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Kim AY, Baek HJ, Lee S, Choo E, Park YS, Lee H. Clinical and economic burden of immune tolerance induction in entire patients with hemophilia A: Insights from a real-world Korean setting. Thromb Res 2024; 237:196-202. [PMID: 38640641 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2024.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The most notable challenge facing hemophilia A treatment is the development of inhibitors against factor VIII, resulting in increased clinical and socioeconomic burdens due to the need for expensive bypassing agents (BPAs). Although immune tolerance induction (ITI) is currently the primary approach for inhibiting and reducing the inhibitors, the lengthy duration of ITI necessitates the continued use of BPA to manage bleeding episodes. In this study, we aimed to obtain real-world evidence on the clinical and economic aspects and associated burdens experienced by patients with hemophilia A with inhibitors undergoing ITI in Korea. METHODS Claims data from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2020, were used in this study. The study cohort comprised patients with hemophilia A undergoing ITI, who were categorized into three groups: successful, failed, or continuation of ITI. We evaluated clinical and economic burdens, including monthly healthcare visits, medication costs, and total medical expenses. RESULTS The study involved 33 cases of ITI across 32 patients. Excluding seven continuation cases where success could not be determined at the observation point, the estimated success rate of ITI was 80.8 %. The median duration of ITI for all patients was 25.7 months. While no significant disparities were noted in the ITI duration between successful and unsuccessful cases (24.51 vs. 25.66 months), substantial discrepancies were observed in the duration of BPA usage (11.10 vs. 25.66 months) and the number of prescribed BPAs (1.79 vs. 2.97). CONCLUSION Successful ITI reduced both clinical and economic burdens, resulting in decreased monthly medication expenses and overall medical costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ah-Young Kim
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology (RIPST), Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea; Department of Pediatrics, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hee Jo Baek
- Department of Pediatrics, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun, South Korea
| | - Sukhyang Lee
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology (RIPST), Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea; College of Pharmacy, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea; Department of Biohealth Regulatory Science, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Eunjung Choo
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology (RIPST), Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Young Shil Park
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Hankil Lee
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology (RIPST), Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea; College of Pharmacy, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea; Department of Biohealth Regulatory Science, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea.
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2
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Doshi BS, Samelson-Jones BJ, Nichols TC, Merricks EP, Siner JL, French RA, Lee BJ, Arruda VR, Callan MB. AAV gene therapy in companion dogs with severe hemophilia: Real-world long-term data on immunogenicity, efficacy, and quality of life. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2024; 32:101205. [PMID: 38374963 PMCID: PMC10875295 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2024.101205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
The hemophilias are the most common severe inherited bleeding disorders and are caused by deficiency of clotting factor (F) VIII (hemophilia A) or FIX (hemophilia B). The resultant bleeding predisposition significantly increases morbidity and mortality. The ability to improve the bleeding phenotype with modest increases in clotting factor levels has enabled the development and regulatory approval of adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector gene therapies for people with hemophilia A and B. The canine hemophilia model has proven to be one of the best predictors of therapeutic response in humans. Here, we report long-term follow-up of 12 companion dogs with severe hemophilia that were treated in a real-world setting with AAV gene therapy. Despite more baseline bleeding than in research dogs, companion dogs demonstrated a 94% decrease in bleeding rates and 61% improvement in quality of life over a median of 4.1 years (range 2.6-8.9). No new anti-transgene immune responses were detected; one dog with a pre-existing anti-FVIII inhibitor achieved immune tolerance with gene therapy. Two dogs expressing 1%-5% FVIII post gene therapy experienced fatal bleeding events. These data suggest AAV liver-directed gene therapy is efficacious in a real-world setting but should target expression >5% and closely monitor those with levels in the 1%-5% range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhavya S. Doshi
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Division of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Benjamin J. Samelson-Jones
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Division of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Timothy C. Nichols
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and UNC Blood Research Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA
| | - Elizabeth P. Merricks
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and UNC Blood Research Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA
| | - Joshua L. Siner
- Divisions of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Robert A. French
- Division of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ben J. Lee
- Division of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Valder R. Arruda
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Division of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Mary Beth Callan
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Noel JC, Lagassé D, Golding B, Sauna ZE. Emerging approaches to induce immune tolerance to therapeutic proteins. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2023; 44:1028-1042. [PMID: 37903706 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2023.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
Immunogenicity affects the safety and efficacy of therapeutic proteins. This review is focused on approaches for inducing immunological tolerance to circumvent the immunogenicity of therapeutic proteins in the clinic. The few immune tolerance strategies that are used in the clinic tend to be inefficient and expensive and typically involve global immunosuppression, putting patients at risk of infections. The hallmark of a desirable immune tolerance regimen is the specific alleviation of immune responses to the therapeutic protein. In the past decade, proof-of-principle studies have demonstrated that emerging technologies, including nanoparticle-based delivery of immunomodulators, cellular targeting and depletion, cellular engineering, gene therapy, and gene editing, can be leveraged to promote tolerance to therapeutic proteins. We discuss the potential of these novel approaches and the barriers that need to be overcome for translation into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine C Noel
- Division of Hemostasis, Office of Plasma Protein Therapeutics, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Daniel Lagassé
- Division of Hemostasis, Office of Plasma Protein Therapeutics, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Basil Golding
- Division of Plasma Derivatives, Office of Plasma Protein Therapeutics, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Zuben E Sauna
- Division of Hemostasis, Office of Plasma Protein Therapeutics, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA.
