GenSight Biologics announced that its gene therapy GS010/LUMEVOQ® has received FDA authorization for Individual Patient Expanded Access treatment in the United States, marking the first regulatory approval for the candidate since the company withdrew its European marketing authorization application in 2023.
The FDA authorization was granted for expanded access treatment of one eligible patient, based on an application by a physician at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (UPMC). The required approval from the school's Institutional Review Board (IRB) was also obtained, with treatment scheduled for November 2025.
Targeting Rare Blinding Disease
GS010/LUMEVOQ® is currently in Phase III clinical development as a treatment for Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON), a rare blinding disease caused by a mutated ND4 mitochondrial gene. LHON is a rare, maternally inherited mitochondrial genetic disease characterized by the degeneration of retinal ganglion cells, which results in precipitous and usually irreversible vision loss and typically leads to legal blindness. The ND4 mitochondrial mutation is the most common of the mutations that cause LHON and is associated with the worst prognosis among the leading mutations.
"We are very pleased to be able to provide GS010/LUMEVOQ for the individual patient expanded access treatment at UPMC," said Laurence Rodriguez, Chief Executive Officer of GenSight Biologics. "At this time, the company's highest priority is on ensuring adequate supply for the study already under discussion with the ANSM and to support our discussions about an Early Access Program in France."
Manufacturing and Clinical Development Strategy
GenSight Biologics is currently completing the technology transfer to its new manufacturing partner, Catalent, which is expected to be finalized by year-end 2025. The transition will enable the production of new batches in 2026 to address the full scope of projected clinical and early access needs.
The company is preparing for the launch in H2 2026 of the pivotal Phase III study RECOVER for GS010/LUMEVOQ®, while engaging with the French medicines agency ANSM regarding a dose-ranging study the agency requested in connection with an Early Access Program (AAC) in France. The study protocol submitted in August 2025 is under review with well-defined regulatory timelines.
Gene Therapy Technology Platform
GS010/LUMEVOQ® (lenadogene nolparvovec) targets LHON by leveraging a mitochondrial targeting sequence (MTS) proprietary technology platform, arising from research conducted at the Institut de la Vision in Paris. When associated with the gene of interest, the platform specifically addresses defects inside the mitochondria using an AAV vector (Adeno-Associated Virus). The gene of interest is transferred into the cell to be expressed and produces the functional protein, which is then shuttled to the mitochondria through specific nucleotidic sequences to restore the missing or deficient mitochondrial function.
Using its gene therapy-based approach, GenSight Biologics' product candidates are designed to be administered in a single treatment to each eye by intravitreal injection to offer patients a sustainable functional visual recovery.
Global Access Strategy
In parallel with its US and European initiatives, the company is pursuing opportunities to out-license GS010 in markets outside the USA and Europe, while exploring paid Early Access Programs worldwide. Rodriguez emphasized that these programs represent essential steps towards the ultimate goal of maximizing patient access to GS010/LUMEVOQ, given the high unmet need of those impacted by LHON.
The gene therapy has not received marketing authorization in any country and remains in clinical development as a treatment for the rare mitochondrial disease that leads to irreversible blindness in teens and young adults.
