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Stettner GM, Hasselmann O, Tscherter A, Galiart E, Jacquier D, Klein A. Treatment of spinal muscular atrophy with Onasemnogene Abeparvovec in Switzerland: a prospective observational case series study. BMC Neurol 2023; 23:88. [PMID: 36855136 PMCID: PMC9971686 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-023-03133-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare neuromuscular disorder leading to early death in the majority of affected individuals without treatment. Recently, targeted treatment approaches including Onasemnogene Abeparvovec (OA) were introduced. This study describes the first real-world experience with OA in Switzerland. METHODS Prospective observational case series study using data collected within the Swiss Registry for Neuromuscular Disorders from SMA patients treated with OA. Development of motor, bulbar and respiratory function, appearance of scoliosis, and safety data (platelet count, liver function, and cardiotoxicity) were analyzed. RESULTS Nine individuals were treated with OA and followed for 383 ± 126 days: six SMA type 1 (of which two with nusinersen pretreatment), one SMA type 2, and two pre-symptomatic individuals. In SMA type 1, CHOP Intend score increased by 28.1 from a mean score of 20.5 ± 7.6 at baseline. At end of follow-up, 50% of SMA type 1 patients required nutritional support and 17% night-time ventilation; 67% developed scoliosis. The SMA type 2 patient and two pre-symptomatically treated individuals reached maximum CHOP Intend scores. No patient required adaptation of the concomitant prednisolone treatment, although transient decrease of platelet count and increase of transaminases were observed in all patients. Troponin-T was elevated prior to OA treatment in 100% and showed fluctuations in 57% thereafter. CONCLUSIONS OA is a potent treatment for SMA leading to significant motor function improvements. However, the need for respiratory and especially nutritional support as well as the development of scoliosis must be thoroughly evaluated in SMA type 1 patients even in the short term after OA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg M. Stettner
- grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Neuromuscular Center Zurich and Department of Pediatric Neurology, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Steinwiesstrasse 75, CH-8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Oswald Hasselmann
- grid.414079.f0000 0004 0568 6320Department of Neuropediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Switzerland, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Anne Tscherter
- grid.5734.50000 0001 0726 5157Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Elea Galiart
- grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Neuromuscular Center Zurich and Department of Pediatric Neurology, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Steinwiesstrasse 75, CH-8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - David Jacquier
- grid.8515.90000 0001 0423 4662Pediatric Neurology and Neurorehabilitation Unit, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Klein
- grid.5734.50000 0001 0726 5157Division of Neuropediatrics, Development and Rehabilitation, Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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102
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Du W, Ergin V, Loeb C, Huang M, Silver S, Armstrong AM, Huang Z, Gurumurthy CB, Staecker H, Liu X, Chen ZY. Rescue of Auditory Function by a Single Administration of AAV- TMPRSS3 Gene Therapy in Aged Mice of Human Recessive Deafness DFNB8. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.25.530035. [PMID: 36865298 PMCID: PMC9980176 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.25.530035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Patients with mutations in the TMPRSS3 gene suffer from recessive deafness DFNB8/DFNB10 for whom cochlear implantation is the only treatment option. Poor cochlear implantation outcomes are seen in some patients. To develop biological treatment for TMPRSS3 patients, we generated a knock-in mouse model with a frequent human DFNB8 TMPRSS3 mutation. The Tmprss3 A306T/A306T homozygous mice display delayed onset progressive hearing loss similar to human DFNB8 patients. Using AAV2 as a vector to carry a human TMPRSS3 gene, AAV2-h TMPRSS3 injection in the adult knock-in mouse inner ears results in TMPRSS3 expression in the hair cells and the spiral ganglion neurons. A single AAV2-h TMPRSS3 injection in aged Tmprss3 A306T/A306T mice leads to sustained rescue of the auditory function, to a level similar to the wildtype mice. AAV2-h TMPRSS3 delivery rescues the hair cells and the spiral ganglions. This is the first study to demonstrate successful gene therapy in an aged mouse model of human genetic deafness. This study lays the foundation to develop AAV2-h TMPRSS3 gene therapy to treat DFNB8 patients, as a standalone therapy or in combination with cochlear implantation.
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103
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George LA. Hemophilia A Gene Therapy - Some Answers, More Questions. N Engl J Med 2023; 388:761-763. [PMID: 36812440 DOI: 10.1056/nejme2212347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey A George
- From the Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, and the Division of Hematology and Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia - both in Philadelphia
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Günther R. [Gene Therapies in Motor Neuron Diseases ALS and SMA]. FORTSCHRITTE DER NEUROLOGIE-PSYCHIATRIE 2023; 91:153-163. [PMID: 36822211 DOI: 10.1055/a-2002-5215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
In the past, the diagnosis of motor neuron diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and 5q-associated spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) meant powerlessness in the face of seemingly untreatable diseases with severe motor-functional limitations and sometimes fatal courses. Recent advances in an understanding of the genetic causalities of these diseases, combined with success in the development of targeted gene therapy strategies, spell hope for effective, innovative therapeutic approaches, pioneering the ability to treat neurodegenerative diseases. While gene therapies have been approved for SMA since a few years, gene therapy research in ALS is still in clinical trials with encouraging results. This article provides an overview of the genetic background of ALS and SMA known to date and gene therapy approaches to them with a focus on therapy candidates that are in clinical trials or have already gained market approval.
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Affiliation(s)
- René Günther
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Neurologie, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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105
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Zhu X, Li H, Hu C, Wu M, Zhou S, Wang Y, Li W. Spinal muscular atrophy with hypoplasia of the corpus callosum: a case report. BMC Neurol 2023; 23:77. [PMID: 36803361 PMCID: PMC9938556 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-023-03121-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a severe neuromuscular disorder due to a defect in the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. Hypoplasia of the corpus callosum is underdevelopment or thinness of the corpus callosum. SMA and callosal hypoplasia are relatively rare, and there is limited information sharing the diagnosis and treatment for SMA patients with callosal hypoplasia. CASE DESCRIPTION A boy with callosal hypoplasia, small penis, and small testes had been perceived with motor regression at 5 months. He was referred to the rehabilitation department and neurology department at 7 months. Physical examination showed absent deep tendon reflexes, proximal weakness and significant hypotonia. He was recommended to perform trio whole-exome sequencing (WES) and array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) for his complicated conditions. The subsequent nerve conduction study revealed some characteristics of motor neuron diseases. We identified a homozygous deletion in exon 7 of the SMN1 gene by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification and failed to find further pathogenic variations responsible for multiple malformations by trio WES and aCGH. He was diagnosed as SMA. Despite some concerns, he received the therapy of nusinersen for nearly 2 years. He gained the milestone of sitting without support, which he had never accomplished, after the seventh injection, and he continued to improve. During follow-up, there were no adverse events reported and no signs of hydrocephalus. CONCLUSIONS Some extra features which could not belong to neuromuscular manifestation made the diagnosis and treatment of SMA more complicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomei Zhu
- grid.411333.70000 0004 0407 2968Department of Neurology, Children`s hospital of Fudan University, National Children`s Medical Center, 399 Wanyuan Road, Shanghai, 201102 China
| | - Hui Li
- grid.411333.70000 0004 0407 2968Department of Rehabilitation, Children`s hospital of Fudan University, National Children`s Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Chaoping Hu
- grid.411333.70000 0004 0407 2968Department of Neurology, Children`s hospital of Fudan University, National Children`s Medical Center, 399 Wanyuan Road, Shanghai, 201102 China
| | - Min Wu
- grid.411333.70000 0004 0407 2968Department of Neurology, Children`s hospital of Fudan University, National Children`s Medical Center, 399 Wanyuan Road, Shanghai, 201102 China
| | - Shuizhen Zhou
- grid.411333.70000 0004 0407 2968Department of Neurology, Children`s hospital of Fudan University, National Children`s Medical Center, 399 Wanyuan Road, Shanghai, 201102 China
| | - Yi Wang
- grid.411333.70000 0004 0407 2968Department of Neurology, Children`s hospital of Fudan University, National Children`s Medical Center, 399 Wanyuan Road, Shanghai, 201102 China
| | - Wenhui Li
- Department of Neurology, Children`s hospital of Fudan University, National Children`s Medical Center, 399 Wanyuan Road, Shanghai, 201102, China.
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Chiriboga CA, Bruno C, Duong T, Fischer D, Mercuri E, Kirschner J, Kostera-Pruszczyk A, Jaber B, Gorni K, Kletzl H, Carruthers I, Martin C, Warren F, Scalco RS, Wagner KR, Muntoni F. Risdiplam in Patients Previously Treated with Other Therapies for Spinal Muscular Atrophy: An Interim Analysis from the JEWELFISH Study. Neurol Ther 2023; 12:543-557. [PMID: 36780114 PMCID: PMC9924181 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-023-00444-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/14/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Risdiplam is a survival of motor neuron 2 (SMN2) splicing modifier for the treatment of patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The JEWELFISH study (NCT03032172) was designed to assess the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD) of risdiplam in previously treated pediatric and adult patients with types 1-3 SMA. Here, an analysis was performed after all patients had received at least 1 year of treatment with risdiplam. METHODS Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of 5q-autosomal recessive SMA between the ages of 6 months and 60 years were eligible for enrollment. Patients were previously enrolled in the MOONFISH study (NCT02240355) with splicing modifier RG7800 or treated with olesoxime, nusinersen, or onasemnogene abeparvovec. The primary objectives of the JEWELFISH study were to evaluate the safety and tolerability of risdiplam and investigate the PK after 2 years of treatment. RESULTS A total of 174 patients enrolled: MOONFISH study (n = 13), olesoxime (n = 71 patients), nusinersen (n = 76), onasemnogene abeparvovec (n = 14). Most patients (78%) had three SMN2 copies. The median age and weight of patients at enrollment was 14.0 years (1-60 years) and 39.1 kg (9.2-108.9 kg), respectively. About 63% of patients aged 2-60 years had a baseline total score of less than 10 on the Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale-Expanded and 83% had scoliosis. The most common adverse event (AE) was upper respiratory tract infection and pyrexia (30 patients each; 17%). Pneumonia (four patients; 2%) was the most frequently reported serious AE (SAE). The rates of AEs and SAEs per 100 patient-years were lower in the second 6-month period compared with the first. An increase in SMN protein was observed in blood after risdiplam treatment and was comparable across all ages and body weight quartiles. CONCLUSIONS The safety and PD of risdiplam in patients who were previously treated were consistent with those of treatment-naïve patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia A. Chiriboga
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 180 Fort Washington Avenue # 552, New York, NY 10032-3791 USA
| | - Claudio Bruno
- Centre of Translational and Experimental Myology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, and Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health-DINOGMI, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Tina Duong
- Department of Neurology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA USA
| | - Dirk Fischer
- Division of Neuropediatrics, University Children’s Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Eugenio Mercuri
- Pediatric Neurology Institute, Catholic University and Nemo Pediatrico, Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Janbernd Kirschner
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anna Kostera-Pruszczyk
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland ,ERN EURO-NMD, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Birgit Jaber
- Pharma Development, Safety, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ksenija Gorni
- PDMA Neuroscience and Rare Disease, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Heidemarie Kletzl
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Renata S. Scalco
- Product Development Neuroscience, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kathryn R. Wagner
- Product Development Neuroscience, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Francesco Muntoni
- The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health University College London, and Great Ormond Street Hospital Trust, London, UK
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107
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Barrois R, Barnerias C, Deladrière E, Leloup-Germa V, Tervil B, Audic F, Boulay C, Cances C, Cintas P, Davion JB, Espil-Taris C, Manel V, Pereon Y, Piarroux J, Quijano Roy S, Vuillerot C, Walther-Louvier U, Desguerre I, Gitiaux C. A new score combining compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitudes and motor score is predictive of motor outcome after AVXS-101 (Onasemnogene Abeparvovec) SMA therapy. Neuromuscul Disord 2023; 33:309-314. [PMID: 36881951 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2023.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy 1 (SMA1) is a severe early genetic disease with degeneration of motor neurons. Motor development is still suboptimal after gene replacement therapy in symptomatic patients. In this study, compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitudes were explored as predictors of motor recovery after gene therapy. Thirteen symptomatic SMA1 patients were prospectively included at the Necker Enfants Malades Hospital, Paris, France (Cohort 1) and 12 at the other pediatric neuromuscular reference centers of the French Filnemus network (Cohort 2). In Cohort 1, median CMAP amplitudes showed the best improvement between baseline and the 12 months visit compared to the other tested nerves (ulnar, fibular and tibial). High median CMAP amplitudes at baseline was associated with unaided sitting achievement at M6 (AUC 90%). None of the patients with CHOPINTEND at M0 < 30/64 and median CMAP < 0.5 mV achieved unaided sitting at M6 and this result was confirmed on Cohort 2 used as an independent validation data. Thus, median CMAP amplitude is a valid biomarker for routine practice to predict sitting at M6. A median CMAP amplitude over 0.5 mV at baseline may predict better motor recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Barrois
- Centre de Référence des Maladies Neuromusculaires Nord/Est/Ile de France, AP-HP, Hôpital Necker Enfants Malades, Université Paris-Cité, Paris, France; Centre Borelli - UMR 9010 Centre Borelli, Gif-sur-Yvette 91190, France.
