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PTC124 shows activity in cystic fibrosis; Phase 2 proof-of-concept data published in Lancet
August 21, 2008New phase 2 data published today in The Lancet show that the investigational oral drug PTC124 demonstrates activity in nonsense-mutation cystic fibrosis (CF). The data show that treatment with PTC124 results in statistically significant improvements in the chloride channel function of patients with nonsense-mutation CF. The study was conducted at the Hadassah Hebrew University Hospital in Jerusalem, Israel and sponsored by PTC Therapeutics (PTC).
Patients with CF lack adequate levels of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein, a chloride channel which is required for normal function of the lung, pancreas, liver, and other organs. Nonsense mutations are single-point alterations in the genetic code that prematurely stop the translation process, preventing production of a full-length, functional protein. Patients with nonsense-mutation CF generally make virtually no CFTR protein and thus often have a more severe form of CF. By inducing the production of functional CFTR, PTC124 is addressing the underlying genetic defect responsible for CF. Nonsense mutations are responsible for approximately 10 percent of the cases of cystic fibrosis worldwide. However, in Israel, nonsense mutations are responsible for the majority of CF cases.
STUDY RESULTS: PTC124 RESTORED FUNCTIONAL PRODUCTION OF CFTR PROTEIN IN PATIENTS
This Phase 2 Israeli study enrolled 23 adult patients (median age 25 years) with nonsense-mutation CF. More than 90 percent of patients had severe CF with compromised lung function, pulmonary infection with Pseudomonas or other pathogenic bacteria, and pancreatic insufficiency. Patients were assessed in two 14-day treatment courses of oral PTC124 therapy, the first given at a lower dose and the second given at a higher dose. Results showed that at both dose levels, treatment with PTC124 was associated with statistically significant improvements (p<0.05) in CFTR-mediated chloride transport with over half of the patients entering the normal range during at least one treatment course. PTC124 induced chloride transport responses and normalization of CFTR activity across the variety of patient genotypes tested. Improvements in lung function values and body weight were also observed. PTC124 was generally well tolerated and all patients had >90 percent treatment compliance.
"This study demonstrates the potential for personalized medicine, combining selection of patients with a specific type of genetic mutation and a drug treatment that has been specifically designed to overcome that mutation," said Eitan Kerem, MD, head of pediatrics and the CF center at the Hadassah University Hospital in Mount Scopus, Jerusalem and the lead author of the study. "The publication of these ground-breaking results in the Lancet offers new hope to those patients with CF due to a nonsense mutation in the CFTR gene and establishes a path forward for evaluating the efficacy and long-term safety of PTC124."
"We are very pleased by this positive outcome from our ongoing collaboration with PTC," noted Preston Campbell, III, M.D., Executive Vice President of Medical Affairs at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. "The development of PTC124 fits well with our strategic goal of supporting approaches that have the potential to modify the course of CF. We are continuing to work together with PTC and the broader CF medical community to support the next steps in the evaluation of PTC124 for the clinical benefit for the treatment of nonsense-mutation CF."
"The publication of these data provides clinical proof of concept in CF for the PTC124 mechanism of action in overcoming nonsense mutations as the basis for treating genetic disease," said Stuart W. Peltz, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of PTC Therapeutics. "Based on these results, we intend to initiate a Phase 2b study later this year to evaluate the clinical benefit of PTC124 in adults and children with nonsense-mutation-mediated CF. Given the potential applicability of PTC124 to multiple genetic disorders, we have a pivotal study of PTC124 for nonsense-mutation Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy ongoing and are planning proof-of-concept studies in additional genetic disorders."
Pure Communications Inc.
This Phase 2 Israeli study enrolled 23 adult patients (median age 25 years) with nonsense-mutation CF. More than 90 percent of patients had severe CF with compromised lung function, pulmonary infection with Pseudomonas or other pathogenic bacteria, and pancreatic insufficiency. Patients were assessed in two 14-day treatment courses of oral PTC124 therapy, the first given at a lower dose and the second given at a higher dose. Results showed that at both dose levels, treatment with PTC124 was associated with statistically significant improvements (p<0.05) in CFTR-mediated chloride transport with over half of the patients entering the normal range during at least one treatment course. PTC124 induced chloride transport responses and normalization of CFTR activity across the variety of patient genotypes tested. Improvements in lung function values and body weight were also observed. PTC124 was generally well tolerated and all patients had >90 percent treatment compliance.
"This study demonstrates the potential for personalized medicine, combining selection of patients with a specific type of genetic mutation and a drug treatment that has been specifically designed to overcome that mutation," said Eitan Kerem, MD, head of pediatrics and the CF center at the Hadassah University Hospital in Mount Scopus, Jerusalem and the lead author of the study. "The publication of these ground-breaking results in the Lancet offers new hope to those patients with CF due to a nonsense mutation in the CFTR gene and establishes a path forward for evaluating the efficacy and long-term safety of PTC124."
"We are very pleased by this positive outcome from our ongoing collaboration with PTC," noted Preston Campbell, III, M.D., Executive Vice President of Medical Affairs at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. "The development of PTC124 fits well with our strategic goal of supporting approaches that have the potential to modify the course of CF. We are continuing to work together with PTC and the broader CF medical community to support the next steps in the evaluation of PTC124 for the clinical benefit for the treatment of nonsense-mutation CF."
"The publication of these data provides clinical proof of concept in CF for the PTC124 mechanism of action in overcoming nonsense mutations as the basis for treating genetic disease," said Stuart W. Peltz, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of PTC Therapeutics. "Based on these results, we intend to initiate a Phase 2b study later this year to evaluate the clinical benefit of PTC124 in adults and children with nonsense-mutation-mediated CF. Given the potential applicability of PTC124 to multiple genetic disorders, we have a pivotal study of PTC124 for nonsense-mutation Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy ongoing and are planning proof-of-concept studies in additional genetic disorders."
Pure Communications Inc.
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