The Edelife clinical trial, which is investigating a potential prenatal treatment for X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (XLHED), has expanded with a new site at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. This marks the second location in the United States, joining Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, in the effort to enroll 15-20 babies in the trial. The trial assesses the safety and efficacy of an investigational medicine called ER-004 for boys affected by XLHED.
Cedars-Sinai Launch
The Cedars-Sinai site is led by Ophir Klein, M.D., Ph.D., Executive Vice Dean of Children’s Services, Executive Director of Guerin Children’s, and the David and Meredith Kaplan Distinguished Chair in Children’s Health. Drs. Pedro Sanchez and Tania Esakoff serve as clinical leads on the trial. The opening of this site represents a significant undertaking, requiring over a year of preparation, involving multiple disciplines, budget management, and securing institutional review board approval.
A Paradigm Shift in Treatment
Dr. Klein emphasized the potential impact of the treatment, stating, "For me, this treatment is paradigm shifting. As far as I know, this is the first successful effort to treat a structural birth defect with medicine rather than surgery. It’s really a potentially transformative therapy."
The Edelife trial covers all associated expenses for participating families, including transportation, lodging, and treatment. A concierge service is available to assist families with travel arrangements and other needs.
How to Participate
The trial seeks to confirm earlier findings that ER-004 is safe and effective for boys affected by XLHED. To date, 10 babies have received treatment in the trial. Women with a mutation in the XLHED gene who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant are encouraged to learn more about the trial on the NFED website and the Edelife Clinical Trial site. Interested individuals can contact Dr. Klein or Dr. Kathy Grange at Washington University in St. Louis to determine eligibility.
The Importance of Genetic Testing
Given the critical timing of the prenatal treatment, which must be administered during the second trimester (no later than pregnancy week 23), women with a male relative affected by XLHED are encouraged to undergo genetic testing to expedite the enrollment process if they choose to participate in the trial. The NFED offers stipends to help offset the cost of testing.
