Ataluren for Nonsense Mutation Methylmalonic Acidemia
Stopped: Terminated due to low enrollment and unclear pharmacologic effect in available pharmacodynamic data (not due to any safety concerns).
Belgium, France, Germany11 participantsStarted 2010-07-19
Plain-language summary
Methylmalonic acidemia (MMA) is a rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in the gene for mitochondrial enzyme methylmalonyl-CoA mutase (MCM) or in one of the genes for adenosylcobalamin (AdoCbl). Lack of these proteins causes toxic elevations of methylmalonic acid (MMacid) in blood, urine, and other tissues. A specific type of mutation, called a nonsense (premature stop codon) mutation, is the cause of the disease in approximately 5% to 20% of participants with mutations in the MCM gene, and approximately 20% to \>50% of participants with mutations in one of the AdoCbl genes. Ataluren is an orally delivered, investigational drug that acts to overcome the effects of the premature stop codon, potentially enabling the production of functional MCM/AdoCbl. This study is a Phase 2a trial evaluating the safety and activity of ataluren in participants with MMA due to a nonsense mutation. The main purpose of this study is to understand whether ataluren can safely decrease MMacid levels.
Who can participate
Age range
2 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Major Inclusion Criteria:
* Ability to provide written informed consent (parental/guardian consent if applicable)/assent (if applicable)
* Age ≥2 years
* Phenotypic evidence of methylmalonic acidemia (MMA) based on the presence of characteristic clinical symptoms or signs and an elevated plasma MMacid level (\>0.27 micromole/liter (umol/L)
* Presence of a nonsense mutation in at least 1 allele of the mutase (mut), Cobalamin A (cblA), or Cobalamin B (cblB) gene
* Glomerular filtration rate ≥30 milliliters (mL)/minutes/1.73 meters squared (m\^2), serum aminotransferase values ≤2.5\*the upper limit of normal, serum bilirubin ≤1.5\*the upper limit of normal, plasma adrenocorticotropic (ACTH) within normal limits
* Willingness and ability to comply with scheduled visits, drug administration plan, study restrictions, and study procedures
Major Exclusion Criteria:
* Known hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients or excipients of the study drug
* Any change in chronic treatment for MMA within 2 months prior to start of screening laboratory assessments
* Episode of metabolic decompensation within 1 month prior to start of Screening laboratory assessments
* History of organ transplantation
* Ongoing dialysis for renal dysfunction
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Plasma Methylmalonic Acid (MMacid) Levels
Timeframe: Baseline and Day 28 and Day 29 (last day of dosing) of Cycles 1 and 2