HOPE FOR USH1B PATIENTS
CLINICAL TRIAL BY AAVANTGARDE TO COMMENCE
AAVantgarde, an international biotechnology company based in Italy and co-founded by Professor Alberto Auricchio, is dedicated to overcoming the limitations of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors in gene therapy. AAVantgarde has developed its own AAV-based large gene delivery platform for retinitis pigmentosa associated with Usher syndrome type 1b (USH1B), utilizing DNA recombination known as dual hybrid AAV.
By the end of March/beginning of April, the first participant will undergo treatment with the dual hybrid AAV designed by AAVantgarde, marking an exciting period ahead.
Usher Syndrome Type 1B (USH1B) is a genetic disorder characterized by congenital deafness, impairment of the vestibular system, and retinitis pigmentosa (RP). It affects approximately 1 in 50.000 people. The condition is caused by mutations in the MYO7A gene, responsible for producing a protein called MYO7A, which plays a crucial role in various cellular processes, including melanosome localization in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and rhodopsin transport in photoreceptor cells.
Motor Protein
MYO7A is an actin-based motor protein responsible for transporting various substances within the cell. These proteins move along thin fibers called microtubules in a manner resembling walking, with two “feet” that alternately bind to the fiber.
Here you can see a short animation of ‘a walking motor protein’:
Motor proteins consist of a head and a tail portion. The head houses the actual motor and consumes energy. The ‘tail side’ contains docking sites where various molecules can be attached. Because MYO7A is a motor protein, the challenge lies in delivering the entire protein healthily to the eye.
Dual Hybrid AAV
Traditional adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy approaches have limitations due to the size of the genes they can deliver. A newer strategy, known as double hybrid AAV gene therapy, aims to address this challenge. In this approach, splice donor and acceptor signals are separately inserted into two AAV vectors, with recombination designed by AAVantgarde. Recombination involves rearranging genetic material to form a single AAV genome that leads to the production of a full-length functional protein.
Watch the presentation on AAVantgarde’s programs here.
Phase 1 and 2 of the Clinical Trial
The first participant is expected to be treated within Q2 2024, with a total of 15 participants to be treated in the study. Safety and effectiveness will be tested at various dosages, with the first results expected to be available by 2025.
In preparation for this clinical trial, a natural history study has been conducted in subjects at Naples, Madrid, and Rotterdam. This study is essential for establishing inclusion criteria and measuring the effectiveness of the treatment.
Read also:
- Ophthalmologist Dr. Ingeborg van den Born shares insights
- Tears as a source of information
- Research on the best approach for USH1b
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