EDIT-301 for Sickle Cell Disease
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a new treatment called EDIT-301 for individuals with severe sickle cell disease (SCD). Researchers aim to determine if this one-time gene therapy can improve symptoms and ensure patient safety. The treatment modifies a person's own stem cells and reintroduces them through an IV. It suits those who experience at least two serious pain crises annually, despite using standard medications like hydroxyurea. As a Phase 1, Phase 2 trial, the study focuses on understanding how the treatment works in people and measuring its effectiveness in an initial, smaller group, offering participants a chance to be among the first to benefit from this innovative therapy.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
Yes, you will need to stop taking certain medications like hydroxyurea, voxelotor, crizanlizumab, or L-glutamine as part of the trial requirements.
Is there any evidence suggesting that EDIT-301 is likely to be safe for humans?
Research has shown that EDIT-301, a new gene-editing treatment, demonstrates promising safety results in studies with patients who have severe sickle cell disease. The treatment has successfully integrated into the body as expected. Additionally, there has been a steady increase in beneficial blood markers, such as total hemoglobin and fetal hemoglobin, which are crucial for improving sickle cell symptoms.
Importantly, patients tolerate the treatment well, with no major safety concerns reported in the available data. This suggests that unwanted effects are neither common nor severe. While the treatment remains under investigation and more data are needed, these early results offer encouragement for those considering joining the trial.12345Why do researchers think this study treatment might be promising for sickle cell disease?
EDIT-301 is unique because it uses autologous gene-edited hematopoietic stem cells to treat sickle cell disease. Unlike traditional treatments that often rely on regular blood transfusions or hydroxyurea to manage symptoms, EDIT-301 involves a one-time intravenous infusion that directly targets the genetic cause of the disease. Researchers are excited because this approach has the potential to provide a long-lasting solution by correcting the defective gene responsible for sickle cell disease, potentially reducing or eliminating the need for ongoing treatments.
What evidence suggests that EDIT-301 might be an effective treatment for sickle cell disease?
Research has shown that EDIT-301 holds promise for treating severe sickle cell disease (SCD). Early results indicate that the modified cells thrive in the body. Patients have experienced a rapid and lasting increase in total hemoglobin and fetal hemoglobin, both crucial for reducing SCD symptoms. Specifically, all patients with at least five months of follow-up achieved normal hemoglobin levels and fetal hemoglobin levels over 40%. This suggests that EDIT-301 could significantly enhance the health of individuals with SCD.12467
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults with severe sickle cell disease who have had at least two major pain episodes per year despite treatment. They must be generally well-functioning (Karnofsky Performance Status ≥ 80). People can't join if they've had a stem cell transplant, have certain allergies or infections, advanced liver disease, cancer, immune disorders, or an HLA-matched donor.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive a single dose of autologous gene-edited CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells (EDIT-301) via intravenous infusion
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- EDIT-301
EDIT-301 is already approved in United States, Canada for the following indications:
- None approved yet; currently in clinical trials for Sickle Cell Disease and Transfusion-Dependent Beta Thalassemia
- None approved yet; currently in clinical trials for Sickle Cell Disease and Transfusion-Dependent Beta Thalassemia
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Editas Medicine, Inc.
Lead Sponsor