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4
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Valentino LA, Ozelo MC, Herzog RW, Key NS, Pishko AM, Ragni MV, Samelson-Jones BJ, Lillicrap D. A review of the rationale for gene therapy for hemophilia A with inhibitors: one-shot tolerance and treatment? J Thromb Haemost 2023; 21:3033-3044. [PMID: 37225021 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtha.2023.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The therapeutic landscape for people living with hemophilia A (PwHA) has changed dramatically in recent years, but many clinical challenges remain, including the development of inhibitory antibodies directed against factor VIII (FVIII) that occur in approximately 30% of people with severe hemophilia A. Emicizumab, an FVIII mimetic bispecific monoclonal antibody, provides safe and effective bleeding prophylaxis for many PwHA, but clinicians still explore therapeutic strategies that result in immunologic tolerance to FVIII to enable effective treatment with FVIII for problematic bleeding events. This immune tolerance induction (ITI) to FVIII is typically accomplished through repeated long-term exposure to FVIII using a variety of protocols. Meanwhile, gene therapy has recently emerged as a novel ITI option that provides an intrinsic, consistent source of FVIII. As gene therapy and other therapies now expand therapeutic options for PwHA, we review the persistent unmet medical needs with respect to FVIII inhibitors and effective ITI in PwHA, the immunology of FVIII tolerization, the latest research on tolerization strategies, and the role of liver-directed gene therapy to mediate FVIII ITI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard A Valentino
- National Hemophilia Foundation, New York, New York, USA; Rush University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
| | | | - Roland W Herzog
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Nigel S Key
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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5
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Chou SC, Hsu YC, Lin SW. Gene therapy for hemophilia, a clinical viewpoint. J Formos Med Assoc 2023; 122:1101-1110. [PMID: 37210312 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2023.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy for hemophilia has been investigated for decades but no breakthroughs were made until Nathwani et al. achieved a significant and sustainable factor IX increase in hemophilia B patients in 2011. About eleven years later, in August 2022, the first hemophilia A gene therapy product was approved by the European Commission and hemophilia treatment entered a new era. This review does not focus on the newest advances but rather the practical aspects of gene therapy aiming to provide an overview for physicians who treat hemophiliacs who did not participate in the clinical trials. The current status of gene therapy, focusing particularly on products likely to be clinically available soon, are reviewed and summarized. Currently, possible limitations of gene therapy are pre-existing neutralizing antibodies toward the vector, liver health, age, and inhibitor status. Possible safety concerns include infusion reactions, liver damage, and adverse effects from immune suppressants or steroids. In summary, generally speaking, gene therapy is effective, at least for several years, but the exact effect may be unpredictable and intensive monitoring for several months is needed. It can also be considered safe with careful practice on selected patients. In its current form, gene therapy will not replace all hemophilia treatments. Advances in non-factor therapy will also improve hemophilia care greatly in the future. We envisage that gene therapy may be included in multiple novel therapies for hemophilia and benefit some hemophilia patients while novel non-factor therapies may benefit others, together fulfilling the unmet needs of all hemophilia patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Chieh Chou
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chen Hsu
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Liver Disease Prevention and Treatment Research Foundation, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Wha Lin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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6
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Di Minno G, Spadarella G, Maldonato NM, De Lucia N, Castaman G, De Cristofaro R, Santoro C, Peyvandi F, Borrelli A, Lupi A, Follino M, Guerrino G, Morisco F, Di Minno M. Awareness of individual goals, preferences, and priorities of persons with severe congenital haemophilia A for a tailored shared decision-making approach to liver-directed gene therapy. A practical guideline. Blood Rev 2023; 62:101118. [PMID: 37544828 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2023.101118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
In clinical medicine, shared decision making (SDM) is a well-recognized strategy to enhance engagement of both patients and clinicians in medical decisions. The success of liver-directed gene therapy (GT) to transform severe congenital haemophilia A (HA) from an incurable to a curable disease has launched a shift beyond current standards of treatment. However, GT acceptance remains low in the community of HA persons. We argue for both persons with haemophilia (PWH) and specialists in HA care including clinicians, as needing SDM-oriented educational programs devoted to GT. Here, we provide an ad hoc outline to implement education to SDM and tailor clinician information on GT to individual PWHs. Based on routine key components of SDM: patient priorities; recommendations based on individual risk reduction; adverse effects; drug-drug interactions; alternatives to GT; and ongoing re-assessment of the objectives as risk factors (and individual priorities) change, this approach is finalized to exploit efficacious communication.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gaia Spadarella
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche Traslazionali, Naples, Italy.
