Experimental gene therapy aims to halt rare fatal brain disease in children

NCT ID NCT03770572

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This early-stage trial tests a one-time gene therapy called CLN-301 in 7 children aged 3 to 10 with CLN3 Batten disease, a rare genetic disorder that causes progressive loss of vision, movement, and thinking skills. The therapy delivers a working copy of the CLN3 gene directly into the spinal fluid to help brain cells function better. The main goals are to check safety and see if the treatment can slow the disease's progression.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

CLN-301 (a gene therapy that delivers a working copy of the CLN3 gene using a modified virus)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could slow or stabilize the devastating symptoms of CLN3 Batten disease, offering children more time with better function and quality of life.

What could go wrong

This is a very early, small trial (only 7 children) testing safety and dosing. Gene therapies can have side effects, and it is not yet known if the treatment will meaningfully change the course of the disease.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis 3 Neuronal Ceroid-Lipofuscinoses

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Nationwide Children's Hospital

    Columbus, Ohio, 43201, United States