Patisiran for Amyloidosis
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores the use of patisiran, a type of RNA interference therapy, to treat individuals with wtATTR amyloidosis who experience symptoms of nerve damage, such as tingling or weakness. The primary goal is to determine if patisiran can improve nerve function and overall quality of life. It is open to individuals diagnosed with symptomatic polyneuropathy due to wtATTR amyloidosis, confirmed by specific tests. Participants should not have other causes of nerve issues or certain health conditions, such as hepatitis. As an Early Phase 1 trial, this research focuses on understanding how patisiran works in people, offering participants the opportunity to be among the first to receive this treatment.
Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?
You may need to stop certain medications before joining the trial. If you are taking diflunisal, doxycycline, or tauroursodeoxycholic acid, you must stop them and wait for a specific period (6 months for diflunisal and 30 days for the others) before starting the trial. Also, you cannot take calcium channel blockers or digitalis during the trial.
Is there any evidence suggesting that patisiran is likely to be safe for humans?
Research has shown that patisiran has been tested for safety in treating different types of amyloidosis. In a 5-year study, patients using patisiran lived longer and managed their disease better, suggesting the treatment is generally safe over a long period.
Another study examined patisiran over 12 months and found that patients maintained their physical abilities, indicating the treatment is well-tolerated for at least a year.
Several studies support the safety of patisiran for amyloidosis patients, with no strong evidence of serious side effects. However, like any treatment, some minor side effects might occur. It's always important to discuss potential risks with the trial team.12345Why do researchers think this study treatment might be promising?
Patisiran is unique because it targets the root cause of amyloidosis by using RNA interference (RNAi) technology to silence the production of the TTR protein that causes amyloid deposits. Unlike traditional treatments that manage symptoms, such as tafamidis or diflunisal, patisiran works at the genetic level to prevent further protein buildup. Researchers are excited about its potential to improve outcomes by directly addressing the underlying genetic issues, offering a novel approach that could enhance quality of life for patients with amyloidosis.
What evidence suggests that patisiran might be an effective treatment for amyloidosis?
Research has shown that patisiran offers promising results for treating amyloidosis, a condition where abnormal proteins accumulate in the body. In earlier studies, patients with hereditary amyloidosis who took patisiran experienced better health outcomes and lived longer than those on a placebo. Another study found that patisiran helped patients with heart-related amyloidosis maintain their physical abilities over 12 months. Long-term data also suggest that patisiran can slow the disease's progression and extend patients' lives. These findings support patisiran's potential to manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for people with amyloidosis.12367
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Adults over 18 with wild-type ATTR amyloidosis and symptomatic polyneuropathy can join this trial. They must have a specific protein level, no hepatitis B or C, proper organ function, and no other neuropathy causes. Exclusions include recent cancer (except certain skin/cervical), uncontrolled thyroid issues or blood pressure, heart/liver transplants, drug abuse history, HIV infection, severe kidney disease, and certain medication use.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive patisiran administered as an IV infusion once every 21 days for a 24-month period
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Patisiran
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Austin Neuromuscular Center
Lead Sponsor
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals
Industry Sponsor
Dr. Yvonne Greenstreet
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals
Chief Executive Officer since 2021
MD from the University of Leeds, MBA from INSEAD
Dr. Pushkal Garg
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals
Chief Medical Officer since 2016
MD from Columbia University