SparingVision Initiates First-in-Human Trial of Gene-Agnostic Therapy SPVN20 for Advanced Retinitis Pigmentosa
Key Insights
SparingVision has dosed the first patient in the NYRVANA clinical trial, marking the first-in-human study of SPVN20 for advanced retinitis pigmentosa (search).
SPVN20 is a gene-agnostic AAV-based gene therapy that delivers a GIRK channel (search) gene to reactivate dormant cone photoreceptors (search) through intravitreal injection.
The open-label, dose-escalation study will evaluate safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy over 6 months with 5-year follow-up across Belgium, France, and Ireland.
SparingVision has achieved a significant milestone in retinal gene therapy by dosing the first patient in its NYRVANA clinical trial, evaluating SPVN20 for patients with advanced retinitis pigmentosa (search) (RP). This first-in-human study represents a novel approach to treating inherited retinal diseases (search) through gene-agnostic therapy targeting dormant cone photoreceptors (search).
Novel Gene-Agnostic Approach
SPVN20 is an intravitreal AAV-based gene therapy designed to restore visual acuity and aspects of color vision in people affected by retinal diseases by targeting dormant cones. The therapy delivers a gene encoding a human G protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channel via intravitreal injection using an AAV vector, enabling dormant cones to regain their ability to convert light into electrical signals that the brain interprets as vision.
Unlike traditional gene replacement therapies, SPVN20 targets existing retinal cells rather than replacing them, seeking to reestablish a physiological pathway of vision. This approach maximizes the chances of restoring central visual function that closely mirrors natural cone-mediated vision through a more physiological mechanism.
Trial Design and Timeline
NYRVANA is an open-label, multicenter, dose-escalation study investigating the safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of a single intravitreal injection of SPVN20 over 6 months. The study includes a long-term follow-up period of 5 years, with safety and efficacy data collection planned through 2026 and 2027.
The trial has been initiated in Belgium and will expand recruitment to France and Ireland. The Clinical Trial Application was supported by a comprehensive nonclinical package demonstrating SPVN20-mediated light-evoked responses and functional rescue in cone photoreceptors (search) across multiple in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models.
Leadership Perspectives
Stéphane Boissel, CEO of SparingVision, emphasized the significance of this milestone: "The initiation of NYRVANA represents a pivotal milestone for SparingVision and validates the therapeutic potential of our gene-agnostic gene therapy portfolio, offering a comprehensive approach to treat a variety of retinal diseases at different stages. With two clinical programs now advancing in parallel, we are moving closer to our mission of transforming outcomes for patients with blinding retinal diseases."
Dr. Kali Stasi, Chief Medical Officer, highlighted the therapeutic approach: "With SPVN20, we are taking this progress forward by reactivating dormant cones—the dedicated photoreceptor cells of the retinal circuit located at the start of the visual transmission pathway, which utilize the naturally occurring photosensitive protein opsin. This approach maximizes the chances of restoring central visual function that closely mirrors natural cone-mediated vision through a more physiological mechanism, improving the lives of these patients with no current treatment available."
Future Combination Strategy
SparingVision intends to evaluate the potential therapeutic synergy of its two lead products, SPVN06 and SPVN20, as a single product called SPVN30 to address a broader population of RP patients. SPVN06 targets inherited retinal diseases (search) by counteracting the degeneration of cone photoreceptors (search) by restoring RdCVF (search) and promoting RdCVFL (search), administered via the subretinal route.
This dual-product approach represents a comprehensive strategy to address different aspects of retinal degeneration and potentially expand treatment options for patients with varying stages of retinitis pigmentosa (search).