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FDA Grants Rare Pediatric Disease Designation to AlveoGene's AVG-002 for SP-B Deficiency

  • The FDA has granted Rare Pediatric Disease Designation to AlveoGene's AVG-002, an inhaled gene therapy, for lethal neonatal Surfactant Protein B (SP-B) deficiency.
  • AVG-002 utilizes AlveoGene's InGenuiTy platform to deliver a functional SP-B gene directly to the deep lung alveolar region, potentially offering a lifelong treatment from a single dose.
  • Preclinical data in SP-B gene knock-out murine models demonstrate that a single dose of AVG-002 extends survival substantially longer compared to other SP-B deficiency candidates.
  • AlveoGene is advancing preparations for clinical development of AVG-002, with potential marketing authorization filing by 2028, and expects exciting results with AVG-003 in ABCA-3 deficiency.
AlveoGene has received Rare Pediatric Disease Designation (RPDD) from the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for AVG-002, a novel inhaled gene therapy targeting lethal neonatal Surfactant Protein B (SP-B) deficiency. This designation highlights the urgent need for innovative therapies for this ultra-rare, fatal genetic lung disease affecting approximately 1 in 1 million newborns in the US and Europe.

Addressing a Critical Unmet Need in SP-B Deficiency

Inherited SP-B deficiency results from mutations in the SP-B gene, which is essential for lung function and survival. Current treatments, including mechanical ventilation and surfactant replacement, offer only temporary relief. Lung transplantation, the only definitive treatment, is often inaccessible due to donor organ scarcity and associated risks. AVG-002 aims to provide a viable long-term solution by directly addressing the genetic defect.

AVG-002: A Novel Inhaled Gene Therapy Approach

AVG-002 is developed using AlveoGene's InGenuiTy platform, employing a unique pseudotyped lentiviral vector to deliver a functional SP-B gene directly to the neonatal deep lung alveolar region via respiratory instillation. This targeted delivery aims to restore vital lung function with high efficiency and efficacy.

Promising Preclinical Data

Preclinical data in SP-B gene knock-out murine models demonstrate that a single dose of AVG-002 significantly extends survival compared to reported data of other SP-B deficiency candidates. These findings are supported by the restoration of normal lung histology and function following AVG-002 treatment in disease-induced lung tissues, suggesting the potential for a lifelong treatment from a single administration.

Path to Clinical Development and Potential Market Authorization

AlveoGene is advancing its preparations for the clinical development of AVG-002 in lethal neonatal SP-B deficiency, with the possibility of filing for marketing authorization by 2028. The RPDD underscores the potential of AVG-002 to target affected lung tissues directly, restore vital function, and provide a therapeutic solution where currently there is none.

Expanding the Pipeline: AVG-003 for ABCA-3 Deficiency and AVG-001 for AATD

AlveoGene anticipates exciting results with AVG-003, a program targeting ABCA-3 deficiency, a life-threatening rare pediatric genetic respiratory disorder with a 3-5 times greater incidence than SP-B deficiency. AVG-003 leverages the same InGenuiTy platform technology as AVG-002. Furthermore, preclinical progress with AVG-001 for patients with lung disease as a consequence of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD) continues, with the potential to become a best-in-class treatment targeting the lung directly.
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Reference News

[1]
AlveoGene's Novel, Inhaled Gene Therapy AVG-002 Receives ...
harringtondiscovery.org · Dec 3, 2024
[2]
US FDA grants rare paediatric disease designation to AlveoGene's novel, inhaled gene ...
pharmabiz.com · Nov 18, 2024

AlveoGene granted Rare Paediatric Disease Designation (RPDD) by FDA for AVG-002, an inhaled gene therapy for lethal neon...

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