Unravel Biosciences, an AI-enabled therapeutics company, has submitted clinical study applications for its RVL-001 proof-of-concept trials targeting Rett syndrome (RTT) and Pitt Hopkins syndrome (PTHS) to the Colombian Health Regulatory Agency (INVIMA). The applications have been accepted for priority review under INVIMA's fast track program for orphan and high unmet need diseases, following ethics committee approvals received earlier this month.
The Boston-based company anticipates initiating both studies in early summer at the Universidad de Antioquia's Center for Technological Development (PECET), a designated INVIMA clinical trial site and center of excellence in Medellin, Colombia. The trials are designed as placebo-controlled "n-of-1" studies, with planned enrollment of 15 patients with RTT and 5 patients with PTHS.
"Today's announcement represents an important milestone towards Unravel's evolution into a clinical-stage company," said Richard Novak, Ph.D., Unravel Co-Founder and CEO. "We look forward to INVIMA's expedited review of our study applications and are prepared to start patient dosing soon after we receive INVIMA approval."
Understanding the Target Disorders
Rett syndrome and Pitt Hopkins syndrome are rare neurogenetic disorders that manifest in early childhood, causing debilitating cognitive, motor, and autonomic disabilities. Despite one approved treatment for Rett syndrome, significant unmet needs remain for therapies with meaningful efficacy and acceptable safety profiles. Pitt Hopkins syndrome currently has no approved treatments.
Unravel's proprietary BioNAV™ drug discovery platform identified RVL-001 as a potentially promising therapeutic for both conditions. The platform combines AI systems biology computation with rapid in vivo screening and clinical validation of discovered targets, enabling drug development with enhanced efficiency.
Dr. Carolina Lesmes, Pediatric Neurologist and Principal Investigator of the RVL-001 studies, emphasized the significance of these trials: "The Rett and Pitt Hopkins Syndrome communities, including families, caregivers and treating physicians, have been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to participate in meaningful clinical research to find potentially beneficial therapeutics for their loved ones. We are ready to initiate these two important studies to assess the safety and potential efficacy of RVL-001."
Expanding Pipeline for Rare Neurological Disorders
Beyond the RVL-001 program, Unravel has initiated development work on RVL-002, described as a first-in-class novel molecule for Rett syndrome that targets mitochondrial metabolism. The company's platform has also developed RVL027 and RVL068, molecules targeting two novel mechanisms to treat dystonias.
The company's rareSHIFT™ program provides platform access to foundation and biotech partners to accelerate and clinically derisk therapeutics, demonstrating Unravel's commitment to collaborative approaches in addressing rare diseases.
Clinical Trial Design and Significance
The "n-of-1" trial design chosen for these studies is particularly relevant for rare disease research, where patient populations are limited. This approach allows each patient to serve as their own control, potentially providing more meaningful data despite smaller sample sizes.
The selection of Colombia's INVIMA fast track program highlights the strategic approach pharmaceutical companies are taking to accelerate clinical development for rare diseases, leveraging regulatory pathways designed to address high unmet medical needs.
If successful, these trials could represent a significant advancement in the treatment landscape for both Rett syndrome and Pitt Hopkins syndrome, potentially offering new therapeutic options for patients and families affected by these devastating conditions.
