s policy and applicable state and federal law. Please reference the member’s policy documents (e.g., Certificate/Evidence of Coverage, Schedule of Benefits) or contact Oscar at 855-672-2755 to confirm coverage and benefit conditions. Summary Luxturna was the first in vivo (within living cells) gene therapy approved by the FDA in December 2017 for children and adults with rare inherited vision disorders caused by mutated RPE65 gene. For individuals who have mutations in both copies of the RPE65 gene, they cannot make proteins in the eye that convert light, which leads to partial or total vision loss. Luxturna is delivered as a single-dose, subretinal injection in each eye that works by targeting these mutations to create proteins again for light detection. Subretinal injection occurs after complete vitrectomy; therefore members first must receive a pars plana vitrectomy. Definitions “Gene therapy” is a technique that replaces a mutated gene with a healthy gene, inactivates a mutated gene, or introduces a new gene that helps fight against diseases and disorders.
    [Show full text]
  • Gene Therapy for Inherited Retinal Diseases
    1278 Review Article on Novel Tools and Therapies for Ocular Regeneration Page 1 of 13 Gene therapy for inherited retinal diseases Yan Nuzbrokh1,2,3, Sara D. Ragi1,2, Stephen H. Tsang1,2,4 1Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; 2Jonas Children’s Vision Care, New York, NY, USA; 3Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, NY, USA; 4Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA Contributions: (I) Conception and design: All authors; (II) Administrative support: SH Tsang; (III) Provision of study materials or patients: SH Tsang; (IV) Collection and assembly of data: All authors; (V) Manuscript writing: All authors; (VI) Final approval of manuscript: All authors. Correspondence to: Stephen H. Tsang, MD, PhD. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University Medical Center, 635 West 165th Street, Box 212, New York, NY 10032, USA. Email: [email protected]. Abstract: Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are a genetically variable collection of devastating disorders that lead to significant visual impairment. Advances in genetic characterization over the past two decades have allowed identification of over 260 causative mutations associated with inherited retinal disorders. Thought to be incurable, gene supplementation therapy offers great promise in treating various forms of these blinding conditions. In gene replacement therapy, a disease-causing gene is replaced with a functional copy of the gene. These therapies are designed to slow disease progression and hopefully restore visual function. Gene therapies are typically delivered to target retinal cells by subretinal (SR) or intravitreal (IVT) injection.
    [Show full text]
  • Gene Therapy for Inherited Retinal Dystrophy, 2.04.144
    MEDICAL POLICY – 2.04.144 Gene Therapy for Inherited Retinal Dystrophy BCBSA Ref. Policy: 2.04.144 Effective Date: Mar. 1, 2021 RELATED MEDICAL POLICIES: Last Revised: Feb. 18, 2021 None Replaces: 8.01.536 Select a hyperlink below to be directed to that section. POLICY CRITERIA | DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS | CODING RELATED INFORMATION | EVIDENCE REVIEW | REFERENCES | HISTORY ∞ Clicking this icon returns you to the hyperlinks menu above. Introduction The retina is found at the back of the eye. It is made up of several layers. One of these layers contains cells called rods and cones. The rods and cones are stimulated when light enters our eyes. They convert the light energy into chemicals, which then create an electrical signal. The optic nerve sends the electrical signal to the brain. Many steps are required for this process to work correctly. One of these steps involves a protein called RPE65. This protein helps make some of the chemical changes that happen in the retina. A specific gene tells the body how to make this protein. If that gene is not normal, the protein cannot be made. The person without this protein will have visual problems called retinal dystrophy and can become blind, even at an early age. Changes in the RPE65 gene are rare. A new treatment uses an engineered virus to insert a healthy copy of the gene into the retinal cells. This treatment requires a genetic test to confirm the specific type of retinal dystrophy. Treatment also requires a specific amount of healthy retina to be available. This policy describes when this treatment may be considered medically necessary.