| | - Nelson Mauro Maldonato
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze e di Scienze Riproduttive e Odontostomatologiche, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy
| | - Natascia De Lucia
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze e di Scienze Riproduttive e Odontostomatologiche, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy.
| | - Giancarlo Castaman
- Center for Bleeding Disorders and Coagulation, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy.
| | - Raimondo De Cristofaro
- Section of Haemorrhagic and Thrombotic Diseases, Department of Medicine and Translational Surgery, Sacred Heart University, Rome, Italy..
| | - Cristina Santoro
- Ematologia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy.
| | - Flora Peyvandi
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Angelo Bianchi Bonomi Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center, 20122 Milan, Italy; Università degli Studi di Milano, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Milan, Italy.
| | - Anna Borrelli
- Direzione Sanitaria, AOU "Federico II" Napoli, Italy
| | - Angelo Lupi
- Federazione delle Associazioni Emofilici (FedEmo), Milan, Italy.
| | | | | | | | - Matteo Di Minno
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Naples, Italy.
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7
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Han W, Huang R, Li B, Liu L, Xu W, Zhang G. Characteristics of FXa-storing platelets in hemophilia B mice and the influence of alcohol on the platelets. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16488. [PMID: 37779119 PMCID: PMC10543635 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43649-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Platelet-stored activated blood coagulation factor X (FXa) has great potential in the gene therapy of hemophilia B (HB). However, we still need to understand more about the properties of FXa-storing platelets and how dietary factors affect them. We created transgenic mice called 2bFXa-HB, which had stable expression and storage of FXa in their platelets, resulting in the alleviation of the bleeding disorder in these mice. Even after inducing anti-factor IX (FIX) inhibitors in 2bFXa-HB mice, the hemorrhage phenotype could still be rescued by the expression of FXa. The activation capacity of 2bFXa-HB platelets remained unchanged, and there were no signs of elevated thrombotic risk in these mice. In an acute alcohol exposure mouse model, a single administration of alcohol reduced both the number of platelets and their activation capacity, as well as impaired coagulation function. However, it did not increase the markers of thrombotic risk in either 2bFXa-HB or HB mice. These results suggest that FXa storage in platelets is safe and effective for treatment of HB, but alcohol could impair the therapeutic effect of FXa-containing platelets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Han
- Key Laboratory of Aging and Cancer Biology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, No. 2318, Yuhangtang Rd, Cangqian, Yuhang District, Hangzhou, 311121, Zhejiang, China
| | - Rui Huang
- Key Laboratory of Aging and Cancer Biology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, No. 2318, Yuhangtang Rd, Cangqian, Yuhang District, Hangzhou, 311121, Zhejiang, China
| | - Binbin Li
- Key Laboratory of Aging and Cancer Biology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, No. 2318, Yuhangtang Rd, Cangqian, Yuhang District, Hangzhou, 311121, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Aging and Cancer Biology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, No. 2318, Yuhangtang Rd, Cangqian, Yuhang District, Hangzhou, 311121, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wenjue Xu
- Key Laboratory of Aging and Cancer Biology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, No. 2318, Yuhangtang Rd, Cangqian, Yuhang District, Hangzhou, 311121, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guowei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Aging and Cancer Biology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, No. 2318, Yuhangtang Rd, Cangqian, Yuhang District, Hangzhou, 311121, Zhejiang, China.
