Homology Medicines Announces Peer-Reviewed Publication of HMI-102 Investigational Gene Therapy Demonstrating Restoration of Normal Metabolic Pathway in PKU Disease Model
- Data Package Supported Initiation of Ongoing pheNIX Clinical Trial for Adults with PKU -
The published data shows that a single administration of HMI-102 (AAVHSC15-PAH) produced a sustained reduction in phenylalanine (Phe), the key biomarker in the diagnosis and management of PKU, for the lifespan of the established murine model for PKU. The data also demonstrated a concomitant increase in tyrosine (Tyr), a metabolite of Phe and precursor to neurotransmitters, indicating enzymatic activity. Additionally, brain levels of Phe, 5-HIAA (downstream serotonin metabolite) and coat color were normalized, further indicating restoration of the Phe metabolic pathway.
“We developed a robust preclinical data package for our investigational HMI-102 gene therapy, which supported the initiation of our ongoing Phase 1/2 pheNIX clinical trial for adults with PKU,” stated
Key data in the publication include:
- A single IV administration of HMI-102 reduced serum Phe concentrations to normal levels within one week in the PKU murine model, and mean levels remained below 120 µM (the normal range) over the course of the 48-week study.
- A corresponding increase in Tyr concentration was also observed, indicating restoration of the Phe/Tyr metabolic pathway.
- HMI-102 administration was also associated with an increase in 5-HIAA and a decrease in Phe in the brain to normal levels.
The publication, “Sustained Correction of a Murine Model of Phenylketonuria Following a
About the Phase 1/2 pheNIX Clinical Trial in Phenylketonuria (PKU)
The pheNIX trial is the first gene therapy clinical trial ever conducted for people with PKU. pheNIX is designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a single intravenous administration of HMI-102 in adult patients with PKU aged 18-55. The study design allows for expansion of the number of patients in any dose cohort pending review by the Data Monitoring Committee and the Homology Internal Data Review Team. A decision to expand would trigger the addition of the randomized, concurrently controlled Part B of the trial, which has the potential to be converted to a registrational trial. The primary efficacy endpoint of the expansion part is incidence of sustained plasma Phe concentration ≤360 μmol/L as demonstrated by two measurements ≤360 μmol/L between 16 and 24 weeks.
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This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained in this press release that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements, including without limitation statements regarding our expectations surrounding the potential, safety, efficacy, and regulatory and clinical progress of our product candidates; plans and timing for the release of clinical data from the Phase 1/2 pheNIX trial, including the Part B expansion; plans and timing for the release of clinical data; our beliefs regarding our manufacturing capabilities; advancing our novel platform and pipeline; our goal of delivering potential cures to patients; beliefs about preclinical data; our position as a leader in the development of genetic medicines; the sufficiency of our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments; and our participation in upcoming presentations and conferences. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the following: we have and expect to continue to incur significant losses; our need for additional funding, which may not be available; failure to identify additional product candidates and develop or commercialize marketable products; the early stage of our development efforts; potential unforeseen events during clinical trials could cause delays or other adverse consequences; risks relating to the capabilities and potential expansion of our manufacturing facility; risks relating to the regulatory approval process; our product candidates may cause serious adverse side effects; inability to maintain our collaborations, or the failure of these collaborations; our reliance on third parties; failure to obtain
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Source: Homology Medicines, Inc.