REGENXBIO Announces Pivotal Trial of RGX-121 for the Treatment of MPS II Achieves Primary Endpoint
- RGX-121 demonstrated positive results in the treatment of MPS II, meeting its primary endpoint with statistical significance.
- Patients treated with RGX-121 showed continued improvement in neurodevelopmental skill acquisition up to four years.
- The company plans to discuss the results as part of a full rare disease program update on its conference call.
- None.
Insights
The positive outcome of the CAMPSIITE® trial for RGX-121, a gene therapy developed by REGENXBIO for Mucopolysaccharidosis Type II (MPS II), presents a significant advancement in rare disease treatment. The statistical significance of the primary endpoint, which is the reduction in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarker for MPS II, indicates a robust response to the therapy. This is a promising development, as MPS II is a genetic disorder that can lead to severe physical and cognitive impairments. The continued improvement in neurodevelopmental skills up to four years post-treatment and the ability to discontinue intravenous enzyme therapy is indicative of the potential for long-term benefits and improved quality of life for patients.
From a research perspective, these results not only underscore the efficacy of gene therapy as a viable treatment option for genetic disorders but also highlight the potential for gene therapy to provide sustained and possibly curative, outcomes. As the company plans a Biologics License Application (BLA) submission in 2024 using the accelerated approval pathway, this could mean a faster route to market, subject to FDA approval. However, the long-term safety profile of RGX-121 will remain a critical factor for both regulators and potential investors to monitor.
The announcement of successful trial results for REGENXBIO’s RGX-121 has the potential to impact the company's financial future positively. The use of the accelerated approval pathway can expedite the time to market, potentially leading to early revenue generation from the therapy. For investors, the focus will be on the market size for MPS II treatments and the pricing strategy for RGX-121, given the high costs typically associated with gene therapies. The discontinuation of intravenous enzyme therapy in patients suggests a shift in treatment paradigm, which could disrupt existing market dynamics and create a competitive advantage for REGENXBIO.
Moreover, the rare disease market often benefits from incentives such as extended exclusivity periods, tax credits and grants, which could improve the financial outlook for the company. Investors will also be looking at the scalability of production and the company's ability to meet potential demand. The long-term value proposition of RGX-121 hinges on its ability to deliver sustained efficacy and safety, as well as the company's capacity to navigate the regulatory landscape efficiently.
The successful trial results for RGX-121 in treating MPS II are likely to have a ripple effect throughout the biotech industry, particularly within the niche of rare genetic diseases. The demand for innovative treatments like gene therapies is growing, as they address unmet medical needs and can significantly alter disease progression. The potential approval and market entry of RGX-121 could stimulate further investment and innovation in the sector.
Understanding patient populations and the competitive landscape is crucial for assessing the market potential of RGX-121. The rarity of MPS II means that the patient pool is small, which typically leads to higher treatment costs. However, this can be offset by the therapy's value proposition in terms of efficacy and the reduction of long-term healthcare costs. The discontinuation of enzyme replacement therapies, which are currently the standard of care, could position RGX-121 as a first-line treatment, provided it demonstrates a favorable safety profile and cost-effectiveness. Market adoption will depend on physician awareness, payer coverage and patient access programs.
- Results support BLA submission in 2024 using the accelerated approval pathway
- Primary endpoint of patients achieving reduction in CSF biomarker of MPS II disease was met with statistical significance (p value of 0.00016)
- Patients treated with RGX-121 have showed continued improvement in neurodevelopmental skill acquisition up to four years and discontinued intravenous enzyme therapy
- Company plans to discuss these results as part of a full rare disease program update on its conference call today, Wednesday, February 7, 4:30 p.m. ET
The results were presented at the 20th Annual WORLDSymposium™ by Paul Harmatz, M.D., UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital and trial investigator.
"The data from this pivotal trial supports that RGX-121 changes the course of disease by restoring the gene missing in boys with Hunter syndrome and has the potential to significantly improve vital brain function for patients living with this debilitating disease," said Kenneth T. Mills, President and CEO of REGENXBIO. "We are excited about these results and working quickly to complete activities to file the BLA this year. We have shared CAMPSIITE results with FDA leadership, and they have confirmed that, based on the totality of the evidence, they are open to accelerated approval if supported by review of the full data."
"There is currently no treatment to address fatal neuronopathic CNS disease in MPS II, and I am encouraged by the topline data from the pivotal trial of RGX-121," said Dr. Harmatz. "A one-time gene therapy that can help these boys develop beyond the natural history of the disease and may allow them to discontinue enzyme replacement therapy or remain ERT-naïve represents a meaningful breakthrough."
Data Summary
In the pivotal phase, MPS II patients treated with RGX-121 achieved decreased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of D2S6, a key biomarker of brain disease activity, below maximum attenuated disease levels at 16 weeks (p value of 0.00016). Patients receiving RGX-121 demonstrated an
Pivotal results were consistent with data from the dose-finding phase of CAMPSIITE. In the dose-finding phase, the majority of patients are exceeding expectations in neurodevelopmental function compared to natural history data up to four years. New long-term follow-up of patients treated with RGX-121 in the dose-finding phase also showed there was a high rate of patients for whom trial investigators chose to discontinue standard-of-care intravenous enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) or were allowed to remain ERT-naïve. At the pivotal dose level,
As of January 3, 2024, RGX-121 continues to be well tolerated in 25 patients dosed across all phases of the CAMPSIITE trial.
Following an RMAT meeting held with FDA at the end of 2023, REGENXBIO continues with plans to use CSF levels of D2S6 as a surrogate endpoint for accelerated approval and is completing remaining activities in order to file a BLA in the second half of 2024. Based on an expected priority review, potential approval of the planned BLA could result in receipt of a Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher in 2025.