| | - C Barnerias
- Centre de Référence des Maladies Neuromusculaires Nord/Est/Ile de France, AP-HP, Hôpital Necker Enfants Malades, Université Paris-Cité, Paris, France
| | - E Deladrière
- Centre de Référence des Maladies Neuromusculaires Nord/Est/Ile de France, AP-HP, Hôpital Necker Enfants Malades, Université Paris-Cité, Paris, France
| | - V Leloup-Germa
- Centre de Référence des Maladies Neuromusculaires Nord/Est/Ile de France, AP-HP, Hôpital Necker Enfants Malades, Université Paris-Cité, Paris, France
| | - B Tervil
- Centre Borelli - UMR 9010 Centre Borelli, Gif-sur-Yvette 91190, France
| | - F Audic
- Centre de Référence des Maladies Neuromusculaires, Service de Neuropédiatrie, Hôpital Timone Enfants, Marseille, France
| | - C Boulay
- Centre de Référence des Maladies Neuromusculaires, Service de Neuropédiatrie, Hôpital Timone Enfants, Marseille, France
| | - C Cances
- Unité d'explorations neurophysiologiques, Département de neurologie, CHU de Toulouse - Hôpital Pierre-Paul Riquet, Toulouse, France
| | - P Cintas
- Unité d'explorations neurophysiologiques, Département de neurologie, CHU de Toulouse - Hôpital Pierre-Paul Riquet, Toulouse, France
| | - J B Davion
- Centre de Référence des Maladies Neuromusculaires Nord/Est/Ile de France, Service de Neuropédiatrie, Hôpital Salengro CHU Lille, Lille, France
| | - C Espil-Taris
- Centre de référence Maladies neuromusculaires AOC, Neurologie pédiatrique, CHU de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - V Manel
- Service de neurologie pédiatrique, Hôpital Femme Mère Enfant, Lyon, France
| | - Y Pereon
- Centre de Référence des Maladies Neuromusculaires Atlantique Occitanie Caraïbes, Filnemus, Euro-NMD, Explorations Fonctionnelles, CHU Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - J Piarroux
- Service de neuropédiatrie, Pôle Femme Mère Enfant, CHU de Montpellier - Hôpital Gui de Chauliac, Montpellier, France
| | - S Quijano Roy
- Centre de Références des Maladies Neuromusculaires, Service de Neurologie Pédiatrique et Réanimation, Hôpital Raymond Poincaré, AP-HP Université Paris Saclay (UVSQ), Garches, France
| | - C Vuillerot
- Service de Médecine physique et réadaptation pédiatriques, Hôpital Femme Mère Enfant, Lyon, France
| | - U Walther-Louvier
- Centre de Référence des Maladies Neuromusculaires, Hôpital Gui de Chauliac, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - I Desguerre
- Centre de Référence des Maladies Neuromusculaires Nord/Est/Ile de France, AP-HP, Hôpital Necker Enfants Malades, Université Paris-Cité, Paris, France; Université Paris Cité, IHU Imagine, Paris F-75015, France
| | - C Gitiaux
- Centre de Référence des Maladies Neuromusculaires Nord/Est/Ile de France, AP-HP, Hôpital Necker Enfants Malades, Université Paris-Cité, Paris, France; Service d'explorations Fonctionnelles, unité de Neurophysiologie Clinique, AP-HP, Hôpital Necker Enfants Malades, Paris, France
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108
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Reilly A, Chehade L, Kothary R. Curing SMA: Are we there yet? Gene Ther 2023; 30:8-17. [PMID: 35614235 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-022-00349-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Loss or deletion of survival motor neuron 1 gene (SMN1) is causative for a severe and devastating neuromuscular disease, Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). SMN1 produces SMN, a ubiquitously expressed protein, that is essential for the development and survival of motor neurons. Major advances and developments in SMA therapeutics are shifting the natural history of the disease. With three relatively new available therapies, nusinersen (Spinraza), onasemnogene abeparvovec (Zolgensma), and risdiplam (Evrysdi), patients survive longer and have improved outcomes. However, patients and families continue to face many challenges associated with use of these therapies, including poor treatment response and a variability in the benefits to those that do respond, suggesting that the quest for the SMA cure is not over. In this review, we discuss the current therapies, their limitations, and highlight necessary gaps that need to be addressed to guarantee the best outcomes for SMA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aoife Reilly
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Lucia Chehade
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Rashmi Kothary
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada. .,Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada. .,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada. .,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada. .,Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
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109
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Li H, Wang P, Hsu E, Pinckard KM, Stanford KI, Han R. Systemic AAV9.BVES delivery ameliorates muscular dystrophy in a mouse model of LGMDR25. Mol Ther 2023; 31:398-408. [PMID: 36433649 PMCID: PMC9931600 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type R25 (LGMDR25) is caused by recessive mutations in BVES encoding a cAMP-binding protein, characterized by progressive muscular dystrophy with deteriorating muscle function and impaired cardiac conduction in patients. There is currently no therapeutic treatment for LGMDR25 patients. Here we report the efficacy and safety of recombinant adeno-associated virus 9 (AAV9)-mediated systemic delivery of human BVES driven by a muscle-specific promoter MHCK7 (AAV9.BVES) in BVES-knockout (BVES-KO) mice. AAV9.BVES efficiently transduced the cardiac and skeletal muscle tissues when intraperitoneally injected into neonatal BVES-KO mice. AAV9.BVES dramatically improved body weight gain, muscle mass, muscle strength, and exercise performance in BVES-KO mice regardless of sex. AAV9.BVES also significantly ameliorated the histopathological features of muscular dystrophy. The heart rate reduction was also normalized in BVES-KO mice under exercise-induced stress following systemic AAV9.BVES delivery. Moreover, intravenous AAV9.BVES administration into adult BVES-KO mice after the disease onset also resulted in substantial improvement in body weight, muscle mass, muscle contractility, and stress-induced heart rhythm abnormality. No obvious toxicity was detected. Taken together, these results provide the proof-of-concept evidence to support the AAV9.BVES gene therapy for LGMDR25.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiwen Li
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Peipei Wang
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Ethan Hsu
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Kelsey M Pinckard
- Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Kristin I Stanford
- Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Renzhi Han
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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110
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Yang D, Ruan Y, Chen Y. Safety and efficacy of gene therapy with onasemnogene abeparvovec in the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Paediatr Child Health 2023; 59:431-438. [PMID: 36722610 DOI: 10.1111/jpc.16340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive hereditary disease which leads to progressive muscle weakness and atrophy. Our systematic review and meta-analysis aims to explore the efficacy and safety of onasemnogene abeparvovec in SMA patients. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane through April 2022. Ten reports enrolling 250 SMA patients were included. CHOP INTEND and motor-milestone significant improvements were detected at both short- and long-term follow-up. Common adverse events included pyrexia, vomiting, thrombocytopenia and elevated aminotransferases. Thrombocytopenia (79.3%, 95%CI: 65.8~90.5) and elevated aminotransferases (71.7%, 95%CI: 62.5~80.1) were more common in SMA patients aged older than 8 months. Despite the paucity of randomized control trial data and low quality of evidence to establish the safety and efficacy of onasemnogene abeparvovec in the treatment of SMA, the data suggest that it is a valuable option for patients with this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongling Yang
- Ruikang Clinical Medical College, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,Department of Pediatric Neurology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Diseases, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yiyan Ruan
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Diseases, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yuyi Chen
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Diseases, Nanning, Guangxi, China
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111
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Pascual-Morena C, Cavero-Redondo I, Lucerón-Lucas-Torres M, Martínez-García I, Rodríguez-Gutiérrez E, Martínez-Vizcaíno V. Onasemnogene Abeparvovec in Type 1 Spinal Muscular Atrophy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Hum Gene Ther 2023; 34:129-138. [PMID: 36136906 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2022.161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the latest approved therapies for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is onasemnogene abeparvovec, which transduces motor neurons with the survival of motor neuron gene. The aim of this meta-analysis was to estimate the effect of onasemnogene abeparvovec on motor function in participants with type 1 SMA. Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library were searched for studies published from inception to August 2022. Pre-post clinical trials and observational studies determining the effect of onasemnogene abeparvovec on the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Infant Test of Neuromuscular Disorders (CHOP-INTEND) score or motor milestones (i.e., head control, sit unassisted, feed orally, not use permanent ventilatory support, crawl, stand alone, and walk alone) in participants with type 1 SMA were included. Continuous outcomes (i.e., CHOP-INTEND score) were expressed as pre-post mean difference and 95% confidence interval (CI), while the proportion of participants who achieved >40, >50, and >58/60 points on the CHOP-INTEND and the achievement of the motor milestones were expressed as proportions and 95% CI. A random effects meta-analysis was conducted on each outcome, and the baseline CHOP-INTEND score was considered a covariate. Eleven studies were included in the systematic review, and four were included in the meta-analyses. Onasemnogene abeparvovec improved CHOP-INTEND scores by 11.06 (9.47 to 12.65) and 14.14 (12.42 to 15.86) points at 3 and 6 months postinfusion, respectively. Moreover, 87%, 51%, and 12% achieved CHOP-INTEND scores of >40, >50, and >58/60 points, respectively. However, this proportion increased to 100% in presymptomatic participants with greater baseline CHOP-INTEND. Motor milestones were also improved, especially in presymptomatic participants. Our systematic review not only showed a marked improvement in motor function in type 1 SMA but also showed that treatment in the presymptomatic stage improves the development of these children toward an evolution close to normal for their age.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Iván Cavero-Redondo
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Talca, Chile
| | | | | | | | - Vicente Martínez-Vizcaíno
- Health and Social Research Center, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Cuenca, Spain.,Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Talca, Chile
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112
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Lejman J, Panuciak K, Nowicka E, Mastalerczyk A, Wojciechowska K, Lejman M. Gene Therapy in ALS and SMA: Advances, Challenges and Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021130. [PMID: 36674643 PMCID: PMC9860634 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is defined as the administration of genetic material to modify, manipulate gene expression or alter the properties of living cells for therapeutic purposes. Recent advances and improvements in this field have led to many breakthroughs in the treatment of various diseases. As a result, there has been an increasing interest in the use of these therapies to treat motor neuron diseases (MNDs), for which many potential molecular targets have been discovered. MNDs are neurodegenerative disorders that, in their most severe forms, can lead to respiratory failure and death, for instance, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Despite the fact that SMA has been known for many years, it is still one of the most common genetic diseases causing infant mortality. The introduction of drugs based on ASOs-nusinersen; small molecules-risdiplam; and replacement therapy (GRT)-Zolgensma has shown a significant improvement in both event-free survival and the quality of life of patients after using these therapies in the available trial results. Although there is still no drug that would effectively alleviate the course of the disease in ALS, the experience gained from SMA gene therapy gives hope for a positive outcome of the efforts to produce an effective and safe drug. The aim of this review is to present current progress and prospects for the use of gene therapy in the treatment of both SMA and ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Lejman
