Sanofi Genzyme present positive Phase 2 results for fatal neuromuscular disease treatment
pharmafile | March 4, 2016 | News story | Medical Communications, Research and Development | Pompe disease, Sanofi, clinical trial, neuromuscular, phase 2
Sanofi Genzyme, the branch of the French-based pharma company that focuses on diseases difficult to diagnose and treat, have published positive results from their Phase 1/2 clinical studies on a novel enzyme replacement therapy, neoGAA, in patients with late-onset Pompe disease.
The disease is a progressive, debilitating and often fatal neuromuscular disease. It is caused by a genetic deficiency or dysfunction of the lysosomal enzyme acid alpha-glucpsodase (GAA), and it affects an estimated 50,000 people worldwide. Those suffering with the disease often lose the ability to walk and may also experience difficulty breathing.
NeoGAA is an investigational second-generation alglucosidase alfa enzyme replacement therapy that has been specifically designed for enhanced receptor targeting and enzyme uptake through greater affinity for the M6P receptors on muscle cells, with the aim of enhancing glycogen clearance and improving on the clinical efficacy achieved with alglucosidase alfa.
In pre-clinial trials, neoGAA demonstrated a five-fold greater potency than alglucosidase alfa, making it a good candidate for further trials. In the NEO1 study, positive results were observed with increases in FVC, maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP). Improvements were also found in patients conducting a six-minute walk test, with their distance walked increasing in this time period over the course of the study.
Loren D.M. Pena, MD, PhD, assistant professor of paediatrics at Duke University School and coordinating investigator for the study, explains: “Respiratory function measures are important clinical indicators for Pompe patients. The positive trending of exploratory data across all three respiratory endpoints – percent predicted FVC, MEP and MIP – suggests improvement or stabilisation of pulmonary function in late-onset Pompe patients. This combined with the safety data indicates the potential for further development of neoGAA.”
Jorge Insuasty, head of global development at Sanofi, comments: “We are highly encouraged that the safety profile and exploratory efficacy assessments provide positive proof of concept to continue the clinical development of neoGAA, which we plan to undertake later this year with Phase 3 clinical trial.”
Sean Murray
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