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8
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Soroka AB, Feoktistova SG, Mityaeva ON, Volchkov PY. Gene Therapy Approaches for the Treatment of Hemophilia B. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10766. [PMID: 37445943 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In contrast to the standard enzyme-replacement therapy, administered from once per 7-14 days to 2-3 times a week in patients with severe hemophilia B, as a result of a single injection, gene therapy can restore F9 gene expression and maintain it for a prolonged time. In clinical research, the approach of delivering a functional copy of a gene using adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors is widely used. The scientific community is actively researching possible modifications to improve delivery efficiency and expression. In preclinical studies, the possibility of genome editing using CRISPR/Cas9 technology for the treatment of hemophilia B is also being actively studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasiia B Soroka
- Life Sciences Research Center, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, National Research University, 141700 Dolgoprudniy, Russia
| | - Sofya G Feoktistova
- Life Sciences Research Center, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, National Research University, 141700 Dolgoprudniy, Russia
| | - Olga N Mityaeva
- Life Sciences Research Center, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, National Research University, 141700 Dolgoprudniy, Russia
| | - Pavel Y Volchkov
- Life Sciences Research Center, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, National Research University, 141700 Dolgoprudniy, Russia
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Di Minno G, Castaman G, De Cristofaro R, Brunetti-Pierri N, Pastore L, Castaldo G, Trama U, Di Minno M. Progress, and prospects in the therapeutic armamentarium of persons with congenital hemophilia. Defining the place for liver-directed gene therapy. Blood Rev 2023; 58:101011. [PMID: 36031462 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2022.101011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In persons with congenital severe hemophilia A (HA) living in high-income countries, twice weekly intravenous infusions of extended half-life (EHL) factor VIII (FVIII) products, or weekly/biweekly/monthly subcutaneous injections of emicizumab are the gold standard home treatments to grant days without hurdles and limitations. Once weekly/twice monthly infusions of EHL Factor IX (FIX) products achieve the same target in severe hemophilia B (HB). Gene therapy, which is likely to be licensed for clinical use within 1-2 years, embodies a shift beyond these standards. At an individual patient level, a single functional gene transfer leads to a > 10-yr almost full correction of the hemostatic defect in HB and to a sustained (3-6-yrs) expression of FVIII sufficient to discontinue exogenous clotting factor administrations. At the doses employed, the limited liver toxicity of systemically infused recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors is documented by long-term (12-15 yrs) follow-ups, and pre-existing high-titer neutralizing antibodies to the AAV5 vector are no longer an exclusion criterion for effective transgene expression with this vector. A safe durable treatment that converts a challenging illness to a phenotypically curable disease, allows persons to feel virtually free from the fears and the obligations of hemophilia for years/decades. Along with patient organizations and health care professionals, communicating to government authorities and reimbursement agencies the liberating potential of this substantial innovation, and disseminating across the Centers updated information on benefits and risks of this strategy, will align expectations of different stakeholders and establish the notion of a potentially lifelong cure of hemophilia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Di Minno
- Hub Center for Hemorrhagic and Thrombotic Disorders, Dep. of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, School of Medicine, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
| | - Giancarlo Castaman
- Center for Bleeding Disorders and Coagulation, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy.
| | - Raimondo De Cristofaro
- Center for Hemorrhagic and Thrombotic Diseases, Foundation University Hospital A. Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.
| | - Nicola Brunetti-Pierri
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Italy; Dept of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Italy.
| | - Lucio Pastore
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate, and Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Castaldo
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate, and Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Ugo Trama
- Coordination of the Regional Health System, General Directorate for Health Protection, Naples, Italy.
| | - Matteo Di Minno
- Hub Center for Hemorrhagic and Thrombotic Disorders, Dep. of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, School of Medicine, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
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Shah J, Kim H, Sivamurthy K, Monahan PE, Fries M. Comprehensive analysis and prediction of long-term durability of factor IX activity following etranacogene dezaparvovec gene therapy in the treatment of hemophilia B. Curr Med Res Opin 2023; 39:227-237. [PMID: 36285399 DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2022.2133492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Congenital hemophilia B is a rare bleeding disorder caused by defects in the gene encoding factor IX (FIX) leading to coagulation deficiency. Recurrent bleeds may cause chronic pain, disability, and reduced quality of life. Phase 2 b and 3 single-arm, open-label, single-dose trials assessing etranacogene dezaparvovec gene therapy for hemophilia B have demonstrated sustained FIX activity levels over observed periods, but long-term durability of the treatment effect has not been established. Using statistical modeling, we estimate long-term durability of FIX activity levels after receiving etranacogene dezaparvovec. METHODS Participants from Phase 2 b (N = 3; NCT03489291) and 3 studies (N = 52; NCT03569891) were included. Two participants who did not respond to treatment were excluded. FIX activity was assessed by one-stage activated partial thromboplastin time assay. FIX activity levels at Month 6 post-treatment were considered baseline. Bayesian and Frequentist linear mixed models predicted FIX activity levels up to 25.5 years at an individual and population level with pre-treatment adeno-associated virus 5 (AAV5) neutralizing antibody (NAb) status as primary covariate. RESULTS Bayesian and Frequentist linear mixed models predicted no more than 6/55 (10.91%) observed participants would have FIX activity levels <2% up to 25.5 years post-infusion. Bayesian model-based predictions of future participants suggest >80% would be free from prophylactic FIX replacement products 25.5 years post-infusion. Both models predicted FIX activity levels were not significantly influenced by pre-treatment AAV5 NAb status. CONCLUSIONS People with hemophilia B receiving etranacogene dezaparvovec would likely achieve durable FIX activity levels and remain free of prophylactic FIX replacement products for up to 25.5 years following single administration. The long-term factor IX durability predictions are based on statistical methods and results in vivo may differ.