- Student Scientific Society, Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Kinga Panuciak
- Student Scientific Society, Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Emilia Nowicka
- Student Scientific Society, Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Angelika Mastalerczyk
- Student Scientific Society, Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Wojciechowska
- Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Monika Lejman
- Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
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113
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Zang J, Johannsen J, Denecke J, Weiss D, Koseki JC, Nießen A, Müller F, Nienstedt JC, Flügel T, Pflug C. Flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing in children with type 1 spinal muscular atrophy. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2023; 280:1329-1338. [PMID: 36209319 PMCID: PMC9547642 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-022-07685-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to report on implementing flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) in infants and toddlers with type 1 spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). In addition, a comparison of FEES results and clinical scores was carried out. METHODS A prospective pilot study was conducted including ten symptomatic children with SMA type 1 (two SMN2 copies). They started treatment with one of the three currently approved therapies for SMA at a median age of 3.8 months (range 0.7-8.9). FEES was performed according to a standard protocol using Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) and Murray Secretion Scale as a primary outcome. The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Infant Test of Neuromuscular Disorders (CHOP-INTEND) for motor function, Neuromuscular Disease Swallowing Status Scale (NdSSS), Oral and Swallowing Abilities Tool (OrSAT), and single clinical swallowing-related parameters were also assessed. RESULTS Distinct swallowing disorders were already evident in eight children at inclusion. The most common findings from FEES were pharyngeal secretion pooling, penetration, and aspiration of saliva and food as well as delayed initiation of swallowing. Despite an average increase in motor function, no comparable improvement was found in swallowing function. None of the surveyed clinical scores showed a significant dependence on PAS in a mixed linear model. CONCLUSIONS Valuable information regarding the status of dysphagia can be gathered endoscopically, particularly concerning secretion management and when oral intake is limited. Currently available clinical tools for children with type 1 may represent a change in nutritional status but are not yet mature enough to conclude swallowing ability. Further development is still required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Zang
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Department of Voice, Speech and Hearing Disorders, University Dysphagia Center, University Medical Center Hamburg‐Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jessika Johannsen
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jonas Denecke
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Deike Weiss
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jana-Christiane Koseki
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Department of Voice, Speech and Hearing Disorders, University Dysphagia Center, University Medical Center Hamburg‐Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Almut Nießen
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Department of Voice, Speech and Hearing Disorders, University Dysphagia Center, University Medical Center Hamburg‐Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Frank Müller
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Department of Voice, Speech and Hearing Disorders, University Dysphagia Center, University Medical Center Hamburg‐Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julie Cläre Nienstedt
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Department of Voice, Speech and Hearing Disorders, University Dysphagia Center, University Medical Center Hamburg‐Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Till Flügel
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Department of Voice, Speech and Hearing Disorders, University Dysphagia Center, University Medical Center Hamburg‐Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christina Pflug
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Department of Voice, Speech and Hearing Disorders, University Dysphagia Center, University Medical Center Hamburg‐Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
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Glascock J, Darras BT, Crawford TO, Sumner CJ, Kolb SJ, DiDonato C, Elsheikh B, Howell K, Farwell W, Valente M, Petrillo M, Tingey J, Jarecki J. Identifying Biomarkers of Spinal Muscular Atrophy for Further Development. J Neuromuscul Dis 2023; 10:937-954. [PMID: 37458045 PMCID: PMC10578234 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-230054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is caused by bi-allelic, recessive mutations of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene and reduced expression levels of the survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. Degeneration of alpha motor neurons in the spinal cord causes progressive skeletal muscle weakness. The wide range of disease severities, variable rates of decline, and heterogenous clinical responses to approved disease-modifying treatment remain poorly understood and limit the ability to optimize treatment for patients. Validation of a reliable biomarker(s) with the potential to support early diagnosis, inform disease prognosis and therapeutic suitability, and/or confirm response to treatment(s) represents a significant unmet need in SMA. OBJECTIVES The SMA Multidisciplinary Biomarkers Working Group, comprising 11 experts in a variety of relevant fields, sought to determine the most promising candidate biomarker currently available, determine key knowledge gaps, and recommend next steps toward validating that biomarker for SMA. METHODS The Working Group engaged in a modified Delphi process to answer questions about candidate SMA biomarkers. Members participated in six rounds of reiterative surveys that were designed to build upon previous discussions. RESULTS The Working Group reached a consensus that neurofilament (NF) is the candidate biomarker best poised for further development. Several important knowledge gaps were identified, and the next steps toward filling these gaps were proposed. CONCLUSIONS NF is a promising SMA biomarker with the potential for prognostic, predictive, and pharmacodynamic capabilities. The Working Group has identified needed information to continue efforts toward the validation of NF as a biomarker for SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Basil T. Darras
- Boston Children’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Thomas O. Crawford
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Departments of Neurology and Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Pediatrics, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Charlotte J. Sumner
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Departments of Neurology and Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Pediatrics, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stephen J. Kolb
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry & Pharmacology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - Bakri Elsheikh
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kelly Howell
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy Foundation, Jackson, WY, USA
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115
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Younger DS. On the path to evidence-based therapy in neuromuscular disorders. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2023; 195:315-358. [PMID: 37562877 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-98818-6.00007-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Neuromuscular disorders encompass a diverse group of acquired and genetic diseases characterized by loss of motor functionality. Although cure is the goal, many therapeutic strategies have been envisioned and are being studied in randomized clinical trials and entered clinical practice. As in all scientific endeavors, the successful clinical translation depends on the quality and translatability of preclinical findings and on the predictive value and feasibility of the clinical models. This chapter focuses on five exemplary diseases: childhood spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disorders, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP), acquired autoimmune myasthenia gravis (MG), and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), to illustrate the progress made on the path to evidenced-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Younger
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Neuroscience, CUNY School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States; Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine and Neurology, White Plains Hospital, White Plains, NY, United States.
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116
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Simmons E, Wen Y, Li J, Qian YW, Wong LC, Konrad RJ, Bivi N. A sensitive and drug tolerant assay for detecting anti-AAV9 antibodies using affinity capture elution. J Immunol Methods 2023; 512:113397. [PMID: 36481208 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2022.113397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) based gene therapies are gaining significant momentum as a novel therapeutic modality. However, a yet unsolved concern for using AAV as a vector is the high potential to elicit humoral and cellular responses, which are often exacerbated by pre-existing immunity due to exposure to wild type AAV. Therefore, characterization of pre-existing and treatment emergent anti-AAV antibodies is of great importance to the development of AAV based gene therapies. In this project, a sensitive and drug tolerant total antibody (TAb) assay was developed using recombinant AAV9-GFP (green fluorescent protein) as a surrogate AAV9. The assay format was affinity capture and elution (ACE) with ruthenium labeled AAV9-GFP as detection. Upon evaluation, three commercial anti-AAV9 monoclonal antibodies (clones HI17, HI35, and HL2374) were chosen and mixed at equal concentrations as positive control material. The assay sensitivity was estimated to be 11.2 ng/mL. Drug tolerance was estimated to be 5.4 × 10E10 DRP/mL AAV9-GFP at 100 ng/mL anti-AAV9 antibodies and to be at least 1 × 10E11 DRP/mL at 500 ng/mL and 250 ng/mL anti-AAV9 antibodies. The assay showed desirable specificity and precision. Using this TAb assay, significant pre-existing antibodies were detected from normal human sera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Simmons
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA
| | - Yi Wen
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA.
| | - Jingling Li
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA
| | - Yue-Wei Qian
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA
| | - Li Chin Wong
- Prevail Therapeutics - a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Robert J Konrad
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA
| | - Nicoletta Bivi
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA
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Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is caused by biallelic mutations in the SMN1 (survival motor neuron 1) gene on chromosome 5q13.2, which leads to a progressive degeneration of alpha motor neurons in the spinal cord and in motor nerve nuclei in the caudal brainstem. It is characterized by progressive proximally accentuated muscle weakness with loss of already acquired motor skills, areflexia and, depending on the phenotype, varying degrees of weakness of the respiratory and bulbar muscles. Over the past decade, disease-modifying therapies have become available based on splicing modulation of the SMN2 with SMN1 gene replacement, which if initiated significantly modifies the natural course of the disease. Newborn screening for SMA has been implemented in an increasing number of centers; however, available evidence for these new treatments is often limited to a small spectrum of patients concerning age and disease stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Younger
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Neuroscience, CUNY School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States; Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine and Neurology, White Plains Hospital, White Plains, NY, United States.
