Sidra Medicine, a member of Qatar Foundation, has announced the successful completion of Qatar's first industry-sponsored pharmaceutical trial for pediatric congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI). The trial, conducted on a young patient, marks a significant step forward in the treatment of this rare and complex condition.
The trial is part of Sidra Medicine's Clinical Trials Program, which aims to provide new treatment options for children with rare and complex diseases, particularly those in the Arab region who lack effective therapies. Sidra Medicine was selected as one of 22 leading centers worldwide to participate in the Phase 3 sunRIZE clinical trial.
sunRIZE Trial Details
The sunRIZE trial is led by Rezolute, a biopharmaceutical company specializing in rare diseases. The trial is designed to evaluate a new treatment option for CHI, a condition characterized by excessive insulin production that leads to life-threatening hypoglycemia in children. Many patients with CHI do not respond to existing therapies and often require invasive pancreatic surgery, which can result in lifelong complications such as diabetes and pancreatic insufficiency.
Prof. Khalid Hussain, Division Chief of Endocrinology at Sidra Medicine, emphasized the importance of the trial, stating, "This clinical trial represents a pivotal step in advancing care for congenital hyperinsulinism. Phase 3 trials compare new treatments to existing options in a diverse and larger patient population, providing evidence for regulatory approval based on effectiveness and safety. Our collaboration with Rezolute and international experts aims to develop a safer, non-invasive treatment option that could transform the lives of affected children and significantly reduce the need for surgery."
The clinical trial involved a three-month-old Qatari girl diagnosed with CHI. After previous therapies proved unsuccessful, her parents enrolled her in the sunRIZE trial as a last resort. The trial received approval from Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health and involved collaboration between Sidra Medicine’s Endocrinology and Clinical Trials Program, as well as internal departments including the Institutional Review Board, IT, pharmacy, and nursing.
Congenital Hyperinsulinism (CHI)
Congenital hyperinsulinism is a rare genetic disorder affecting approximately 1 in 50,000 newborns. It is the most frequent cause of persistent hypoglycemia in infants and children. The condition results from defects in the regulation of insulin secretion, leading to inappropriately high insulin levels even when blood glucose levels are low. This can cause seizures, brain damage, and even death if not promptly and effectively treated.
Sidra Medicine's Broader Focus
In addition to CHI and Type 1 Diabetes (TD1), Sidra Medicine is also focusing on other disorders and medical conditions, such as neuromuscular conditions like Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), metabolic disorders like Homocystinuria (HCU), and pediatric cancers like Low Grade Glioma (pLGG).
Earlier in 2024, Sidra Medicine announced a groundbreaking protocol for treating congenital hyperinsulinism in a young patient, further demonstrating its commitment to pioneering innovative treatments for rare diseases. Dr. Antonella Cioce, Sidra Medicine clinical trials office manager, noted, "This clinical trial highlights the exceptional teamwork and dedication at Sidra Medicine in advancing therapies for rare paediatric conditions...The trial represents a significant step toward transforming the care and outcomes for children with congenital hyperinsulinism, offering the potential to redefine treatment standards and bring hope to patients locally and globally."
