Spirovant Sciences has initiated its SAAVe Phase I/II clinical trial, administering the first dose of SP-101, an innovative gene therapy, to a patient with cystic fibrosis. This marks a significant step forward in addressing the unmet needs of patients who are either ineligible for or do not respond adequately to existing CFTR modulator therapies. The trial aims to evaluate the safety and tolerability of SP-101 in combination with an augmenter, with potential implications for a broader range of cystic fibrosis patients.
SP-101 is an inhalable adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy specifically engineered to target human airway epithelia. The therapy is designed to deliver a functional cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) transgene, addressing the underlying genetic defect in cystic fibrosis. The use of an augmenter, doxorubicin, is intended to promote high expression of the CFTR transgene, enhancing the therapeutic effect.
The SAAVe Phase I/II study is a multicenter, open-label trial involving dose escalation and expansion. It focuses on assessing the safety and tolerability of SP-101 in combination with an augmenter in cystic fibrosis patients who are not candidates for CFTR modulator therapy or for whom such treatments are insufficient. Secondary endpoints of the trial include measurements of lung function, assessments of quality of life, and evaluation of bronchoscopy biomarkers.
"The dosing of the first patient in the SAAVe Phase I/II clinical trial is a major milestone for Spirovant and for the cystic fibrosis patient community," said Roland Kolbeck, chief scientific officer at Spirovant Sciences. "This therapy is mutation agnostic and as such has the potential to treat a range of cystic fibrosis patients, including those who are not eligible for treatment with the CFTR modulators as well as those for whom the CFTR modulators are insufficient."
The company’s ‘AAV + Augmenter’ platform is designed to develop customized therapies for cystic fibrosis and other respiratory conditions. This combination aims to achieve high gene expression and enhance the effectiveness of the treatment across various respiratory conditions. SP-101 has been optimized to overcome the challenges that have previously hindered the clinical viability of gene therapy for cystic fibrosis, with the goal of treating the root cause of the disease across a broad spectrum of CFTR mutations.
Cystic fibrosis is a significant genetic disorder affecting more than 100,000 individuals globally, leading to shortened life expectancy. This progressive multi-organ condition primarily affects the lungs, digestive system, and reproductive tract. The development of SP-101 represents a promising avenue for addressing the underlying genetic cause of the disease and improving outcomes for patients who have limited treatment options.