| | - Jerry R Mendell
- Department of Neurology and Pediatrics, Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
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Camu W, De La Cruz E, Esselin F. Therapeutic tools for familial ALS. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2023; 179:49-53. [PMID: 36503675 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2022.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Familial ALS (FALS) accounts for 10 to 15% of ALS cases. In more than 70% of FALS patients, a causal gene is identified and animal models have been developed for a subset of them, mainly for the most frequently mutated genes. Therapeutic tools to treat those patients are dominated by gene-specific therapy and the most advanced approaches target the SOD1 gene mutations. Either by direct delivery of antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) or using viral vectors such as adenoviruses (AAV) to deliver ASOs, gene specific therapies have shown promising results in animal models. The recent use of subpial injections of AAV9+anti SOD1 ASO now shows that the disease is completely prevented or stopped in the animal, depending on the moment of injection, e.g., before or after disease onset. However, the use of viral vectors in humans seems to be limited at least by their immunogenicity. Antibody-based therapies are also efficient to treat animal models, but to a lesser extent. Most of the experiments targeted the SOD1 protein in its misfolded conformation. This approach seems better tolerated than the AAV one, an important limit being the choice of the epitope. Unexpectedly, some advances in treating the C9ORF72 animal model have been obtained using a modulation of microbiota, and this strategy has the great advantage to have an easy route of administration and a good safety profile. The landscape of experimental FALS treatment is rapidly evolving and results are promising. This is an important unmet need for ALS patients and several human phase I, II and III trials are ongoing.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Camu
- Explorations neurologiques et centre de référence SLA, université de Montpellier, CHU Gui de Chauliac, INM, Inserm, Montpellier, France.
| | - E De La Cruz
- Explorations neurologiques et centre de référence SLA, université de Montpellier, CHU Gui de Chauliac, INM, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - F Esselin
- Explorations neurologiques et centre de référence SLA, université de Montpellier, CHU Gui de Chauliac, INM, Inserm, Montpellier, France
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119
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Younger DS. Spinal cord motor disorders. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2023; 196:3-42. [PMID: 37620076 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-98817-9.00007-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord diseases are frequently devastating due to the precipitous and often permanently debilitating nature of the deficits. Spastic or flaccid paraparesis accompanied by dermatomal and myotomal signatures complementary to the incurred deficits facilitates localization of the insult within the cord. However, laboratory studies often employing disease-specific serology, neuroradiology, neurophysiology, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis aid in the etiologic diagnosis. While many spinal cord diseases are reversible and treatable, especially when recognized early, more than ever, neuroscientists are being called to investigate endogenous mechanisms of neural plasticity. This chapter is a review of the embryology, neuroanatomy, clinical localization, evaluation, and management of adult and childhood spinal cord motor disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Younger
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Neuroscience, CUNY School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States; Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine and Neurology, White Plains Hospital, White Plains, NY, United States.
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120
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Younger DS. Neonatal and infantile hypotonia. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2023; 195:401-423. [PMID: 37562880 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-98818-6.00011-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
The underlying etiology of neonatal and infantile hypotonia can be divided into primary peripheral and central nervous system and acquired or genetic disorders. The approach to identifying the likeliest cause of hypotonia begins with a bedside assessment followed by a careful review of the birth history and early development and family pedigree and obtaining available genetic studies and age- and disease-appropriate laboratory investigations. Until about a decade ago, the main goal was to identify the clinical signs and a battery of basic investigations including electrophysiology to confirm or exclude a given neuromuscular disorder, however the availability of whole-exome sequencing and next generation sequencing and transcriptome sequencing has simplified the identification of specific underlying genetic defect and improved the accuracy of diagnosis in many related Mendelian disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Younger
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Neuroscience, CUNY School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States; Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine and Neurology, White Plains Hospital, White Plains, NY, United States.
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121
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Finkel RS, Darras BT, Mendell JR, Day JW, Kuntz NL, Connolly AM, Zaidman CM, Crawford TO, Butterfield RJ, Shieh PB, Tennekoon G, Brandsema JF, Iannaccone ST, Shoffner J, Kavanagh S, Macek TA, Tauscher-Wisniewski S. Intrathecal Onasemnogene Abeparvovec for Sitting, Nonambulatory Patients with Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Phase I Ascending-Dose Study (STRONG). J Neuromuscul Dis 2023; 10:389-404. [PMID: 36911944 PMCID: PMC10200150 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-221560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular disorder arising from biallelic non-functional survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) genes with variable copies of partially functional SMN2 gene. Intrathecal onasemnogene abeparvovec administration, at fixed, low doses, may enable treatment of heavier patients ineligible for weight-based intravenous dosing. OBJECTIVE STRONG (NCT03381729) assessed the safety/tolerability and efficacy of intrathecal onasemnogene abeparvovec for sitting, nonambulatory SMA patients. METHODS Sitting, nonambulatory SMA patients (biallelic SMN1 loss, three SMN2 copies, aged 6-<60 months) received a single dose of intrathecal onasemnogene abeparvovec. Patients were enrolled sequentially into one of three (low, medium, and high) dose cohorts and stratified into two groups by age at dosing: younger (6-<24 months) and older (24-<60 months). Primary endpoints included safety/tolerability, independent standing ≥3 seconds (younger group), and change in Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded (HFMSE) from baseline (older group) compared with historic controls. RESULTS Thirty-two patients were enrolled and completed the study (medium dose, n = 25). All patients had one or more treatment-emergent adverse events, with one serious and related to treatment (transaminase elevations). No deaths were reported. One of 13 patients (7.7%) in the younger group treated with the medium dose achieved independent standing. At Month 12 for the older group receiving the medium dose, change from baseline in HFMSE was significantly improved compared with the SMA historic control population (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Intrathecal onasemnogene abeparvovec was safe and well-tolerated. Older patients treated with the medium dose demonstrated increases in HFMSE score greater than commonly observed in natural history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard S. Finkel
- Center for Experimental Neurotherapeutics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
- Division of Neurology, Nemours Children’s Hospital, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Basil T. Darras
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jerry R. Mendell
- Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University,Columbus, OH, USA
| | - John W. Day
- Department of Neurology, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Nancy L. Kuntz
- Division of Neurology, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Anne M. Connolly
- Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University,Columbus, OH, USA
- Division of Neurology, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Craig M. Zaidman
- Department of Neurology, Division of Pediatric Neurology,Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Thomas O. Crawford
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Perry B. Shieh
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Gihan Tennekoon
- Division of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - John F. Brandsema
- Division of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Susan T. Iannaccone
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - John Shoffner
- Novartis Gene Therapies, Inc., Bannockburn, IL, USA
- Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc., Richmond, CA, USA
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McGrattan KE, Shell RD, Hurst-Davis R, Young SD, O’Brien E, Lavrov A, Wallach S, LaMarca N, Reyna SP, Darras BT. Patients with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1 Achieve and Maintain Bulbar Function Following Onasemnogene Abeparvovec Treatment. J Neuromuscul Dis 2023; 10:531-540. [PMID: 37092232 PMCID: PMC10357176 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-221531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Improvement and maintenance of bulbar function are goals of disease-modifying treatments for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Lack of standardized measures and a widely accepted definition of bulbar function represents a gap in SMA care. OBJECTIVE A multidisciplinary team conducted post-hoc analyses of pooled data from one phase 1 (START) and two phase 3 (STR1VE-US, STR1VE-EU) studies to define and evaluate bulbar function of infants with SMA type 1 after receiving one-time gene replacement therapy, onasemnogene abeparvovec. METHODS We defined bulbar function as the ability to meet nutritional needs while maintaining airway protection and the ability to communicate verbally. Four endpoints represented adequate bulbar function: (1) absence of clinician-identified physiologic swallowing impairment, (2) receiving full oral nutrition, (3) absence of adverse events indicating pulmonary instability, and (4) the ability to vocalize at least two different, distinct vowel sounds. We descriptively assessed numbers/percentages of patients who achieved each endpoint and all four collectively. Patients were followed until 18 months old (STR1VE-US and STR1VE-EU) or 24 months (START) post-infusion. RESULTS Overall, 65 patients were analyzed for swallowing, nutrition intake, and adverse events, and 20 were analyzed for communication. At study end, 92% (60/65) of patients had a normal swallow, 75% (49/65) achieved full oral nutrition, 92% (60/65) had no evidence of pulmonary instability, 95% (19/20) met the communication endpoint, and 75% (15/20) achieved all four bulbar function components in the composite endpoint. CONCLUSIONS In these three clinical trials, patients with SMA type 1 who received onasemnogene abeparvovec achieved and maintained the bulbar function criteria utilized within this investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard D. Shell
- Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Basil T. Darras
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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123
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Dunaway Young S, Pasternak A, Duong T, McGrattan KE, Stranberg S, Maczek E, Dias C, Tang W, Parker D, Levine A, Rohan A, Wolford C, Martens W, McDermott MP, Darras BT, Day JW. Assessing Bulbar Function in Spinal Muscular Atrophy Using Patient-Reported Outcomes. J Neuromuscul Dis 2023; 10:199-209. [PMID: 36776075 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-221573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Novel Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) treatments have demonstrated improvements on motor measures that are clearly distinct from the natural history of progressive decline. Comparable measures are needed to monitor bulbar function, which is affected in severe SMA. OBJECTIVE To assess bulbar function with patient-reported outcome measures (PROs) and determine their relationships with clinical characteristics. METHODS We recruited 47 non-ambulatory participants (mean (SD) age = 29.8 (13.7) years, range = 10.3-73.2) with SMA. PROs including Voice Handicap Index (VHI) and Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10) were collected alongside clinical characteristics and standardized motor assessments. Associations were assessed using Spearman correlation coefficients and group comparisons were performed using Wilcoxon rank sum tests. RESULTS A majority of the 47 participants were SMA type 2 (70.2%), non-sitters (78.7%), 3 copies of SMN2 (77.5%), and using respiratory support (66.0%). A majority (94%) reported voice issues primarily in 8/30 VHI questions. Problems included: difficulty understanding me in a noisy room (87.2%); difficult for people to hear me (74.5%); and people ask me to repeat when speaking face-to-face (72.3%). A majority (85.1%) reported swallowing issues primarily in 3/10 EAT-10 questions: swallowing pills (68.1%); food sticks to my throat (66.0%); and swallowing solids (61.7%). The two PROs were moderately associated (rs = 0.66). CONCLUSIONS Weaker individuals with SMA experience bulbar problems including difficulties with voice and swallowing. Further refinement and assessment of functional bulbar scales will help determine their relevance and responsiveness to changes in SMA. Additional study is needed to quantify bulbar changes caused by SMA and their response to disease-modifying treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Dunaway Young
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurosciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Amy Pasternak
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tina Duong
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurosciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Katlyn E McGrattan
- Department of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Sarah Stranberg
- Outpatient Neurologic Rehabilitation Program, Stanford Health Care, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Maczek
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Courtney Dias
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Whitney Tang
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurosciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Dana Parker
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurosciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Alexis Levine
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alyssa Rohan
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Connie Wolford
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurosciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - William Martens
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Michael P McDermott
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.,Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Basil T Darras
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John W Day
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurosciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
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124
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Use of MFM-20 to monitor SMA types 1 and 2 patients treated with nusinersen. Neurol Sci 2023; 44:329-337. [PMID: 36175810 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-022-06403-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate sensitivity to change and discriminant validity of the 20-item Motor Function Measure (MFM-20) in 2-7-year-old patients with spinal muscular atrophy types 1 (SMA1) or 2 (SMA2) treated with nusinersen. METHODS Children aged 2 to 7 years old with SMA1 or SMA2 treated with nusinersen were assessed at least three times using the MFM-20 over an average follow-up time of 17 months. Evolution of 4-month-standardized MFM-20 scores was calculated for each MFM-20 domain (D1 standing and transfers, D2 axial and proximal, D3 distal) and for the total score (TS). RESULTS Included in the study were 22 SMA1 subjects and 19 SMA2 subjects. Baseline MFM scores were significantly lower in patients with SMA1 than SMA2 (TS 29.5% vs. 48.3%, D1 4.5% vs. 10.6%, D2 43.6% vs. 72.6%, D3 51.2% vs. 75.0%). When considering the mean change during nusinersen treatment, standardized over a 4-month period, TS was improved for both SMA1 (+ 4.1%, SRM 1.5) and SMA2 (+ 2.8%, SRM 0.89) patients. For SMA1 patients, considerable changes were observed in D2 (+ 6.2%, SRM 0.89) and D3 (+ 6.0%, SRM 0.72), whereas the change in D1 was small (+ 0.5%, SRM 0.44). In SMA2 2 subjects, D3 was improved to a larger extent (+ 4.2%, SRM 0.53) than D1 (+ 1.8% SRM 0.63) or D2 (+ 3.2%, SRM 0.69). CONCLUSION Our results validate use of MFM-20 to monitor function of young SMA1 and SMA2 subjects treated with nusinersen. Significant motor function improvements following treatment were observed in both SMA1 and SMA2 patients.
