The landscape of cardiology is evolving with the emergence of gene and cell therapies, offering potential solutions for previously unmet needs in treating cardiac diseases. Several companies and research institutions are focusing on these innovative modalities to address the rising cases of cardiac disease.
Rocket Pharmaceuticals Completes Enrollment for RP-A501 in Danon Disease Trial
Rocket Pharmaceuticals has concluded patient enrollment in its pivotal Phase 2 clinical trial (NCT06092034) evaluating RP-A501, a gene therapy for Danon disease. The trial enrolled 12 male patients across the US and EU, each receiving a dose of 6.7x10^13 GC/kg of the AAV vector-based gene therapy. The primary endpoints include improvements in LAMP2 expression and a decrease in left ventricular mass. Secondary endpoints encompass changes in troponin and natriuretic peptide levels, event-free survival, safety events, NYHA class, and responses on the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire. According to Barry H. Greenberg, MD, FHFSA, the rapid recruitment signifies the positive views of clinicians regarding this novel treatment.
Lexeo Therapeutics' LX2006 Shows Promise in Friedreich Ataxia Cardiomyopathy
Interim data from Phase 1/2 trials (NCT05445323, NCT05302271) of LX2006, a gene therapy developed by Lexeo Therapeutics, indicates improvements in disease biomarkers for patients with Friedreich Ataxia (FA) cardiomyopathy. LX2006 aims to deliver a functional frataxin gene, promoting frataxin protein expression and restoring mitochondrial function in myocardial cells. Jonathan W. Weinsaft, MD, noted the potential of gene therapies to address rare conditions like FA, where cardiovascular issues are a leading cause of death.
Immix Biopharma Doses First Patient with NXC-201 CAR-T Therapy for Light Chain Amyloidosis
Immix Biopharma has dosed the first patient in the Phase 1b/2 NEXICART-2 clinical trial (NCT06097832) with NXC-201, a CAR-T therapy targeting BCMA for relapsed/refractory light chain (AL) amyloidosis. The trial aims to enroll approximately 40 participants, with initial cohorts receiving doses of 150x10^6 and 450x10^6 CAR+T cells. Complete and overall response rates are the primary endpoints. Heather Landau, MD, highlighted the potential of NXC-201 as a one-time therapy for AL amyloidosis patients who have progressed on front-line daratumumab-combination therapy, addressing the lack of approved drugs for relapsed/refractory AL Amyloidosis.
Verve Therapeutics Initiates Trial of VERVE-102 for Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Verve Therapeutics has dosed the first patient in the Heart-2 Phase 1b clinical trial (NCT06164730) evaluating VERVE-102 for heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) or premature coronary artery disease (CAD). VERVE-102 is an in vivo base editing therapy designed to lower LDL-C levels by permanently inactivating the PCSK9 gene in liver cells. The open-label study will assess pharmacokinetics and changes in PCSK9 protein and LDL-C levels across four dose cohorts.
Sardocor's SRD-001 Receives Fast Track Designation for Heart Failure Treatment
Sardocor's SRD-001, a gene therapy for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), has been granted fast track designation by the FDA. The Phase 1/2a MUSIC-HFpEF trial (NCT06061549) has dosed its first three participants. SRD-001 aims to increase SERCA2a protein expression and functional activity in cardiac ventricular muscle cells, addressing calcium-handling defects implicated in HFpEF. Roger Hajjar, MD, noted that the trial will validate the role of calcium cycling deficiency in HFpEF.