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11
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Roman G, Stavik B, Lauritzen KH, Sandset PM, Harrison SP, Sullivan GJ, Chollet ME. "iPSC-derived liver organoids and inherited bleeding disorders: Potential and future perspectives". Front Physiol 2023; 14:1094249. [PMID: 36711019 PMCID: PMC9880334 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1094249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The bleeding phenotype of hereditary coagulation disorders is caused by the low or undetectable activity of the proteins involved in hemostasis, due to a broad spectrum of genetic alterations. Most of the affected coagulation factors are produced in the liver. Therefore, two-dimensional (2D) cultures of primary human hepatocytes and recombinant overexpression of the factors in non-human cell lines have been primarily used to mimic disease pathogenesis and as a model for innovative therapeutic strategies. However, neither human nor animal cells fully represent the hepatocellular biology and do not harbor the exact genetic background of the patient. As a result, the inability of the current in vitro models in recapitulating the in vivo situation has limited the studies of these inherited coagulation disorders. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (iPSC) technology offers a possible solution to overcome these limitations by reprogramming patient somatic cells into an embryonic-like pluripotent state, thus giving the possibility of generating an unlimited number of liver cells needed for modeling or therapeutic purposes. By combining this potential and the recent advances in the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 technology, it allows for the generation of autologous and gene corrected liver cells in the form of three-dimensional (3D) liver organoids. The organoids recapitulate cellular composition and organization of the liver, providing a more physiological model to study the biology of coagulation proteins and modeling hereditary coagulation disorders. This advanced methodology can pave the way for the development of cell-based therapeutic approaches to treat inherited coagulation disorders. In this review we will explore the use of liver organoids as a state-of-the-art methodology for modeling coagulation factors disorders and the possibilities of using organoid technology to treat the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Roman
- Department of Hematology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway,Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway,*Correspondence: Giacomo Roman, ; Maria E. Chollet,
| | - Benedicte Stavik
- Department of Hematology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway,Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Knut H. Lauritzen
- Department of Hematology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway,Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Per Morten Sandset
- Department of Hematology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway,Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sean P. Harrison
- Department of Pediatric Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gareth J. Sullivan
- Department of Pediatric Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway,Department of Immunology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Maria Eugenia Chollet
- Department of Hematology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway,Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway,*Correspondence: Giacomo Roman, ; Maria E. Chollet,
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12
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Boyce S, Rangarajan S. RNAi for the Treatment of People with Hemophilia: Current Evidence and Patient Selection. J Blood Med 2023; 14:317-327. [PMID: 37123985 PMCID: PMC10132380 DOI: 10.2147/jbm.s390521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe hemophilia is associated with spontaneous, prolonged and recurrent bleeding. Inadequate prevention and treatment of bleeding can lead to serious morbidity and mortality. Due to the limitations of intravenous clotting factor replacement, including the risk of inhibitory antibodies, innovative novel therapies have been developed that have dramatically changed the landscape of hemophilia therapy. Ribonucleic acid interference (RNAi) has brought the opportunity for multiple strategies to manipulate the hemostatic system and ameliorate the bleeding phenotype in severe bleeding disorders. Fitusiran is a RNAi therapeutic that inhibits the expression of the natural anticoagulant serpin antithrombin. Reduction in antithrombin is known to cause thrombosis if coagulation parameters are otherwise normal and can rebalance hemostasis in severe hemophilia. Reports from late stage clinical trials of fitusiran in hemophilia A and B participants, with and without inhibitory antibodies to exogenous clotting factor, have demonstrated efficacy in preventing bleeding events showing promise for a future "universal" prophylactic treatment of individuals with moderate-severe hemophilia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Boyce
- Haemophilia Comprehensive Care Centre, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Correspondence: Sara Boyce, Email
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13
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Luo L, Zheng Q, Chen Z, Huang M, Fu L, Hu J, Shi Q, Chen Y. Hemophilia a patients with inhibitors: Mechanistic insights and novel therapeutic implications. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1019275. [PMID: 36569839 PMCID: PMC9774473 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1019275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) inhibitory antibodies is a serious complication in hemophilia A (HA) patients after FVIII replacement therapy. Inhibitors render regular prophylaxis ineffective and increase the risk of morbidity and mortality. Immune tolerance induction (ITI) regimens have become the only clinically proven therapy for eradicating these inhibitors. However, this is a lengthy and costly strategy. For HA patients with high titer inhibitors, bypassing or new hemostatic agents must be used in clinical prophylaxis due to the ineffective ITI regimens. Since multiple genetic and environmental factors are involved in the pathogenesis of inhibitor generation, understanding the mechanisms by which inhibitors develop could help identify critical targets that can be exploited to prevent or eradicate inhibitors. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the recent advances related to mechanistic insights into anti-FVIII antibody development and discuss novel therapeutic approaches for HA patients with inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Luo