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125
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Berling E, Nicolle R, Laforêt P, Ronzitti G. Gene therapy review: Duchenne muscular dystrophy case study. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2023; 179:90-105. [PMID: 36517287 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2022.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy, i.e., any therapeutic approach involving the use of genetic material as a drug and more largely altering the transcription or translation of one or more genes, covers a wide range of innovative methods for treating diseases, including neurological disorders. Although they share common principles, the numerous gene therapy approaches differ greatly in their mechanisms of action. They also differ in their maturity for some are already used in clinical practice while others have never been used in humans. The aim of this review is to present the whole range of gene therapy techniques through the example of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). DMD is a severe myopathy caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene leading to the lack of functional dystrophin protein. It is a disease known to all neurologists and in which almost all gene therapy methods were applied. Here we discuss the mechanisms of gene transfer techniques with or without viral vectors, DNA editing with or without matrix repair and those acting at the RNA level (RNA editing, exon skipping and STOP-codon readthrough). For each method, we present the results obtained in DMD with a particular focus on clinical data. This review aims also to outline the advantages, limitations and risks of gene therapy related to the approach used.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Berling
- Neurology department, Raymond Poincaré university hospital, AP-HP, Garches, France; Nord-Est-Île-de-France neuromuscular reference center, FHU PHENIX, Garches, France; U 1179 Inserm, université Paris-Saclay, Montigny-Le-Bretonneux, France.
| | - R Nicolle
- Université Paris Cité, Inserm UMR1163, Imagine Institute, Clinical Bioinformatics laboratory, 75015 Paris, France
| | - P Laforêt
- Neurology department, Raymond Poincaré university hospital, AP-HP, Garches, France; Nord-Est-Île-de-France neuromuscular reference center, FHU PHENIX, Garches, France; U 1179 Inserm, université Paris-Saclay, Montigny-Le-Bretonneux, France
| | - G Ronzitti
- Université Paris Cité, Inserm UMR1163, Imagine Institute, Clinical Bioinformatics laboratory, 75015 Paris, France; Genethon, Evry, France
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126
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Weber C, Schallner J, Von Der Hagen M. Handgrip and finger flexion strength in children: A cross-sectional assessment of age-related normative data and application as a clinical functional marker in paediatric neuromuscular disorders. Brain Dev 2023; 45:26-38. [PMID: 36195477 DOI: 10.1016/j.braindev.2022.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to evaluate handgrip and finger flexion strength (HGFS) as functional marker for disease progression in children with neuromuscular disorders (NMD) and present normative data in a paediatric healthy cohort. METHODS We applied the fixed hand and finger dynamometer HFD 200 to assess HGFS under standardised, isometric and biomechanical conditions. In our cross-sectional study HGFS was analysed in n = 233 paediatric healthy controls (HC) and a cohort of n = 33 children with NMD between five and 18 years. In seven children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), HGFS were assessed prior to and under treatment with nusinersen over a two months period. HGFS of children with NMD was correlated with respiratory parameters, anthropometric data, hand function and motor scores. RESULTS Patients with NMD exhibited a heterogenous HGFS pattern. HGFS was lower than in HC (p < 0.001). Children with SMA gained a significant increase in strength after two months of treatment (p < 0.05, r = 0.75-0.9). CONCLUSION HGFS is a sensitive functional marker in paediatric NMD to identify minimal changes in distal muscle strength. HGFS may evolve as a sensitive outcome measure to monitor upcoming therapeutic interventions in particular for non-ambulant patients with NMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Weber
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Neurologie, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
| | - J Schallner
- Abteilung für Neuropädiatrie, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
| | - M Von Der Hagen
- Abteilung für Neuropädiatrie, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
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127
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Horton RH, Saade D, Markati T, Harriss E, Bönnemann CG, Muntoni F, Servais L. A systematic review of adeno-associated virus gene therapies in neurology: the need for consistent safety monitoring of a promising treatment. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2022; 93:1276-1288. [PMID: 36190933 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2022-329431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapies are generating much excitement in the rare disease field, particularly for previously untreatable neurological conditions. Efficacy has been claimed for several gene therapy products and the number of trials is rapidly increasing. However, reports of severe treatment-related adverse reactions are emerging, including death. There is still insufficient knowledge about their aetiology, prevention and treatment. We therefore undertook to systematically review publicly available data on AAV gene therapies in order to collate existing information on both safety and efficacy. Here, we review emerging efficacy reports of these novel therapies, many of which show promise. We also collate an increasing number of adverse reactions. Overwhelmingly, these results make a case for unified reporting of adverse events. This is likely to be critical for improving the safety of these promising treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dimah Saade
- Division of Neurology, University of Iowa, Iowa, USA
| | | | - Elinor Harriss
- Bodleian Health Care Libraries, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Carsten G Bönnemann
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Francesco Muntoni
- Dubowtiz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health & Great Ormond Street Hospital, UK, London, UK
| | - Laurent Servais
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK .,Neuromuscular Reference Center, Department of Paediatrics, CHU of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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128
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Perillat L, Mercuri M. Clinical recommendations: The role of mechanisms in the GRADE framework. STUDIES IN HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE 2022; 96:1-9. [PMID: 36126546 DOI: 10.1016/j.shpsa.2022.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework has become one of the most influential frameworks for assessing quality of research and developing clinical recommendations. The GRADE framework has been presented as an evolution in the Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) movement. Both GRADE and EBM emphasize effect estimates derived from population-level clinical trials and, as a consequence, devalue the role of mechanisms as the basis for clinical decisions. Although mechanisms do not hold the epistemic privilege of rigorous clinical trials in EBM reasoning, this paper will argue that mechanisms appear to be important in the use and application of GRADE, as described in the literature. The seemingly necessary role of mechanisms in the development of clinical recommendations has, so far, received little attention and is not explicitly featured in the literature describing GRADE. The analysis of the GRADE framework presented in this paper reveals an apparent tension between EBM's willingness to downplay mechanisms and what seems their inevitable use in GRADE. In this paper, we take the position that if mechanistic reasoning is inevitable in the use of GRADE, then the instructional literature on the framework would benefit from more explicit discussion of how to consider and integrate mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Perillat
- Faculty of Arts and Science, University of Toronto, 100 St George St. Toronto, ON, M5S 3G3, Canada.
| | - Mathew Mercuri
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, 155 College St, 4th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 3M6, Canada; Department of Medicine, Division of Emergency Medicine, McMaster University, 237 Barton Street East, Hamilton, Ontario, L8L 2X2, Canada
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129
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Gautier B, Meneux L, Feret N, Audrain C, Hudecek L, Kuony A, Bourdon A, Le Guiner C, Blouin V, Delettre C, Michon F. AAV2/9-mediated gene transfer into murine lacrimal gland leads to a long-term targeted tear film modification. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2022; 27:1-16. [PMID: 36156877 PMCID: PMC9463184 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2022.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Corneal blindness is the fourth leading cause of blindness worldwide. Since corneal epithelium is constantly renewed, non-integrative gene transfer cannot be used to treat corneal diseases. In many of these diseases, the tear film is defective. Tears are a complex biological fluid secreted by the lacrimal apparatus. Their composition is modulated according to the context. After a corneal wound, the lacrimal gland secretes reflex tears, which contain growth factors supporting the wound healing process. In various pathological contexts, the tear composition can support neither corneal homeostasis nor wound healing. Here, we propose to use the lacrimal gland as bioreactor to produce and secrete specific factors supporting corneal physiology. In this study, we use an AAV2/9-mediated gene transfer to supplement the tear film. First, we demonstrate that a single injection of AAV2/9 is sufficient to transduce all epithelial cell types of the lacrimal gland efficiently and widely. Second, we detect no adverse effect after AAV2/9-mediated nerve growth factor expression in the lacrimal gland. Only a transitory increase in tear flow is measured. Remarkably, AAV2/9 induces an important and long-lasting secretion of this growth factor in the tear film. Altogether, our findings provide a new clinically applicable approach to tackle corneal blindness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoit Gautier
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France
- Corresponding author Benoit Gautier, Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France.
| | - Léna Meneux
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Nadège Feret
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Christine Audrain
- TarGeT, Nantes University, INSERM UMR 1089, CHU Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Laetitia Hudecek
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France
- MRI, Biocampus, University of Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Alison Kuony
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France
- Cell Adhesion and Mechanics Lab, Université de Paris, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, Paris, France
| | - Audrey Bourdon
- INSERM UMR 1089, Université de Nantes, CHU de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | | | - Véronique Blouin
- INSERM UMR 1089, Université de Nantes, CHU de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Cécile Delettre
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Frédéric Michon
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France
- Corresponding author Frédéric Michon, Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France.
