VTx-002 for ALS

(ALS Trial)

Not yet recruiting at 12 trial locations
DO
Overseen ByDr Olga Uspenskaya Chief medical Officer, VectorY Therapeutics, M.D; PhD
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Phase 1 & 2
Sponsor: Vector Y Therapeutics
Must be taking: Riluzole, Edaravone
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores a new treatment called VTx-002 for individuals with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a condition affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness. Researchers are testing the safety and effects of different doses of VTx-002, administered as a single dose directly into the spinal fluid. They aim to assess the body's tolerance and any changes in disease markers. Individuals diagnosed with ALS within the last 18 months and experiencing muscle weakness might be suitable candidates for this trial. As a Phase 1 trial, this research focuses on understanding how VTx-002 works in people, offering participants the opportunity to be among the first to receive this new treatment.

Is there any evidence suggesting that VTx-002 is likely to be safe for humans?

Research has shown that VTx-002, a new treatment for ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), has been safe in animal studies. Tests with monkeys demonstrated that the treatment was well-tolerated, meaning it didn't cause major side effects. This safety profile aligns with other treatments using the same method (AAV5, a type of gene therapy).

However, VTx-002 is now undergoing its first tests in humans. Researchers are closely monitoring participants' reactions to the treatment. The study includes two groups, each receiving a different dose to determine which is better tolerated. This approach helps identify the safest and most effective dose for future studies.

Participants can receive rescue medication, such as methylprednisolone, if they experience any side effects. This helps manage unwanted reactions. Overall, while the results are promising, more data from human trials are needed to fully understand the safety of VTx-002 for ALS.12345

Why do researchers think this study treatment might be promising for ALS?

Most treatments for ALS focus on managing symptoms and might include medications like riluzole or edaravone, which aim to slow disease progression. But VTx-002 is different. It's a gene therapy administered directly into the cerebrospinal fluid via the intra cisterna magna route. This method allows targeted delivery to the central nervous system, potentially addressing the disease directly at its source. Researchers are excited because this innovative approach could offer a more direct and potentially more effective treatment option for ALS, moving beyond just symptom management.

What evidence suggests that VTx-002 might be an effective treatment for ALS?

Research shows that VTx-002 targets a protein called TDP-43, linked to ALS, a disease affecting nerve cells. In people with ALS, TDP-43 often forms clumps inside nerve cells, damaging them. VTx-002 aims to reduce these harmful clumps. Although human studies provide limited information, this method appears promising based on current ALS knowledge. Early animal studies suggest that reducing TDP-43 might slow the disease. This trial will test VTx-002 in two groups: one receiving a low dose and the other a high dose. VTx-002 could potentially help manage ALS by addressing one of its core issues.14678

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Participants will be involved in the study for up to 5 years and 5 weeks. Specific eligibility criteria are not provided, but typically include factors like disease stage, overall health status, and no conflicting medications or conditions.

Inclusion Criteria

I have been on a stable dose of riluzole for 2 weeks or edaravone for one cycle before screening.
My ALS diagnosis is confirmed by specific criteria.
Has a reliable caregiver/partner/legal representative willing and able to support the participant in participation in the study and to give informed consent on behalf of the participant in the case that disease progression prevents the participant of giving consent (local legal rules will apply)
See 8 more

Exclusion Criteria

Spinal, cervical, or brain MRI/MRA indicating clinically significant abnormality
I do not have a nervous system condition other than ALS that could explain my symptoms.
I cannot have general anesthesia or deep sedation due to health reasons.
See 8 more

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

5 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive a single intracisternal injection of VTx-002, with staggered dosing and safety monitoring

1 year
12 visits (in-person), 1 overnight stay, 4 remote visits

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness, with assessments and biomarker analysis

4 years
8 visits (every 6 months, in-person or remote)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • VTx-002

Trial Overview

The PIONEER-ALS study is testing VTx-002, a new treatment administered into the spinal canal. It's an open-label trial where everyone knows what treatment they're getting. There are two different doses being tested to see which one is safer and works better.

How Is the Trial Designed?

2

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Gene Therapy Group 2: Dose 2 (High Dose)Experimental Treatment2 Interventions
Group II: Gene Therapy Group 1: Dose 1 (Low Dose)Experimental Treatment2 Interventions

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Vector Y Therapeutics

Lead Sponsor

Citations

Study is to Assess the Safety and Tolerability of VTx-002 in ...

To assess whether VTx-002 works to prevent the progression of ALS and what dose can be used for future clinical studies. Change in Amyotrophic ...

FDA clears trial of 'vectorised' ALS antibody from VectorY

VTx-002 is not expected to be suitable for ALS patients whose disease is caused by SOD1 genetic mutations, who can be treated with Qalsody, as ...

UMC Utrecht and VectorY Therapeutics collaborate in ALS ...

VectorY's lead program, VTx-002, is targeting TDP-43 for the treatment of ALS. ALS is a devastating condition that in the Western world has an ...

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a neurodegenerative disorder ...

We review new insights into the pathophysiology of ALS which show promise for drug discovery. We describe advances in preclinical disease ...

FDA clears VectorY's PIONEER-ALS Phase I/II trial for ALS

VTx-002 is a vectorised antibody targeting transactive response DNA-binding protein 43 kDa (TDP-43) pathology in ALS. Go deeper with GlobalData.

VTx-002 - Disease modifying treatment for ALS

VTx-002 is a vectorized antibody that consists of a vector and the transgene that carries the instructions for a cell to make the therapeutic antibody.

VectorY Therapeutics Receives FDA Clearance of IND to ...

This IND clearance will make VTx-002 the first therapeutic in clinical development directed at the complete spectrum of TDP-43 pathology in ALS, ...

Vectory's VTX-002 gains IND clearance for ALS

In addition, VTX-002 has shown prevention of toxic aggregate formation, and transcriptomic restoration towards healthy motor neuron profiles.