- Department of Hematology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematology, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Qiaoyun Zheng
- Department of Hematology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematology, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Zhenyu Chen
- Department of Hematology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematology, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China,Medical Technology and Engineering College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Meijuan Huang
- Department of Hematology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematology, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Lin Fu
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianda Hu
- Department of Hematology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematology, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Qizhen Shi
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States,Blood Research Institute, Versiti, Milwaukee, WI, United States,Children’s Research Institute, Children’s Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States,Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer (MACC) Fund Research Center, Milwaukee, WI, United States,*Correspondence: Yingyu Chen, ; Qizhen Shi,
| | - Yingyu Chen
- Department of Hematology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematology, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China,*Correspondence: Yingyu Chen, ; Qizhen Shi,
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14
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Gonzalez-Visiedo M, Li X, Munoz-Melero M, Kulis MD, Daniell H, Markusic DM. Single-dose AAV vector gene immunotherapy to treat food allergy. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2022; 26:309-322. [PMID: 35990748 PMCID: PMC9361215 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2022.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapies for patients with food allergy have shown some success in limiting allergic responses. However, these approaches require lengthy protocols with repeated allergen dosing and patients can relapse following discontinuation of treatment. The purpose of this study was to test if a single dose of an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector can safely prevent and treat egg allergy in a mouse model. AAV vectors expressing ovalbumin (OVA) under an ubiquitous or liver-specific promoter were injected prior to or after epicutaneous sensitization with OVA. Mice treated with either AAV8-OVA vector were completely protected from allergy sensitization. These animals had a significant reduction in anaphylaxis mediated by a reduction in OVA-specific IgE titers. In mice with established OVA allergy, allergic responses were mitigated only in mice treated with an AAV8-OVA vector expressing OVA from an ubiquitous promoter. In conclusion, an AAV vector with a liver-specific promoter was more effective for allergy prevention, but higher OVA levels were necessary for reducing symptoms in preexisting allergy. Overall, our AAV gene immunotherapy resulted in an expansion of OVA-specific FoxP3+ CD4+ T cells, an increase in the regulatory cytokine IL-10, and a reduction in the IgE promoting cytokine IL-13.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Gonzalez-Visiedo
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1044 West Walnut Street, R4-155, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1044 West Walnut Street, R4-155, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Maite Munoz-Melero
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1044 West Walnut Street, R4-155, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Michael D Kulis
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Henry Daniell
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - David M Markusic
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1044 West Walnut Street, R4-155, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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15
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Arruda VR, Lillicrap D, Herzog RW. Immune complications and their management in inherited and acquired bleeding disorders. Blood 2022; 140:1075-1085. [PMID: 35793465 PMCID: PMC9461471 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022016530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Disorders of coagulation, resulting in serious risks for bleeding, may be caused by autoantibody formation or by mutations in genes encoding coagulation factors. In the latter case, antidrug antibodies (ADAs) may form against the clotting factor protein drugs used in replacement therapy, as is well documented in the treatment of the X-linked disease hemophilia. Such neutralizing antibodies against factors VIII or IX substantially complicate treatment. Autoantibody formation against factor VIII leads to acquired hemophilia. Although rare, antibody formation may occur in the treatment of other clotting factor deficiencies (eg, against von Willebrand factor [VWF]). The main strategies that have emerged to address these immune responses include (1) clinical immune tolerance induction (ITI) protocols; (2) immune suppression therapies (ISTs); and (3) the development of drugs that can improve hemostasis while bypassing the antibodies against coagulation factors altogether (some of these nonfactor therapies/NFTs are antibody-based, but they are distinct from traditional immunotherapy as they do not target the immune system). Choice of immune or alternative therapy and criteria for selection of a specific regimen for inherited and autoimmune bleeding disorders are explained. ITI serves as an important proof of principle that antigen-specific immune tolerance can be achieved in humans through repeated antigen administration, even in the absence of immune suppression. Finally, novel immunotherapy approaches that are still in the preclinical phase, such as cellular (for instance, regulatory T cell [Treg]) immunotherapies, gene therapy, and oral antigen administration, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valder R Arruda
