Grant awarded for development of therapy for Sanfilippo disease
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
LOS ANGELES – The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke recently awarded a grant to Phoenix Nest Inc. to partner with the Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute (LA BioMed) to investigate the development of a therapy for treating a devastating inherited disorder, Sanfilippo disease.
Also known as mucopolysaccharidosis type III (MPS III), the disorder is generally diagnosed in childhood and can lead to premature death. There is currently no cure or treatment for any of the four sub-types of Sanfilippo disease. Children with MPS III lack a vital enzyme that is needed to break down long chains of sugars, known as mucopolysaccharides, leading these to accumulate in the cells. The accumulations cause progressive neurological problems, including hearing loss, speech difficulties and sleep disruptions.
“We are pleased to be partnering with Phoenix Nest in this important research to help children living with MPS III who have not been able to benefit from the enzyme replacement therapy already developed for similar disorders,” said Patti I. Dickson, MD, LA BioMed lead researcher and director of the institute’s MPS Research Laboratory.
“Our long-term objective is to produce an effective enzyme therapy for MPS III as rapidly and efficiently as possible.”
The $223,102 grant will be used to develop a therapy that will limit or reverse the neurological damage caused by MPS III. The research will seek to replace the missing enzyme by delivering recombinant human alpha-N-acetylglucosamine-6-sulfatase (rhGNS) into the spinal fluid (intrathecally) to effectively treat the underlying causes of the neurologic symptoms of MPS III.
Dr. Dickson has specific expertise in the development of intrathecal enzyme replacement therapies and will supervise a postdoctoral researcher, funded by Phoenix Nest, who will determine whether rhGNS has properties favorable for a recombinant enzyme therapy.
“Our focus at Phoenix Nest is to develop treatments for the rare diseases Sanfilippo syndrome IIIC and IIID,” said Dr. Sean Ekins, Phoenix Nest chief executive officer. “These terrible illnesses cause enormous suffering for the affected children and their families. We are excited to be collaborating with Dr. Dickson and LA BioMed on this project to develop a potential treatment.”