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130
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Zinn E, Unzu C, Schmit PF, Turunen HT, Zabaleta N, Sanmiguel J, Fieldsend A, Bhatt U, Diop C, Merkel E, Gurrala R, Peacker B, Rios C, Messemer K, Santos J, Estelien R, Andres-Mateos E, Wagers AJ, Tipper C, Vandenberghe LH. Ancestral library identifies conserved reprogrammable liver motif on AAV capsid. Cell Rep Med 2022; 3:100803. [PMID: 36327973 PMCID: PMC9729830 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2022.100803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy is emerging as a modality in 21st-century medicine. Adeno-associated viral (AAV) gene transfer is a leading technology to achieve efficient and durable expression of a therapeutic transgene. However, the structural complexity of the capsid has constrained efforts to engineer the particle toward improved clinical safety and efficacy. Here, we generate a curated library of barcoded AAVs with mutations across a variety of functionally relevant motifs. We then screen this library in vitro and in vivo in mice and nonhuman primates, enabling a broad, multiparametric assessment of every vector within the library. Among the results, we note a single residue that modulates liver transduction across all interrogated models while preserving transduction in heart and skeletal muscles. Moreover, we find that this mutation can be grafted into AAV9 and leads to profound liver detargeting while retaining muscle transduction-a finding potentially relevant to preventing hepatoxicities seen in clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Zinn
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA; Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Carmen Unzu
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA; Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Pauline F Schmit
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA; Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Heikki T Turunen
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA; Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Nerea Zabaleta
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA; Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Julio Sanmiguel
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA; Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Allegra Fieldsend
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA; Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Urja Bhatt
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA; Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Cheikh Diop
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA; Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Erin Merkel
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA; Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Rakesh Gurrala
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA; Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Bryan Peacker
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Paul F. Glenn Center for the Biology of Aging, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Christopher Rios
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Paul F. Glenn Center for the Biology of Aging, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kathleen Messemer
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Paul F. Glenn Center for the Biology of Aging, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jennifer Santos
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA; Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Reynette Estelien
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA; Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Eva Andres-Mateos
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA; Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Amy J Wagers
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Paul F. Glenn Center for the Biology of Aging, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Christopher Tipper
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA; Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Luk H Vandenberghe
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA; Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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Yom-Tov N, Guy R, Offen D. Extracellular vesicles over adeno-associated viruses: Advantages and limitations as drug delivery platforms in precision medicine. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 190:114535. [PMID: 36210573 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Tissue-specific uptake and sufficient biodistribution are central goals in drug development. Crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) represents a major challenge in delivering therapeutics to the central nervous system (CNS). Since its discovery in the late 19th century, considerable efforts have been invested in an attempt to decipher the BBB structure complexity and plasticity. In parallel, another prevalent approach is to improve a delivery system by harnessing the biological machinery in an attempt to enhance therapeutic-agent permeability. Here, we review the advantages and limitations of using extracellular vesicles over AAV systems as a delivery system for therapy, focusing on neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataly Yom-Tov
- Department of Human Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Reut Guy
- Department of Human Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Daniel Offen
- Department of Human Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
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132
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Chiriboga CA. Pharmacotherapy for Spinal Muscular Atrophy in Babies and Children: A Review of Approved and Experimental Therapies. Paediatr Drugs 2022; 24:585-602. [PMID: 36028610 DOI: 10.1007/s40272-022-00529-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive degenerative neuromuscular disorder characterized by loss of spinal motor neurons leading to muscle weakness and atrophy that is caused by survival motor neuron (SMN) protein deficiency resulting from the biallelic loss of the SMN1 gene. The SMN2 gene modulates the SMA phenotype, as a small fraction of its transcripts are alternatively spliced to produce full-length SMN (fSMN) protein. SMN-targeted therapies increase SMN protein; mRNA therapies, nusinersen and risdiplam, increase the amount of fSMN transcripts alternatively spliced from the SMN2 gene, while gene transfer therapy, onasemnogene abeparvovec xioi, increases SMN protein by introducing the hSMN gene into various tissues, including spinal cord via an AAV9 vector. These SMN-targeted therapies have been found effective in improving outcomes and are approved for use in SMA in the US and elsewhere. This article discusses the clinical trial results for SMN-directed therapies with a focus on efficacy, side effects and treatment response predictors. It also discusses preliminary data from muscle-targeted trials, as single agents and in combination with SMN-targeted therapies, as well as other classes of SMA treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia A Chiriboga
- Division of Child Neurology, Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, 180 Fort Washington Ave, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
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133
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Gowda VL, Fernandez-Garcia MA, Jungbluth H, Wraige E. New treatments in spinal muscular atrophy. Arch Dis Child 2022:archdischild-2021-323605. [PMID: 36316089 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2021-323605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a severe neurodegenerative condition due to recessive mutations in the SMN1 gene resulting in insufficiency of survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. Lack of SMN protein results in irreversible degeneration of lower motor neurons and consequential muscle atrophy and weakness. SMN2, a SMN1 homologue, produces low levels of functional SMN protein with the potential to partially compensate SMN1 loss. Several compounds have been shown to successfully restore SMN protein production in motor neurons, either by enhancing SMN2 gene function or by direct replacement of the SMN1 gene. Clinical trials of these compounds have demonstrated the potential to substantially alter the natural history of SMA and have led to their implementation into clinical practice. To date, 3 novel drugs, nusinersen, onasemnogene aberparvovec and risdiplam, have received marketing authorisation for SMA treatment by several authorities including Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency. While implementing these drugs into daily clinical practice, clinicians face a number of new challenges, including identifying the most advantageous treatment for any individual, optimisation of outcomes and management of a modified SMA phenotype. Considering that treatment initiation at the pre-symptomatic or paucisymptomatic stage appears to be associated with better outcomes, health services need to support early diagnosis for this now treatable condition. This review aims to give an overview of the current therapeutic landscape of SMA, to provide an understanding of current practice of SMA management and to help increase awareness of the imminent need for urgent early diagnosis at the pre-symptomatic stage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Heinz Jungbluth
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Evelina London Children's Hospital, London, UK.,Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, Muscle Signalling Section, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Elizabeth Wraige
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Evelina London Children's Hospital, London, UK
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Tizzano EF, Christie-Brown V, Baranello G, Germanenko O, Gray A, Krstic M, Lilien C, Patel H, Servais L, Scoto M. Clinical Trial Readiness for Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Experience of an International Educational-Training Initiative. J Neuromuscul Dis 2022; 9:809-820. [DOI: 10.3233/jnd-221538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Several successful clinical trials have been conducted in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) over recent years which have led to the approval of splicing modifiers and gene transfer therapies. With an increasing number of other agents progressing through pre-clinical and clinical development, increasing worldwide clinical trial readiness is becoming essential. SMA Europe initiated a clinical trial readiness project, which included the development of a pilot face-to-face educational-training initiative for clinical specialists and physiotherapists involved in SMA, with an emphasis on the patient perspective. Participants were selected through two surveys and, ahead of the meeting, a mock protocol with specific questions was provided. The initiative involved a series of presentations, role-play and interactive exercises. We describe here our experience and evaluation of this educational-training initiative, emphasising scientific aspects, psychosocial implications and level of satisfaction. From a participant, patient and industry perspective, such training was considered successful and met the objective, which was to improve clinical trial readiness in emerging sites. Resource planning, ethical considerations and communication with patients were identified as three important topics for future training. This initiative highlights the need to develop a training programme to achieve clinical trial readiness across Europe and showcases a collaborative effort with different stakeholders, clinicians, patient advocacy groups and sponsors to address an important issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo F. Tizzano
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics Hospital Vall d'Hebron, and Medicine Genetics Group, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Giovanni Baranello
- The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health University College London, & Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Olga Germanenko
- Patient Representative, Head of SMA Family Foundation Russia & Delegate of SMA Europe e. V., Freiburg, Germany
| | - Allyson Gray
- Paediatric Research Nurse, Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marija Krstic
- Patient Representative, SMA Serbia & Delegate of SMA Europe e.V., Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Hinal Patel
- The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health University College London, & Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Laurent Servais
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford
| | - Mariacristina Scoto
- The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK & NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health University College London
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Altay HY, Ozdemir F, Afghah F, Kilinc Z, Ahmadian M, Tschopp M, Agca C. Gene regulatory and gene editing tools and their applications for retinal diseases and neuroprotection: From proof-of-concept to clinical trial. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:924917. [PMID: 36340792 PMCID: PMC9630553 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.924917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene editing and gene regulatory fields are continuously developing new and safer tools that move beyond the initial CRISPR/Cas9 technology. As more advanced applications are emerging, it becomes crucial to understand and establish more complex gene regulatory and editing tools for efficient gene therapy applications. Ophthalmology is one of the leading fields in gene therapy applications with more than 90 clinical trials and numerous proof-of-concept studies. The majority of clinical trials are gene replacement therapies that are ideal for monogenic diseases. Despite Luxturna's clinical success, there are still several limitations to gene replacement therapies including the size of the target gene, the choice of the promoter as well as the pathogenic alleles. Therefore, further attempts to employ novel gene regulatory and gene editing applications are crucial to targeting retinal diseases that have not been possible with the existing approaches. CRISPR-Cas9 technology opened up the door for corrective gene therapies with its gene editing properties. Advancements in CRISPR-Cas9-associated tools including base modifiers and prime editing already improved the efficiency and safety profile of base editing approaches. While base editing is a highly promising effort, gene regulatory approaches that do not interfere with genomic changes are also becoming available as safer alternatives. Antisense oligonucleotides are one of the most commonly used approaches for correcting splicing defects or eliminating mutant mRNA. More complex gene regulatory methodologies like artificial transcription factors are also another developing field that allows targeting haploinsufficiency conditions, functionally equivalent genes, and multiplex gene regulation. In this review, we summarized the novel gene editing and gene regulatory technologies and highlighted recent translational progress, potential applications, and limitations with a focus on retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halit Yusuf Altay
- Molecular Biology, Genetics and Bioengineering Program, Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fatma Ozdemir
- Molecular Biology, Genetics and Bioengineering Program, Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ferdows Afghah
- Molecular Biology, Genetics and Bioengineering Program, Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Zeynep Kilinc
- Molecular Biology, Genetics and Bioengineering Program, Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehri Ahmadian
- Molecular Biology, Genetics and Bioengineering Program, Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Markus Tschopp
- Department of Ophthalmology, Cantonal Hospital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Cavit Agca
- Molecular Biology, Genetics and Bioengineering Program, Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey
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136
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Episomes and Transposases-Utilities to Maintain Transgene Expression from Nonviral Vectors. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13101872. [PMID: 36292757 PMCID: PMC9601623 DOI: 10.3390/genes13101872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The efficient delivery and stable transgene expression are critical for applications in gene therapy. While carefully selected and engineered viral vectors allowed for remarkable clinical successes, they still bear significant safety risks. Thus, nonviral vectors are a sound alternative and avoid genotoxicity and adverse immunological reactions. Nonviral vector systems have been extensively studied and refined during the last decades. Emerging knowledge of the epigenetic regulation of replication and spatial chromatin organisation, as well as new technologies, such as Crispr/Cas, were employed to enhance the performance of different nonviral vector systems. Thus, nonviral vectors are in focus and hold some promising perspectives for future applications in gene therapy. This review addresses three prominent nonviral vector systems: the Sleeping Beauty transposase, S/MAR-based episomes, and viral plasmid replicon-based EBV vectors. Exemplarily, we review different utilities, modifications, and new concepts that were pursued to overcome limitations regarding stable transgene expression and mitotic stability. New insights into the nuclear localisation of nonviral vector molecules and the potential consequences thereof are highlighted. Finally, we discuss the remaining limitations and provide an outlook on possible future developments in nonviral vector technology.
