Entrada Therapeutics has achieved a significant milestone in its pursuit of treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) with the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) granting authorization for a pivotal Phase I/II clinical trial. The study, designated ELEVATE-44-201, will evaluate ENTR-601-44, a novel therapeutic designed for patients with DMD mutations amenable to exon 44 skipping.
Trial Design and Objectives
The global, double-blind, placebo-controlled study is structured in two distinct parts. Part A encompasses a multiple ascending dose (MAD) evaluation involving approximately 24 subjects, with dosing scheduled every six weeks ranging from 6mg/kg to 18mg/kg across three cohorts. This initial phase will focus on assessing the therapy's pharmacodynamics, safety profile, and pharmacokinetics, while also measuring exon skipping efficiency and dystrophin production.
Following the completion of Part A, the trial will progress to Part B, which aims to establish the optimal dosing regimen by balancing efficacy and safety parameters. This phase will incorporate patient-reported outcomes and quality-of-life measurements to provide a comprehensive understanding of the treatment's impact.
Innovative Therapeutic Approach
ENTR-601-44 represents a cutting-edge approach to DMD treatment, utilizing an Endosomal Escape Vehicle (EEV)-conjugated phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer. The therapy is specifically designed to restore the mRNA reading frame, enabling the production of a shortened but functional dystrophin protein.
Clinical Development Progress
The company's advancement to this stage follows successful completion of dosing in the first and second cohorts of the ENTR-601-44-101 Phase I study in November 2023. Entrada Therapeutics plans to initiate the ELEVATE-44-201 study in the second quarter of 2024.
Executive Perspective
"As the first authorization for our global MAD clinical study of ENTR-601-44 in patients, we are pleased to be initiating the study at what we believe to be an effective therapeutic dose," stated Dipal Doshi, CEO of Entrada Therapeutics. "This is even more important since families living with Duchenne do not have time on their side as the progressive decline in function profoundly impacts the quality of life for patients and their care partners. It is this urgency that drives our work each day."
Patient Support and Long-term Monitoring
The trial design includes provisions for participants to join an open-label extension study, enabling long-term monitoring of the therapy's effects. This component underscores Entrada's commitment to gathering comprehensive data on the treatment's sustained impact and safety profile.
