Taysha Gene Therapies Receives Orphan Drug Designation from the European Commission for TSHA-120 for the Treatment of Giant Axon Neuropathy (GAN)
Clinical efficacy data for TSHA-120 provide quantitative evidence of long-term durability across all therapeutic dose cohorts with a 10-point improvement in mean change in MFM32 by Year 3 compared to estimated natural history decline of 24 points
Biopsy data in five of six patient samples analyzed to date confirmed active regeneration of nerve fibers following treatment with TSHA-120
53 patient-years of clinical data support favorable safety and tolerability profile of TSHA-120
Estimated addressable patient population of 5,000 worldwide represents a multi-billion dollar commercial opportunity
No approved treatments for the underlying cause of the disease
DALLAS, May 03, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Taysha Gene Therapies, Inc. (Nasdaq: TSHA), a patient-centric, pivotal-stage gene therapy company focused on developing and commercializing AAV-based gene therapies for the treatment of monogenic diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) in both rare and large patient populations, today announced that it has been granted orphan drug designation from the European Commission for TSHA-120, an intrathecally dosed AAV9 gene therapy currently in ongoing clinical evaluation for the treatment of giant axonal neuropathy (GAN).
“GAN is a progressive and devastating neurodegenerative disease that has an estimated addressable patient population of 5,000 worldwide. The disease impacts a broad range of patients, with an early onset form of the disease affecting young infants, while a late onset can affect patients into adulthood,” said Suyash Prasad, MBBS, M.SC., MRCP, MRCPCH, FFPM, Chief Medical Officer and Head of Research and Development of Taysha. “In January we announced promising data for TSHA-120, our most advanced program, demonstrating long-term durability for all three therapeutic dose cohorts and clinically significant improvements in MFM32 over time compared to decline in patients observed in natural history studies. The long-term safety and tolerability of TSHA-120 was supported by 53-patient years of data, and importantly, biopsy data confirmed active nerve fiber regeneration following treatment with TSHA-120. We are pleased to receive orphan drug designation by the European commission which can help facilitate rapid clinical advancement and subsequent access to patients as we further approach regulatory approval.”
GAN is a rare inherited genetic disorder that is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects both the central and peripheral nervous systems. The disease is caused by loss-of-function mutations in the gene coding for gigaxonin, which results in dysregulation of intermediate filament turnover, an important structural component of the cell. Children with GAN present before the age of five with symptoms including unsteady gait, frequent falls, motor weakness. Currently, there are no approved treatments for GAN, which results in death for patients in their late teens or early twenties.
TSHA-120, an intrathecally dosed AAV9 gene replacement therapy delivering the gene gigaxonin for the treatment of GAN is currently being evaluated in an ongoing clinical trial conducted by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) under the leadership of principal investigator, Carsten Bönneman, M.D. Taysha has partnered with GeneDx to support inclusion of the genetic marker for GAN in the GeneDx hereditary neuropathy panel at no cost to individuals at risk for or suspected of having GAN, and with the Hereditary Neuropathy Foundation and Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association Centers of Excellence to increase GAN disease awareness and access to testing. TSHA-120 has previously received Orphan Drug and Rare Pediatric Disease designations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The European Commission grants orphan drug designation for medicines being developed for the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of treat life-threatening or chronically debilitating conditions that affect fewer than 5 in 10,000 people in the European Union. Orphan designation in the European Union includes benefits such as protocol assistance, reduced regulatory fees and market exclusivity.
About Taysha Gene Therapies
Taysha Gene Therapies (Nasdaq: TSHA) is on a mission to eradicate monogenic CNS disease. With a singular focus on developing curative medicines, we aim to rapidly translate our treatments from bench to bedside. We have combined our team’s proven experience in gene therapy drug development and commercialization with the world-class UT Southwestern Gene Therapy Program to build an extensive, AAV gene therapy pipeline focused on both rare and large-market indications. Together, we leverage our fully integrated platform—an engine for potential new cures—with a goal of dramatically improving patients’ lives. More information is available at www.tayshagtx.com.
About GeneDX, Inc.
GeneDx, Inc. is a global leader in genomics, providing testing to patients and their families worldwide. Originally founded by scientists from the National Institutes of Health, GeneDx offers a world-renowned clinical genomics program with particular expertise in rare and ultra-rare genetic disorders. In addition to its market-leading exome sequencing service, GeneDx offers a suite of additional genetic testing services, including diagnostic testing for hereditary cancers, cardiac, mitochondrial, neurological disorders, prenatal diagnostics, and targeted variant testing. GeneDx is a subsidiary of BioReference Laboratories, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of OPKO Health, Inc. To learn more, please visit http://www.genedx.com.