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137
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Healthspan Extension through Innovative Genetic Medicines. Plast Reconstr Surg 2022; 150:49S-57S. [PMID: 36170436 PMCID: PMC9512234 DOI: 10.1097/prs.0000000000009674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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138
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Velikanova R, van der Schans S, Bischof M, van Olden RW, Postma M, Boersma C. Cost-Effectiveness of Newborn Screening for Spinal Muscular Atrophy in The Netherlands. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2022; 25:1696-1704. [PMID: 35963838 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2022.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare genetic disorder that causes progressive muscle weakness and paralysis. In its most common and severe form, the majority of untreated infants die before 2 years of age. Early detection and treatment, ideally before symptom onset, maximize survival and achievement of age-appropriate motor milestones, with potentially substantial impact on health-related quality of life. Therefore, SMA is an ideal candidate for inclusion in newborn screening (NBS) programs. We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of including SMA in the NBS program in The Netherlands. METHODS We developed a cost-utility model to estimate lifetime health effects and costs of NBS for SMA and subsequent treatment versus a treatment pathway without NBS (ie, diagnosis and treatment after presentation with overt symptoms). Model inputs were based on literature, local data, and expert opinion. Sensitivity and scenario analyses were conducted to assess model robustness and validity of results. RESULTS After detection of SMA by NBS in 17 patients, the number of quality-adjusted life-years gained per annual birth cohort was estimated at 320 with NBS followed by treatment compared with treatment after clinical SMA diagnosis. Total healthcare costs, including screening, diagnostics, treatment, and other healthcare resource use, were estimated to be €12 014 949 lower for patients identified by NBS. CONCLUSIONS NBS for early identification and treatment of SMA versus later symptomatic treatment after clinical diagnosis improves health outcomes and is less costly and, therefore, is a cost-effective use of resources. Results were robust in sensitivity and scenario analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rimma Velikanova
- Unit of Global Health, Department of Health Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands; Asc Academics, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Maarten Postma
- Unit of Global Health, Department of Health Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands; Health-Ecore, Zeist, The Netherlands; Department of Economics, Econometrics & Finance, Faculty of Economics & Business, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelis Boersma
- Unit of Global Health, Department of Health Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands; Health-Ecore, Zeist, The Netherlands; Department of Management Sciences, Open University, Heerlen, The Netherlands.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The development of new therapies has brought spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) into the spotlight. However, this was preceded by a long journey - from the first clinical description to the discovery of the genetic cause to molecular mechanisms of RNA and DNA technology. RECENT FINDINGS Since 2016, the antisense oligonucleotide nusinersen has been (FDA) approved for the treatment of SMA, followed by the gene replacement therapy onasemnogene abeparvovec-xioi in 2019 and the small-molecule risdiplam in 2020. These drugs, all targeting upregulation of the SMN protein not only showed remarkable effects in clinical trials but also in real-world settings. SMA has been implemented in newborn screening in many countries around the world. SMN-independent strategies targeting skeletal muscle, for example, may play another therapeutic approach in the future. SUMMARY This review aims to summarize the major clinical and basic science achievements in the field of SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Susanne Petri
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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140
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Maurya S, Sarangi P, Jayandharan GR. Safety of Adeno-associated virus-based vector-mediated gene therapy-impact of vector dose. Cancer Gene Ther 2022; 29:1305-1306. [PMID: 35027711 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-021-00413-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shubham Maurya
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering and The Mehta Family Centre for Engineering in Medicine, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, India
| | - Pratiksha Sarangi
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering and The Mehta Family Centre for Engineering in Medicine, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, India
| | - Giridhara R Jayandharan
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering and The Mehta Family Centre for Engineering in Medicine, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, India.
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141
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Intranasal application of adeno-associated viruses: a systematic review. Transl Res 2022; 248:87-110. [PMID: 35597541 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2022.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) represent some of the most commonly employed vectors for targeted gene delivery and their extensive study has resulted in the approval of multiple gene therapies to treat human diseases. The intranasal route of vector application in gene therapy offers several advantages over traditional ways of administration. In addition to targeting local tissue like the olfactory epithelium, it provides minimally invasive access to various organ systems, including the central nervous system and the respiratory tract. Through a systematic literature review, a total of 53 articles that investigated the intranasal application of AAVs were identified, included, and summarized in this manuscript. Within these studies, AAV-based gene therapy was mainly investigated for its application in various infectious, pulmonary, or neurologic and/or psychiatric diseases. This review gives a comprehensive overview of the current technological state of the art regarding the intranasal application of AAVs for gene transfer and discusses remaining hurdles, which still have to be resolved before this approach can effectively be implemented in the routine clinical setting.
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Masson R, Mazurkiewicz-Bełdzińska M, Rose K, Servais L, Xiong H, Zanoteli E, Baranello G, Bruno C, Day JW, Deconinck N, Klein A, Mercuri E, Vlodavets D, Wang Y, Dodman A, El-Khairi M, Gorni K, Jaber B, Kletzl H, Gaki E, Fontoura P, Darras BT, Volpe JJ, Posner J, Kellner U, Quinlivan R, Gerber M, Khwaja O, Scalco RS, Seabrook T, Koch A, Balikova I, Joniau I, Accou G, Tahon V, Wittevrongel S, De Vos E, de Holanda Mendonça R, Matsui Jr C, Fornazieri Darcie AL, Machado C, Kiyoko Oyamada M, Martini J, Polido G, Rodrigues Iannicelli J, Caires de Oliveira Achili Ferreira J, Hu C, Zhu X, Qian C, Shen L, Li H, Shi Y, Zhou S, Xiao Y, Zhou Z, Wang S, Sang T, Wei C, Dong H, Cao Y, Wen J, Li W, Qin L, Barisic N, Celovec I, Galiot Delic M, Ivkic PK, Vukojevic N, Kern I, Najdanovic B, Skugor M, Tomas J, Boespflug-Tanguy O, De Lucia S, Seferian A, Barreau E, Mnafek N, Peche H, Grange A, Trang Nguyen D, Milascevic D, Tachibana S, Pagliano E, Bianchi Marzoli S, Santarsiero D, Garcia Sierra M, Tremolada G, Arnoldi MT, Vigano M, Dosi C, Zanin R, Schembri V, Brolatti N, Rao G, Tassara E, Morando S, Tacchetti P, Pedemonte M, Priolo E, Sposetti L, Comi GP, Govoni A, Osnaghi SG, Minorini V, Abbati F, Fassini F, Foa M, Lopopolo A, Pane M, Palermo C, Pera MC, Amorelli GM, Barresi C, D'Amico G, Orazi L, Coratti G, Leone D, Laura A, De Sanctis R, Berti B, Kimura N, Takeshima Y, Shimomura H, Lee T, Gomi F, Morimatsu T, Furukawa T, Stodolska-Koberda U, Waskowska A, Kolendo J, Sobierajska-Rek A, Modrzejewska S, Lemska A, Melnik E, Artemyeva S, Leppenen N, Yupatova N, Monakhova A, Papina Y, Shidlovsckaia O, Litvinova E, Enzmann C, Galiart E, Gugleta K, Wondrusch Haschke C, Topaloglu H, Oncel I, Ertugrul NE, Konuskan B, Eldem B, Kadayifçilar S, Alemdaroglu I, Sari S, Bilgin N, Karaduman AA, Sarikaya FGY, Graham RJ, Ghosh P, Casavant D, Levine A, Titus R, Engelbrekt A, Ambrosio L, Fulton A, Baglieri AM, Dias C, Maczek E, Pasternak A, Beres S, Duong T, Gee R, Young S. Safety and efficacy of risdiplam in patients with type 1 spinal muscular atrophy (FIREFISH part 2): secondary analyses from an open-label trial. Lancet Neurol 2022; 21:1110-1119. [DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(22)00339-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Tosi M, Catteruccia M, Cherchi C, Mizzoni I, D’Amico A. Switching therapies: safety profile of Onasemnogene abeparvovec-xioi in a SMA1 patient previously treated with Risdiplam. ACTA MYOLOGICA : MYOPATHIES AND CARDIOMYOPATHIES : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE MEDITERRANEAN SOCIETY OF MYOLOGY 2022; 41:117-120. [PMID: 36349185 PMCID: PMC9628802 DOI: 10.36185/2532-1900-077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Three disease-modifying drugs (Nusinersen, Risdiplam and Onasemnogene abeparvovec) have been approved for SMA type I. Onasemnogene abeparvovec (GRT) can be administered in naïve patients or patients who are already being treated with Nusinersen or Risdiplam. Safety data on GRT in naïve patients or previously treated Nusinersen have been extensively described whereas any case of switch therapy from Risdiplam to GRT has been reported yet. We report on a SMA type I patient treated with Risdiplam by 2 months and switched to GRT at 5 months. She manifested the more common and awaited side effects that resolved in 3 months. The follow-up after 9 months from GRT infusion showed normal blood count, renal and cardiac function. She had great improvement in motor outcome, and no respiratory and bulbar problems as well as normal neurocognitive profile. This case suggests that the GRT may be safe also in patients previously treated with Risdiplam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Tosi
- Unit of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy, Genetics and Rare Diseases, Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Catteruccia
- Unit of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Cherchi
- Unit of Paediatric Pulmonology and Respiratory Intermediate Care, Academic Department of Paediatrics, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Irene Mizzoni
- Unit of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy, Genetics and Rare Diseases, Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Adele D’Amico
- Unit of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy,Correspondence Adele D’Amico Unit of Muscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, piazza S. Onofrio 4, 00165 Rome, Italy. Tel.: +39 06 68592105. Fax: +39 06 68592024. E-mail:
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Berti B, Fanelli L, Stanca G, Onesimo R, Palermo C, Leone D, de Sanctis R, Carnicella S, Norcia G, Forcina N, Coratti G, Pera MC, Giorgio V, Ausili Cefaro C, Finkel R, Pane M, Mercuri E. Oral and Swallowing Abilities Tool (OrSAT) in nusinersen treated patients. Arch Dis Child 2022; 107:912-916. [PMID: 35577540 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2022-323899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of the study was to longitudinally assess swallowing abilities in nusinersen-treated patients with type 1 spinal muscular atrophy. METHODS Twenty infants with type 1 SMA (11 female and 9 male) treated with nusinersen between 3 weeks and 15 months of age, were assessed using the Oral and Swallowing Abilities Tool (OrSAT). The duration of the follow-up after treatment ranged between 12 months and 62 months. RESULTS Twelve of the 20 infants had normal swallowing and there was no need for tube feeding at the time treatment started. Ten of the 12 had consistently normal swallowing with no need for tube feeding on follow-up. The other two required tube feeding but they regained the ability to eat some food by mouth.The remaining 8 infants already had tube feeding inserted at the time treatment started: 4 of them also had tracheostomy and they showed no changes on the OrSAT Scale. The other 4 who had tube feeding but no tracheostomy had partial functional improvement. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that the degree of functional impairment at the time treatment is started can help to predict the progression of swallowing abilities. The use of a structured assessment also helped to detect partial improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Berti
- Pediatric Neurology Unit and Centro Clinico Nemo, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Lazio, Italy
| | - Lavinia Fanelli
- Pediatric Neurology Unit and Centro Clinico Nemo, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Lazio, Italy
| | - Giulia Stanca
- Pediatric Neurology Unit and Centro Clinico Nemo, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Lazio, Italy
| | - Roberta Onesimo
- Paediatric Unit, Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Lazio, Italy
| | - Concetta Palermo
- Pediatric Neurology Unit and Centro Clinico Nemo, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Lazio, Italy
| | - Daniela Leone
- Pediatric Neurology Unit and Centro Clinico Nemo, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Lazio, Italy
| | - Roberto de Sanctis
- Pediatric Neurology Unit and Centro Clinico Nemo, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Lazio, Italy
| | - Sara Carnicella
- Pediatric Neurology Unit and Centro Clinico Nemo, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Lazio, Italy