    [Show full text]
  • Voretigene Neparvovec-Rzyl (Luxturna) Policy Number: 249 Effective Date: 06/01/2021 Last Review: 04/22/2021 Next Review Date: 04/22/2022
    MEDICAL COVERAGE POLICY SERVICE: Voretigene Neparvovec-rzyl (Luxturna) Policy Number: 249 Effective Date: 06/01/2021 Last Review: 04/22/2021 Next Review Date: 04/22/2022 Important note Even though this policy may indicate that a particular service or supply may be considered covered, this conclusion is not based upon the terms of your particular benefit plan. Each benefit plan contains its own specific provisions for coverage and exclusions. Not all benefits that are determined to be medically necessary will be covered benefits under the terms of your benefit plan. You need to consult the Evidence of Coverage to determine if there are any exclusions or other benefit limitations applicable to this service or supply. If there is a discrepancy between this policy and your plan of benefits, the provisions of your benefits plan will govern. However, applicable state mandates will take precedence with respect to fully insured plans and self- funded non-ERISA (e.g., government, school boards, church) plans. Unless otherwise specifically excluded, Federal mandates will apply to all plans. With respect to Senior Care members, this policy will apply unless Medicare policies extend coverage beyond this Medical Policy & Criteria Statement. Senior Care policies will only apply to benefits paid for under Medicare rules, and not to any other health benefit plan benefits. CMS's Coverage Issues Manual can be found on the CMS website. SERVICE: Voretigene Neparvovec-rzyl (Luxturna™) PRIOR AUTHORIZATION: Required. POLICY: For Medicaid plans, please confirm coverage as outlined in the Texas Medicaid TMPPM. For all other plans, SWHP may find Voretigene Neparvovec-rzyl medically necessary in the treatment of inherited retinal diseases when the following conditions are met: Member is between 12 months and 65 years of age; AND Has diagnosis of a confirmed biallelic RPE65 mutation-associated retinal dystrophy (e.g.
    [Show full text]
  • Voretigene Neparvovec for Biallelic RPE65-Mediated Retinal Disease: Effectiveness, Value, and Value-Based Price Benchmarks
    Voretigene Neparvovec for Biallelic RPE65-Mediated Retinal Disease: Effectiveness, Value, and Value-Based Price Benchmarks Background and Scope July 10, 2017 Background: Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are a cause of childhood blindness.1 IRDs are caused by many different mutations, and with the development and availability of genetic testing over the last decade, the responsible mutations have been identified for an increasing number of these conditions.2-4 Effective treatments to reverse IRDs or slow their progression have generally been unavailable. RPE65 (retinal pigment epithelium-specific 65 kDa protein; retinoid isomerohydrolase) is an enzyme found in the retinal pigment epithelium. It plays a critical role in the regeneration of light-reacting proteins in the retina, and thus is required for vision.5 The RPE65 protein is encoded by the gene RPE65; mutations in RPE65 can result in absent production (null alleles) or reduced production (hypomorphic alleles) of the protein.6 A number of different IRDs are caused by mutations in RPE65. We heard from experts that the phenotypic distinctions among the RPE65-associated IRDs likely reflect the amount of remaining RPE65 activity. Among IRDs caused by mutations affecting both copies of RPE65 (biallelic mutations), Leber congenital amaurosis type 2 (LCA2), a subset of Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), is the most common.7 Children with LCA are typically severely visually impaired or blind at birth. However, in at least some individuals with LCA2, vision deteriorates later in life; all affected individuals are blind by young adulthood.7 It is estimated that approximately 3,700 individuals in the United States have LCA; of these, up to 16% are estimated to have LCA2.7 Thus, approximately 600 individuals with LCA2 could be candidates for gene therapy aimed at treating biallelic RPE65 mutations.
