Rocket Pharmaceuticals announced today that it will present preliminary data from its Phase 1 clinical trial of RP-A601, a gene therapy for plakophilin-2 related arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (PKP2-ACM), at the upcoming American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy (ASGCT) Annual Meeting in New Orleans.
The late-breaking oral presentation, scheduled for May 15, 2025, will mark the first public disclosure of clinical data for this investigational therapy targeting a rare and potentially fatal inherited heart condition. Dr. Barry H. Greenberg, Distinguished Professor of Medicine at University of California San Diego School of Medicine and Director of the Advanced Heart Failure Treatment Program at UC San Diego Health, will deliver the presentation.
Understanding PKP2-ACM and the Unmet Medical Need
PKP2-ACM is a genetic heart disease caused by mutations in the PKP2 gene that affects approximately 50,000 adults and children in the U.S. and Europe. The condition is characterized by life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, structural abnormalities of the heart, and a high risk of sudden cardiac death.
Current treatment options for PKP2-ACM are limited and primarily focused on symptom management rather than addressing the underlying genetic cause. Available approaches include medical therapy, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), and ablation procedures, but these interventions have significant limitations.
"Existing treatments for PKP2-ACM do not consistently prevent disease progression or arrhythmia recurrence," explained Dr. Greenberg. "Furthermore, they are associated with significant morbidity including inappropriate shocks and device-related complications, while failing to address the underlying genetic mutation."
RP-A601: A Potential One-Time Curative Approach
RP-A601 represents a novel approach to treating PKP2-ACM by directly addressing its genetic cause. The investigational therapy consists of a recombinant adeno-associated serotype rh74 capsid containing a functional version of the human PKP2 transgene (AAVrh74.PKP2), administered as a single intravenous infusion.
The therapy is designed to deliver a working copy of the PKP2 gene to cardiac cells, potentially restoring normal protein function and addressing the root cause of the disease. Rocket Pharmaceuticals is investigating RP-A601 as a one-time, potentially curative treatment that may improve both survival and quality of life for patients affected by PKP2-ACM.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Fast Track designation for RP-A601, acknowledging the serious nature of PKP2-ACM and the lack of effective treatments. Additionally, the therapy has received Orphan Drug designation in both the U.S. and Europe, highlighting the significant unmet medical need in this rare disease population.
Phase 1 Clinical Trial Details
The Phase 1 trial is evaluating the safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of RP-A601 in adult patients with PKP2-ACM. While specific details about the trial design and patient population will be disclosed during the ASGCT presentation, the study represents a critical first step in assessing this gene therapy approach.
"The presentation at ASGCT will provide the scientific and medical communities with the first look at how this gene therapy performs in patients with PKP2-ACM," said Gaurav Shah, M.D., CEO of Rocket Pharmaceuticals. "We are optimistic about the potential of RP-A601 to transform the treatment landscape for this devastating condition."
Expanding Cardiovascular Gene Therapy Portfolio
RP-A601 is part of Rocket Pharmaceuticals' growing cardiovascular gene therapy portfolio, which includes programs targeting several rare heart conditions with high unmet medical needs. The company's adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector-based cardiovascular pipeline also includes a late-stage program for Danon Disease and a pre-clinical program targeting BAG3-associated dilated cardiomyopathy.
In addition to its cardiovascular programs, Rocket is advancing lentiviral vector-based therapies for several rare hematological disorders, including Fanconi Anemia, Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency-I, and Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency.
Looking Forward to Data Presentation
Following the ASGCT presentation, Rocket plans to host an investor webinar on May 15, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. ET to discuss the presented data and its implications. The webinar will provide an opportunity for investors and analysts to gain further insights into the preliminary findings from the Phase 1 trial.
The presentation of the first clinical data for RP-A601 represents a significant milestone for both Rocket Pharmaceuticals and the PKP2-ACM patient community, potentially opening the door to a new treatment paradigm for this serious genetic heart condition.
