MPS II: Plasma cell delivery of iduronate sulfatase
Grant Award Details
Grant Type:
Grant Number:
TRAN1-12911
Investigator(s):
Disease Focus:
Human Stem Cell Use:
Award Value:
$3,994,676
Status:
Active
Grant Application Details
Application Title:
MPS II: Plasma cell delivery of iduronate sulfatase
Public Abstract:
Translational Candidate
The patient’s own B cells will be engineered to express the therapeutic enzyme needed for care in Mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II) patients
Area of Impact
MPS II, a rare genetic disease causing multi-organ symptoms and death by age 15, if not treated. Current treatment does not address major symptoms.
Mechanism of Action
The proposed therapeutic is a unique combination of cell therapy and genetic engineering. The patient’s own B cells are engineered to express the therapeutic enzyme iduronate 2-sulfatase (IDS) which prevents accumulation of glycosaminoglycans in various tissue. The cells are then placed back into the patient where they secrete the IDS at a therapeutic level. The treatment provides patients with sustained long-term (years) delivery of the therapeutic at levels not seen with other treatments.
Unmet Medical Need
Current treatment for MPS II does not provide the therapeutic at sufficient and stable levels, resulting in considerable residual burden of disease.
Our treatment will deliver the therapeutic at high, stable levels, addressing also those manifestations that are currently not met.
Project Objective
Pre-IND meeting, transfer to clinical trials.
Major Proposed Activities
The patient’s own B cells will be engineered to express the therapeutic enzyme needed for care in Mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II) patients
Area of Impact
MPS II, a rare genetic disease causing multi-organ symptoms and death by age 15, if not treated. Current treatment does not address major symptoms.
Mechanism of Action
The proposed therapeutic is a unique combination of cell therapy and genetic engineering. The patient’s own B cells are engineered to express the therapeutic enzyme iduronate 2-sulfatase (IDS) which prevents accumulation of glycosaminoglycans in various tissue. The cells are then placed back into the patient where they secrete the IDS at a therapeutic level. The treatment provides patients with sustained long-term (years) delivery of the therapeutic at levels not seen with other treatments.
Unmet Medical Need
Current treatment for MPS II does not provide the therapeutic at sufficient and stable levels, resulting in considerable residual burden of disease.
Our treatment will deliver the therapeutic at high, stable levels, addressing also those manifestations that are currently not met.
Project Objective
Pre-IND meeting, transfer to clinical trials.
Major Proposed Activities
- Dose-ranging rodent studies to determine minimal effective and maximal tolerated dose. Effectiveness will be evaluated using established biomarkers.
- Long-term efficacy rodent studies (6 months) to characterize treatment effects, including bone manifestations.
- Drug product manufacturing, process development and engineering runs to meet specifications. GMP manufacturing of critical reagents.
Statement of Benefit to California:
MPS II is a rare genetic disease, with no race or ethnic predilections. Current treatment is expensive ($250K-500K/year/patient) and does not affect key manifestations of the disease. Our approach promises an economic and effective therapy. Immusoft of California has a strong relationship with an MPS II key opinion leader at UCLA. We are strongly considering using clinical site(s) within the UC system, because they offer broad reach to diverse communities throughout California.