    [Show full text]
  • Luxturna (Voretigene Neparvovec-Rzyl)
    Luxturna (Voretigene Neparvovec-rzyl) ____________________________________________________________________________________ Policy Number: Original Effective Date: MM.02.043 05/01/2019 Lines of Business: Current Effective Date: HMO; PPO; QUEST Integration; Medicare Advantage 05/01/2019 Section: Medicine Place(s) of Service: Inpatient I. Description Inherited retinal dystrophy can be caused by recessive variants in the RPE65 gene. Patients with biallelic variants have difficulty seeing in dim light and progressive loss of vision. These disorders are rare and have traditionally been considered untreatable. Gene therapy with an adeno- associated virus vector expressing RPE65 has been proposed as a treatment to improve visual function. For individuals who have vision loss due to biallelic RPE65 variant-associated retinal dystrophy who receive gene therapy, the evidence includes randomized controlled trials and uncontrolled trials. Relevant outcomes are symptoms, morbid events, functional outcomes, quality of life, and treatment-related morbidity. Biallelic RPE65 variant-associated retinal dystrophy is a rare condition and, as such, it is recognized that there will be particular challenges in generating evidence, including recruitment for adequately powered randomized controlled trials, validation of novel outcome measures, and obtaining long‐term data on safety and durability. There are no other Food and Drug Administration—approved pharmacologic treatments for this condition. One randomized controlled trial (N=31) comparing voretigene neparvovec with a control demonstrated greater improvements on the Multi-Luminance Mobility Test, which measures the ability to navigate in dim lighting conditions. Most other measures of visual function were also significantly improved in the voretigene neparvovec group compared with the control group. Adverse events were mostly mild to moderate. However, there is limited follow-up available.
    [Show full text]
  • Voretigene Neparvovec - Drugbank
    5/18/2018 Voretigene Neparvovec - DrugBank Voretigene Neparvovec Targets (1) IDENTIFICATION Name Voretigene Neparvovec Accession Number DB13932 Type Biotech Groups Approved Biologic Classification Gene Therapies Other gene therapies Description Voretigene Neparvovec-rzyl (VN-rzyl) is an adeno-associated virus vector-based gene therapy.[6] An adeno-associated virus is a small virus that infects humans and other primates. It is not pathogenic and it causes a very mild immune response. This type of virus is vastly used as vectors for gene therapy because they can infect dividing and quiescent cell integrating just the carried genes into the host genome without fully integrating into the genome.[1] An advantage of this adeno-associated virus is the high predictability, unlike retrovirus, as they associate with a specific region of the human cellular genome localized in the chromosome 19. When used in genetic therapy, this virus is modified for the elimination of its negligible integrative capacity by the removal of rep and cap and the insertion of the desired gene with its promoter between the inverted terminal repeats.[2] VN-rzyl was developed by Spark Therapeutics Inc. and FDA approved on December 19, 2017.[7] https://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB13932 1/9 5/18/2018 Voretigene Neparvovec - DrugBank Synonyms AAV2-hRPE65v2 Voretigene Neparvovec-rzyl Prescription Products Search MARKETING MARKETING NAME ↑↓ DOSAGE ↑↓ STRENGTH ↑↓ ROUTE ↑↓ LABELLER ↑↓ START ↑↓ END ↑↓ ↑↓ ↑↓ Luxturna Kit Spark 2017-12-19 Not applicable Therapeutics, Inc. Showing 1 to 1 of 1 entries ‹ › Categories Not Available UNII 2SPI046IKD CAS number 1646819-03-5 PHARMACOLOGY Indication VN-rzyl is indicated for the treatment of children and adult patients with confirmed biallelic RPE65 mutation-associated retinal dystrophy.
    [Show full text]
  • Landscape Review and Evidence Map of Gene Therapy, Part 2
    EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES AND THERAPEUTICS REPORT 1 Landscape Review and Evidence Map of Gene Therapy, Part II: Chimeric Antigen Receptor- T cell (CAR-T), Autologous Cell, Antisense, RNA Interference (RNAi), Zinc Finger Nuclease (ZFN), Genetically Modified Oncolytic Herpes Virus Andrea Richardson, Eric Apaydin, Sangita Baxi, Jerry Vockley, Olamigoke Akinniranye, Rachel Ross, Jody Larkin, Aneesa Motala, Gulrez Azhar, and Susanne Hempel RAND Corporation June 2019 Revision [February 2020] Since the completion of this report a gene therapy herein described as AVXS-101 has been approved by the FDA as Zolgensma therefore the report was revised in November 2019 to reflect that change. All statements, findings, and conclusions in this publication are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) or its Board of Governors. This publication was developed through a contract to support PCORI's work. Questions or comments may be sent to PCORI at [email protected] or by mail to Suite 900, 1828 L Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036. ©2019 Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute. For more information see https://www.pcori.org EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES AND THERAPEUTICS REPORT 2 Table of Contents Executive Summary ......................................................................................................... 6 Introduction of Report Series .......................................................................................... 8 History of Gene Therapies ...........................................................................................
    [Show full text]