| | - Giulia Norcia
- Pediatric Neurology Unit and Centro Clinico Nemo, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Lazio, Italy
| | - Nicola Forcina
- Pediatric Neurology Unit and Centro Clinico Nemo, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Lazio, Italy
| | - Giorgia Coratti
- Pediatric Neurology Unit and Centro Clinico Nemo, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Lazio, Italy
| | - Maria Carmela Pera
- Pediatric Neurology Unit and Centro Clinico Nemo, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Lazio, Italy
| | - Valentina Giorgio
- Paediatric Unit, Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Lazio, Italy
| | - Carolina Ausili Cefaro
- Speech Language Pathology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Lazio, Italy
| | - Richard Finkel
- Center for Experimental Neurotherapeutics, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Marika Pane
- Pediatric Neurology Unit and Centro Clinico Nemo, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Lazio, Italy
- Pediatric Neurology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart - Rome Campus, Roma, Lazio, Italy
| | - Eugenio Mercuri
- Pediatric Neurology Unit and Centro Clinico Nemo, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Lazio, Italy
- Pediatric Neurology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart - Rome Campus, Roma, Lazio, Italy
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145
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Prabhakar S, Beauchamp RL, Cheah PS, Yoshinaga A, Haidar EA, Lule S, Mani G, Maalouf K, Stemmer-Rachamimov A, Jung DH, Welling DB, Giovannini M, Plotkin SR, Maguire CA, Ramesh V, Breakefield XO. Gene replacement therapy in a schwannoma mouse model of neurofibromatosis type 2. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2022; 26:169-180. [PMID: 35846573 PMCID: PMC9263409 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2022.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Loss of function of the neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) tumor suppressor gene leads to the formation of schwannomas, meningiomas, and ependymomas, comprising ∼50% of all sporadic cases of primary nervous system tumors. NF2 syndrome is an autosomal dominant condition, with bi-allelic inactivation of germline and somatic alleles resulting in loss of function of the encoded protein merlin and activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway signaling in NF2-deficient cells. Here we describe a gene replacement approach through direct intratumoral injection of an adeno-associated virus vector expressing merlin in a novel human schwannoma model in nude mice. In culture, the introduction of an AAV1 vector encoding merlin into CRISPR-modified human NF2-null arachnoidal cells (ACs) or Schwann cells (SCs) was associated with decreased size and mTORC1 pathway activation consistent with restored merlin activity. In vivo, a single injection of AAV1-merlin directly into human NF2-null SC-derived tumors growing in the sciatic nerve of nude mice led to regression of tumors over a 10-week period, associated with a decrease in dividing cells and an increase in apoptosis, in comparison with vehicle. These studies establish that merlin re-expression via gene replacement in NF2-null schwannomas is sufficient to cause tumor regression, thereby potentially providing an effective treatment for NF2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilpa Prabhakar
- Department of Neurology and Center for Molecular Imaging Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Roberta L. Beauchamp
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Pike See Cheah
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Center for Molecular Imaging Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, JALAN UNIVERSITI 1 Serdang, 43400 Seri Kembangan, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Akiko Yoshinaga
- Department of Neurology and Center for Molecular Imaging Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Edwina Abou Haidar
- Department of Neurology and Center for Molecular Imaging Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Sevda Lule
- Department of Neurology and Center for Molecular Imaging Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Gayathri Mani
- Department of Neurology and Center for Molecular Imaging Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Katia Maalouf
- Department of Neurology and Center for Molecular Imaging Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Anat Stemmer-Rachamimov
- Department of Pathology and Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - David H. Jung
- Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Program in Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - D. Bradley Welling
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Program in Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Marco Giovannini
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (JCCC), University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Scott R. Plotkin
- Department of Neurology and Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Casey A. Maguire
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and NeuroDiscovery Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Vijaya Ramesh
- Department of Neurology and Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Xandra O. Breakefield
- Department of Neurology and Center for Molecular Imaging Research, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
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146
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Abstract
Onasemnogene abeparvovec (Zolgensma®) is a gene therapy approved for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Administered as a one-time intravenous infusion, onasemnogene abeparvovec uses the adeno-associated virus vector to deliver a functional copy of the human survival motor neuron (SMN) gene to motor neuron cells. SMN1 encodes survival motor neuron protein, which is responsible for the maintenance and function of motor neurons. In clinical trials, onasemnogene abeparvovec improved event-free survival, motor function and motor milestone outcomes in patients with SMA, with these improvements maintained over the longer term (up to a median of ≈ 5 years). Onasemnogene abeparvovec was also associated with rapid age-appropriate achievement of motor milestones and improvements in motor function in children with pre-symptomatic SMA, indicating the benefit of early treatment. Onasemnogene abeparvovec was generally well tolerated. Hepatotoxicity is a known risk that can generally be mitigated with prophylactic prednisolone. In conclusion, onasemnogene abeparvovec represents an important treatment option for patients with SMA, particularly when initiated early in the course of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah A Blair
- Springer Nature, Private Bag 65901, Mairangi Bay, Auckland, 0754, New Zealand.
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147
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Hochstetler A, Raskin J, Blazer-Yost BL. Hydrocephalus: historical analysis and considerations for treatment. Eur J Med Res 2022; 27:168. [PMID: 36050779 PMCID: PMC9434947 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-022-00798-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrocephalus is a serious condition that affects patients of all ages, resulting from a multitude of causes. While the etiologies of hydrocephalus are numerous, many of the acute and chronic symptoms of the condition are shared. These symptoms include disorientation and pain (headaches), cognitive and developmental changes, vision and sleep disturbances, and gait abnormalities. This collective group of symptoms combined with the effectiveness of CSF diversion as a surgical intervention for many types of the condition suggest that the various etiologies may share common cellular and molecular dysfunctions. The incidence rate of pediatric hydrocephalus is approximately 0.1–0.6% of live births, making it as common as Down syndrome in infants. Diagnosis and treatment of various forms of adult hydrocephalus remain understudied and underreported. Surgical interventions to treat hydrocephalus, though lifesaving, have a high incidence of failure. Previously tested pharmacotherapies for the treatment of hydrocephalus have resulted in net zero or negative outcomes for patients potentially due to the lack of understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that contribute to the development of hydrocephalus. Very few well-validated drug targets have been proposed for therapy; most of these have been within the last 5 years. Within the last 50 years, there have been only incremental improvements in surgical treatments for hydrocephalus, and there has been little progress made towards prevention or cure. This demonstrates the need to develop nonsurgical interventions for the treatment of hydrocephalus regardless of etiology. The development of new treatment paradigms relies heavily on investment in researching the common molecular mechanisms that contribute to all of the forms of hydrocephalus, and requires the concerted support of patient advocacy organizations, government- and private-funded research, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, the medical device industry, and the vast network of healthcare professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Hochstetler
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
| | - Jeffrey Raskin
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Bonnie L Blazer-Yost
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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148
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Ramos-Platt L, Elman L, Shieh PB. Experience and Perspectives in the US on the Evolving Treatment Landscape in Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Int J Gen Med 2022; 15:7341-7353. [PMID: 36157294 PMCID: PMC9491367 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s369021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare, progressive neuromuscular disorder that, until recently, was the most common inherited cause of infant mortality. Since 2016, three disease-modifying therapies have emerged, nusinersen, onasemnogene abeparvovec-xioi, and risdiplam, leading to a transformation in the SMA treatment landscape, changes in disease trajectories, and a profound impact on clinical care. This environment poses a challenge to making informed treatment decisions, including initial treatment choice, treatment changes, and potential use of combination therapies as new data emerge. To better understand factors that influence physician-patient decision-making, a roundtable discussion was convened by Biogen (sponsor) with a panel of four US SMA experts. This report shares the panel’s opinions and clinical experiences, with the goals of helping clinicians and people with SMA and their families to better understand the factors influencing real-world treatment decisions and stimulating a broader discussion in the SMA community. The panelists highlighted that patients are often heavily involved in treatment decisions, and physicians must be aware of current data to guide patients in making the best decisions. Thus, in the absence of data from head-to-head treatment comparisons, physicians’ roles include reviewing treatment options and describing what is known of the benefits, challenges, and potential side effects of each therapy with patients and families. For infants and young children, the panelists expressed a sense of urgency for early intervention to minimize motor function loss, whereas the goal for adults is long-term disease stabilization. In the panelists’ experience, factors that influence patients’ decisions to change to an alternative therapy include convenience, administration route, novelty of therapy, and hope for improved function, while reasons for returning to a previous therapy include a perception of decreased efficacy and side effects. Ongoing clinical trials and analyses of real-world experiences should further inform treatment decisions and optimize patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh Ramos-Platt
- Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California and Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Lauren Elman
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Perry B Shieh
- Department of Neurology and Pediatrics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Correspondence: Perry B Shieh, Department of Neurology and Pediatrics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA, Email
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149
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The 2021 yearbook of Neurorestoratology. JOURNAL OF NEURORESTORATOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnrt.2022.100008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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150
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Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in SMN1 (encoding survival motor neuron protein (SMN)). Reduced expression of SMN leads to loss of α-motor neurons, severe muscle weakness and often early death. Standard-of-care recommendations for multidisciplinary supportive care of SMA were established in the past few decades. However, improved understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms of SMA has led to the development of different therapeutic approaches. Three treatments that increase SMN expression by distinct molecular mechanisms, administration routes and tissue biodistributions have received regulatory approval with others in clinical development. The advent of the new therapies is redefining standards of care as in many countries most patients are treated with one of the new therapies, leading to the identification of emerging new phenotypes of SMA and a renewed characterization of demographics owing to improved patient survival.
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