GC Biopharma has achieved a significant milestone with the Russian Ministry of Health's approval of Hunterase ICV for treating severe Hunter syndrome. This marks the first time a treatment for severe Hunter syndrome has been approved in Russia, following Japan's approval in 2021. The approval offers a new therapeutic avenue for patients suffering from the debilitating neurological effects of the disease.
Hunterase ICV employs a novel drug delivery method, directly administering the medication into the brain ventricles via a surgically implanted device. This approach allows the drug to bypass the blood-brain barrier, effectively targeting the cerebral blood vessels and central nervous system cells. This is particularly crucial as approximately 70% of Hunter syndrome patients globally experience severe cases involving central nervous system damage.
Lee Jae-woo, head of GC Biopharma's Development Division, highlighted the significance of this approval, stating, "Hunterase IV (intravenous) formulation has already been approved in Russia since 2018 and is currently being sold. With this approval, we can now offer a new treatment option for patients with severe Hunter syndrome."
Hunter syndrome, or Mucopolysaccharidosis II, is a rare genetic disorder stemming from a deficiency in the iduronate-2-sulfatase enzyme. This deficiency leads to the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), causing organ dysfunction, skeletal abnormalities, and cognitive impairment. The severity varies, with many patients experiencing significant central nervous system involvement. Traditional treatments often struggle to address these CNS symptoms due to the blood-brain barrier.
Intracerebroventricular Administration
The intracerebroventricular (ICV) drug administration method utilized by Hunterase ICV is a technological advancement for treating neurological conditions. By bypassing the blood-brain barrier, the treatment can directly target the central nervous system, offering a more effective approach for managing the neurological symptoms of Hunter syndrome.
Ongoing Research
GC Biopharma is also conducting a Phase 1 clinical trial for Hunterase ICV in Korea. These trials are essential for assessing the safety and efficacy of new treatments and are a critical step in the drug approval process, demonstrating GC Biopharma's commitment to advancing treatment options for Hunter syndrome.
