By InvitationPhase 1/2

rAAV-Olig001-ASPA Gene Therapy for Treatment of Children With Typical Canavan Disease

United States24 participantsStarted 2021-04-01

Plain-language summary

Canavan Disease is a congenital white matter disorder caused by mutations to the gene encoding for aspartoacylase (ASPA). Expression of ASPA is restricted to oligodendrocytes, the sole white matter producing lineage in the brain. ASPA supports myelination in the capacity of its sole known function, namely, the catabolism of N-acetylaspartate (NAA). Inherited mutations that result in loss of ASPA catabolic activity result in a typically severe phenotype of Canavan Disease, characterized by chronically elevated brain NAA, gross motor abnormalities, hypomyelination, progressive spongiform degeneration of the brain, epilepsy, blindness, and a short life expectancy. Disease severity is correlated with residual levels of enzyme activity. Reconstitution of ASPA function in oligodendrocytes of the brains of Canavan patients is expected to rescue NAA metabolism in its natural cellular compartment and support myelination/remyelination by resident white matter producing cells. This protocol directly targets oligodendrocytes in the brain, which are intimately involved with disease initiation and progression. Targeting oligodendrocytes offers the safest and most direct therapy for affected individuals. The latest generation AAV viral vector (rAAV-Olig001-ASPA) will be administered to patients using neurosurgical procedure which involves direct administration of gene therapy to affected regions of the brain. Outcome measures for the open label clinical trial include longitudinal clinical assessments and brain imaging. Currently, there is no effective treatment for Canavan Disease. The purpose of this study is to validate a new technology targeted to the cells most affected by Canavan Disease in the safest way possible. The study investigators are committed to supporting the Rare Disease \& Canavan Disease Communities. For more information, please contact Jordana Holovach, Head of Communications and Community at PatientAdvocacy@myrtellegtx.com.

Who can participate

Age range

3 Months – 60 Months

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.

Inclusion Criteria: * Definitive diagnosis of typical CD by a board certified neurologist. * Written informed consent from parent(s)/guardian(s). Consent to enroll into the study will include a written agreement to comply with all the conditions of the study, including attendance at follow-up visits. * For cohort 1: age more than 36 months and up to 60 months. * For cohort 2: age between 15 months and 36 months. * For cohort 3: age less than 15 months. Exclusion Criteria: * At the discretion of the PI, any significant chronic medical condition, including, but not limited to neurological, cardiac, hepatic, renal, hematological, gastrointestinal, endocrine, pulmonary, or infectious disease, which would put the subject at increased risk during surgery or which would interfere with participation in the study, interpretation of safety monitoring, or the integrity of the study data. * History of severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis. * Past participation in gene therapy trials or receipt of any other investigational product within 6 months prior to enrollment. * Prior intracranial surgery. * Any absolute contraindication to immunosuppression. * Any absolute contraindication to MRI. * Any vaccination less than 1 month prior to gene therapy. * Anticipated life expectancy of less than 12 months for any reason. * GMFM-88 total raw score \>35%. * Clinically significant out-of-range lab values, at the discretion of clinical PI.

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

Safety evaluation

Timeframe: 12 Months Post Dose

Trial details

NCT IDNCT04833907

SponsorMyrtelle Inc.

Sponsor typeINDUSTRY

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-08-31

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