EG 427 has dosed the first patient in its Phase 1b/2a clinical trial of EG110A, a novel gene therapy for neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) in patients with spinal cord injuries (SCI). The therapy utilizes a non-replicating herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) vector to target and silence specific bladder sensory neurons, aiming to reduce bladder overactivity without impacting normal bladder function. This trial represents the first global use of non-replicative herpes-based vectors in neuro-urology.
This first-in-human trial marks a significant advancement in the treatment of NDO, a condition affecting a substantial portion of the SCI population and significantly impacting their quality of life. Current treatment options often fall short of providing adequate relief, leaving a large unmet medical need. The potential of EG110A to selectively target the underlying cause of NDO offers a new avenue for improved patient outcomes, potentially reducing incontinence episodes and the risk of associated complications like kidney damage and urinary tract infections. This targeted approach could also prove more effective and safer than existing systemic treatments. Success in this trial could further validate the HERMES platform, opening doors for its application in other neurological conditions.
The open-label, dose-escalation study will enroll 16 adults with SCI-related NDO who experience persistent incontinence despite standard care. The trial is being conducted across four leading US institutions. Participants will receive a single treatment course consisting of multiple intradetrusor injections of EG110A. The primary focus is on evaluating the safety and efficacy of the therapy.
The successful dosing of the first patient signifies a crucial step forward for EG 427 and the field of neuro-urology. Positive results from this trial could lead to a new treatment paradigm for NDO and other bladder dysfunction disorders, offering hope for improved quality of life for millions of patients. Furthermore, it could pave the way for broader application of this gene therapy platform across other neurological conditions with significant unmet needs.
Jon Napitupulu is Director of Media Relations at The Clinical Trial Vanguard. Jon, a computer data scientist, focuses on the latest clinical trial industry news and trends.
