One-Time gene therapy could free PKU patients from strict diet
NCT ID NCT05972629
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study tests a one-time gene therapy called SAR444836 for adults with phenylketonuria (PKU), a genetic disorder that makes it hard to break down an amino acid called phenylalanine. The therapy uses a harmless virus to deliver a working copy of the missing gene. Researchers want to see if it safely lowers phenylalanine levels in the blood and allows participants to eat a normal diet without strict protein restrictions. The trial involves 32 adults and will follow them for at least 5 years.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- SAR444836 (gene therapy using a harmless virus to deliver a working copy of the PAH gene)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this one-time gene therapy could allow people with PKU to eat a normal diet without strict protein restrictions, by helping their bodies break down phenylalanine.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early phase 1/2 trial with only 32 participants, so safety and effectiveness are not yet proven. Gene therapies can cause immune reactions or may not work for everyone, and long-term effects are unknown.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Phase 1/2
Runs two stages together: safety and dose first, then whether the treatment works.
- Participants
-
About 32 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
-
Aug 2023
- Expected to finish
-
Apr 2030
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
-
A company
The lead sponsor is a pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical-device company.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 to 65 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult males, and females of non-childbearing potential, 18-65 years of age at the time of informed consent. * Participants must have uncontrolled classical PKU due to PAH deficiency (despite Phe-restricted dietary management or Palynziq) in the judgement of the Investigator. * Two historical plasma Phe values ≥ 600 μmol/L in the preceding 12 months while on Phe restricted diet therapy. Two plasma Phe values ≥ 600 μmol/L drawn at least 72 hours apart during the screening period while on Phe restricted diet therapy in the absence of an acute illness. * Participant has the ability and willingness to maintain their present diet for the duration of the Post-treatment Follow-up Phase (through Week 96), unless otherwise directed as per protocol * Body mass index (BMI) ≤ 35 kg/m2 * Willingness to use effective methods of contraception. * Capable of giving signed informed consent which includes compliance with the requirements and restrictions listed in the informed consent form (ICF) and in this protocol. Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of neutralizing antibodies against the AAV SNY001 capsid * Abnormal liver function laboratory testing evidenced by alanine aminotransferase (ALT)\>1.5X upper limit normal (ULN), aspartate transaminase (AST)\>1.5X ULN, alkaline phosphatase \>1.5X ULN, Total and direct bilirubin \>1.5X ULN (bilirubin levels above the laboratory's normal range are acceptable in individuals with a documented history or laboratory evidence of Gilbert's Disease) * Any significant underlying liver disease or any of the following documented diagnoses, indicative of significant underlying liver disease: * Portal hypertension; or * Splenomegaly; or * Hepatic encephalopathy * Serum albumin measurement below the lower limit of normal of the laboratory OR AST-to-Platelet Ratio Index \> 1.0 * Serum creatinine \>1.5X ULN * Hemoglobin A1c \>6.5% or fasting glucose \>126 mg/dL * Screening laboratory testing demonstrating any of the following: * HIV; or * active or prior hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection defined as positive test for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) or positive test for hepatitis B core antibody (total HBcAb) or detectable HBV DNA; or * active hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection defined as positive test for hepatitis C antibody followed by detectable HCV RNA or if a participant is presently receiving (or has received within 6 months prior to screening) anti-viral therapy for hepatitis C * Clinically significant, active bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic infection (based on Investigator's judgement) The above information is not intended to contain all considerations relevant to a potential participation in a clinical trial.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Phenylketonuria are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Children's Hospital IMD Clinic- Site Number : 8400015
Aurora, Colorado, 80045, United States
-
Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre - HCPA- Site Number : 0760001
Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, 90035903, Brazil
-
Investigational Site Number : 0320002
Ciudad Autonoma Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, 1199, Argentina
-
Investigational Site Number : 3760001
Tel Litwinsky, 52621, Israel
-
Investigational Site Number : 7920001
Ankara, 06560, Turkey (Türkiye)
-
Medical University of SC- Site Number : 8400004
Charleston, South Carolina, 29425, United States
-
UHCMC- Site Number : 8400014
Cleveland, Ohio, 44106, United States
-
UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh-4401 Penn Ave- Site Number : 8400018
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15224-1334, United States
-
University of California San Francisco- Site Number : 8400007
San Francisco, California, 94143, United States
-
University of Florida-Genetics- Site Number : 8400010
Gainesville, Florida, 32610, United States
-
University of Texas- Site Number : 8400002
Houston, Texas, 77030, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Could a PKU diet reshape the gut microbiome? a study investigates
- Study aims to tailor PKU drug dosing for patients with organ impairment
- Hidden eating disorders may affect PKU patients on strict diets
- New pill could tame phenylketonuria by blocking amino acid absorption
- PKU diagnosis: a study on breaking the news to families
- New pill for PKU shows promise in early human testing