Data presented is available on the "Publications" section of the REGENXBIO website at WWW.REGENXBIO.COM.
Conference Call
As part of a full rare disease program update, REGENXBIO will host a conference call today, Wednesday, February 7 at 4:30 p.m. ET and will be joined by Dr. Harmatz and Raymond Wang, M.D., Children's Hospital of Orange County to discuss the CAMPSIITE trial pivotal phase topline results and the expedited plan for filing a Biologics License Application using the accelerated approval pathway in 2024.
Listeners can register for the webcast via this link. Analysts wishing to participate in the question and answer session should use this link. A copy of the slides being presented will be available via the Company's investor website. Those who plan on participating are advised to join 15 minutes prior to the start time. A replay of the webcast will also be available via the Company's investor website approximately two hours after the call's conclusion.
About the CAMPSIITE® Trial
CAMPSIITE is a Phase I/II/III multicenter, open-label trial enrolling boys with neuronopathic MPSII, aged four months up to five years of age. The primary endpoint of the trial is measurement of CSF GAGs. Heparan sulfate (HS) and D2S6, a component of HS closely correlated with severe MPS II, are GAGs that are key biomarkers of I2S enzyme activity and are being measured in the CSF at baseline and after administration of RGX-121. Accurate and sensitive measurements of CSF GAGs, such as D2S6, have the potential to be considered a surrogate endpoint that is reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit in MPS II disease under the accelerated approval pathway, as buildup of GAGs in the CSF of MPS II patients correlates with clinical manifestations including neurodevelopmental deficits.
The pivotal program is using commercial-scale cGMP material from REGENXBIO's proprietary, high-yielding suspension-based manufacturing process, named NAVXpress™. In addition to measuring GAGs in the CSF, the trial will continue to collect neurodevelopmental data and caregiver-reported outcomes.
About RGX-121
RGX-121 is an investigational, one-time gene therapy designed to deliver the iduronate-2-sulfatase gene (IDS) that encodes the iduronate-2-sulfatase enzyme (I2S) using the NAV® AAV9 vector. RGX-121 expressed protein is structurally identical to normal I2S. RGX-121 is administered directly to the central nervous system (CNS) using intracisternal or intracerebroventricular delivery. Delivery of the IDS gene within cells in the CNS could provide a permanent source of secreted I2S beyond the blood-brain barrier, allowing for long-term cross correction of cells throughout the CNS.
RGX-121 has received Orphan Drug Product, Rare Pediatric Disease, Fast Track and Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy designations from the
About Mucopolysaccharidosis Type II (MPS II)
MPS II, or Hunter Syndrome, is a rare, X-linked recessive disease caused by a deficiency in the lysosomal enzyme iduronate-2-sulfatase (I2S) leading to an accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), including heparan sulfate (HS) in tissues which ultimately results in cell, tissue, and organ dysfunction, including in the central nervous system (CNS). MPS II is estimated to occur in 1 in 100,000 to 170,000 births. In severe forms of the disease, early developmental milestones may be met, but developmental delay is readily apparent by 18 to 24 months. Specific treatment to address the neurological manifestations of MPS II remains a significant unmet medical need. Key biomarkers of I2S enzymatic activity in MPS II patients include its substrate heparan sulfate (HS) D2S6, which has been shown to correlate with neurocognitive manifestations of the disorder.
About REGENXBIO Inc.
REGENXBIO is a leading clinical-stage biotechnology company seeking to improve lives through the curative potential of gene therapy. REGENXBIO's NAV Technology Platform, a proprietary adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene delivery platform, consists of exclusive rights to more than 100 novel AAV vectors, including AAV7, AAV8 and AAV9. REGENXBIO and its third-party NAV Technology Platform Licensees are applying the NAV Technology Platform in the development of a broad pipeline of candidates, including late-stage and commercial programs, in multiple therapeutic areas. REGENXBIO is committed to a "5x'25" strategy to progress five AAV Therapeutics from our internal pipeline and licensed programs into pivotal-stage or commercial products by 2025.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes "forward-looking statements," within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements express a belief, expectation or intention and are generally accompanied by words that convey projected future events or outcomes such as "believe," "may," "will," "estimate," "continue," "anticipate," "assume," "design," "intend," "expect," "could," "plan," "potential," "predict," "seek," "should," "would" or by variations of such words or by similar expressions. The forward-looking statements include statements relating to, among other things, REGENXBIO's future operations and clinical trials. REGENXBIO has based these forward-looking statements on its current expectations and assumptions and analyses made by REGENXBIO in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors REGENXBIO believes are appropriate under the circumstances. However, whether actual results and developments will conform with REGENXBIO's expectations and predictions is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including the timing of enrollment, commencement and completion and the success of clinical trials conducted by REGENXBIO, its licensees and its partners, the timing of commencement and completion and the success of preclinical studies conducted by REGENXBIO and its development partners, the timely development and launch of new products, the ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approval of product candidates, the ability to obtain and maintain intellectual property protection for product candidates and technology, trends and challenges in the business and markets in which REGENXBIO operates, the size and growth of potential markets for product candidates and the ability to serve those markets, the rate and degree of acceptance of product candidates, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of REGENXBIO. Refer to the "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" sections of REGENXBIO's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, and comparable "risk factors" sections of REGENXBIO's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings, which have been filed with the
Contacts:
Dana Cormack
Corporate Communications
dcormack@regenxbio.com
Investors:
Chris Brinzey
ICR Westwicke
339-970-2843
chris.brinzey@westwicke.com
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SOURCE REGENXBIO Inc.
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