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
- Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - David Lillicrap
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada; and
| | - Roland W Herzog
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
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16
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Dasgupta I, Keeler AM. Rational Use of Immunosuppressive Corticosteroids in Liver-Directed Adeno-Associated Virus Gene Therapy Studies. Hum Gene Ther 2022; 33:116-118. [PMID: 35167371 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2022.29199.ida] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ishani Dasgupta
- Horae Gene Therapy Center and.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Allison M Keeler
- Horae Gene Therapy Center and.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
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17
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Braga LAM, Conte Filho CG, Mota FB. Future of genetic therapies for rare genetic diseases: what to expect for the next 15 years? THERAPEUTIC ADVANCES IN RARE DISEASE 2022; 3:26330040221100840. [PMID: 37180410 PMCID: PMC10032453 DOI: 10.1177/26330040221100840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Rare genetic diseases affect millions of people worldwide. Most of them are caused by defective genes that impair quality of life and can lead to premature death. As genetic therapies aim to fix or replace defective genes, they are considered the most promising treatment for rare genetic diseases. Yet, as these therapies are still under development, it is still unclear whether they will be successful in treating these diseases. This study aims to address this gap by assessing researchers' opinions on the future of genetic therapies for the treatment of rare genetic diseases. Methods We conducted a global cross-sectional web-based survey of researchers who recently authored peer-reviewed articles related to rare genetic diseases. Results We assessed the opinions of 1430 researchers with high and good knowledge about genetic therapies for the treatment of rare genetic diseases. Overall, the respondents believed that genetic therapies would be the standard of care for rare genetic diseases before 2036, leading to cures after this period. CRISPR-Cas9 was considered the most likely approach to fixing or replacing defective genes in the next 15 years. The respondents with good knowledge believed that genetic therapies would only have long-lasting effects after 2036, while those with high knowledge were divided on this issue. The respondents with good knowledge on the subject believed that non-viral vectors are more likely to be successful in fixing or replacing defective genes in the next 15 years, while most of the respondents with high knowledge believed viral vectors would be more successful. Conclusion Overall, the researchers who participated in this study expect that in the future genetic therapies will greatly benefit the treatment of patients with rare genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fabio Batista Mota
- Laboratory of Cellular Communication, Oswaldo
Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Av. Brasil, 4.365, Pavilhão 108,
Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro RJ 21040-360, Brazil
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18
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Discussing investigational AAV gene therapy with hemophilia patients: A guide. Blood Rev 2021; 47:100759. [DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2020.100759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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19
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The evolving landscape of gene therapy for congenital haemophilia: An unprecedented, problematic but promising opportunity for worldwide clinical studies. Blood Rev 2020; 46:100737. [PMID: 32739122 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2020.100737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
With liver-directed gene therapy, congenital haemophilia has the potential to progress from an incurable to a phenotypically curable condition. However, the proportion of haemophilia population likely to benefit from gene therapy remains to be established. Achieving a phenotypic curative goal is presently hampered by: 1) availability of effective treatments (e.g. extended half-life products, non-factor therapies) that address major unmet needs in haemophilia; 2) key differences between hope and reality that patients undergoing gene therapy face (e.g. unknown risks and long-term follow-up, durability of the therapeutic effect, possibility of re-administering the vector), 3) lack of expertise of health care professionals (HCP) in managing/monitoring unexpected side effects in patients, and 4) lack of expertise of HCP in advising payers on key issues for cost-effectiveness analyses of gene therapy (e.g., eligibility criteria, predictability of response, unknown risks, long-term complications). There is also uncertainty about the possibility to absorb the cost of the "one-time, one-dose cure" by payers that are used to different payment models. An active partnership between regulators, payers, patients and health care professionals is key to identify patient sub-populations that might benefit the most from gene therapy, and to align the interests of patients (needing effective disease correction and improved quality of life) and pharma companies (reluctant to lose the profitability of lifelong repeated treatments). Educational programs will provide the healthcare chain with information on the strategy that is expected to transform morbidity and mortality patterns and how it should be regarded as part of the future therapeutic options in haemophilia.
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20
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Lövgren KM, Larsen MS, Zintner SM, Small JC, Kjelgaard-Hansen M, Häger M, Petersen M, Wiinberg B, Margaritis P. FVIII activity following FVIII protein infusion or FVIII gene transfer predicts the bleeding risk in hemophilia A rats. J Thromb Haemost 2020; 18:1586-1597. [PMID: 32196903 PMCID: PMC7786582 DOI: 10.1111/jth.14804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prophylactic replacement therapy in hemophilia A (HA) patients does not adequately prevent bleeds and arthropathic complications. A more refined understanding of the relationship between coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) levels and bleeding risk during protein prophylaxis, or with gene therapy, is needed to improve patient care. OBJECTIVES Investigate this relationship in the HA rat, a model exhibiting spontaneous bleeds and development of arthropathy similar to HA patients. METHODS Human B domain-deleted FVIII was delivered to HA rats via adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene transfer or multiple intravenous protein injections. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS After 12 weeks of observation, both approaches significantly reduced bleeds per animal and increased the proportion of bleed-free animals compared with controls (43% vs 0%, respectively [AAV]; 75% vs 8%, respectively [injection]). Both approaches resulted in an anti-FVIII inhibitory response in 20% to 37% of treated animals, similar to HA patients. Inhibitory antibodies were refractory to clinical improvement (reduction of bleeds) only in the AAV-based prophylaxis. An integrated model-based analysis of data on FVIII exposure and bleeding events was performed. This predicted the bleeding risk at any given circulating FVIII activity. Specifically, 4.8 or 10 IU/dL FVIII (0.048 and 0.1 IU/mL, respectively) were predicted to reduce bleeding risk by 90% or 95%, respectively, compared with untreated controls. Our data establish the utility of the HA rat model in FVIII prophylaxis studies and describe how FVIII activity affects bleeding risk in this setting. These enable further studies on FVIII prophylaxis focusing on disease complications for an optimized treatment of HA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin M. Lövgren
- Global Drug Discovery, Novo Nordisk A/S, Maaloev, Denmark
- Department of Pediatrics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA
| | | | - Shannon M. Zintner
- Department of Pediatrics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Juliana C. Small
- Department of Pediatrics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA
| | | | - Mattias Häger
- Global Drug Discovery, Novo Nordisk A/S, Maaloev, Denmark
| | - Maj Petersen
- Global Drug Discovery, Novo Nordisk A/S, Maaloev, Denmark
| | - Bo Wiinberg
- R&D Strategy, Novo Nordisk A/S, Bagsværd, Denmark
| | - Paris Margaritis
- Department of Pediatrics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA
- The Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A
- The University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A
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21
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Pratt KP, Arruda VR, Lacroix-Desmazes S. Inhibitors-Recent insights. Haemophilia 2020; 27 Suppl 3:28-36. [PMID: 32608138 DOI: 10.1111/hae.14077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The development of inhibitory antibodies to therapeutic factor VIII (FVIII) in haemophilia A (HA) patients is the major complication in treatment/prevention of haemorrhages. The reasons some HA patients develop inhibitors while others do not remain unclear. This review briefly summarizes our understanding of anti-FVIII immune responses, the roles of T cells, both effector and regulatory, and generally discusses the interplay between FVIII and the immune system, both in factor replacement therapy and gene therapy, with some comparisons to factor IX and haemophilia B therapies. Notably, we propose that the prevailing observed active tolerance to FVIII in both HA and non-HA individuals rests to greater or lesser extents on peripherally induced immune tolerance. We also propose that the immune systems of inhibitor-negative HA patients do not merely ignore therapeutic FVIII, but rather have immunologically assessed and actively tolerized the patients to exogenous FVIII. Induction of such peripheral immune tolerance may further be triggered in HA patients who failed to tolerize upon initial FVIII exposure by 'appropriate' stimulation of their immune system, eg by immune tolerance induction therapy via intensive FVIII therapy, by oral administration of FVIII, by cellular therapies or by gene therapy directed to immuno-tolerogenic sites such as the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen P Pratt
- Department of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Valder R Arruda
- The Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,The Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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22
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Biswas M, Palaschak B, Kumar SRP, Rana J, Markusic DM. B Cell Depletion Eliminates FVIII Memory B Cells and Enhances AAV8-coF8 Immune Tolerance Induction When Combined With Rapamycin. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1293. [PMID: 32670285 PMCID: PMC7327091 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Hemophilia A is an inherited coagulation disorder resulting in the loss of functional clotting factor VIII (FVIII). Presently, the most effective treatment is prophylactic protein replacement therapy. However, this requires frequent life-long intravenous infusions of plasma derived or recombinant clotting factors and is not a cure. A major complication is the development of inhibitory antibodies that nullify the replacement factor. Immune tolerance induction (ITI) therapy to reverse inhibitors can last from months to years, requires daily or every other day infusions of supraphysiological levels of FVIII and is effective in only up to 70% of hemophilia A patients. Preclinical and recent clinical studies have shown that gene replacement therapy with AAV vectors can effectively cure hemophilia A patients. However, it is unclear how hemophilia patients with high risk inhibitor F8 mutations or with established inhibitors will respond to gene therapy, as these patients have been excluded from ongoing clinical trials. AAV8-coF8 gene transfer in naïve BALB/c-F8e16−/Y mice (BALB/c-HA) results in anti-FVIII IgG1 inhibitors following gene transfer, which can be prevented by transient immune modulation with anti-mCD20 (18B12) and oral rapamycin. We investigated if we could improve ITI in inhibitor positive mice by combining anti-mCD20 and rapamycin with AAV8-coF8 gene therapy. Our hypothesis was that continuous expression of FVIII protein from gene transfer compared to transient FVIII from weekly protein therapy, would enhance regulatory T cell induction and promote deletion of FVIII reactive B cells, following reconstitution. Mice that received anti-CD20 had a sharp decline in inhibitors, which corresponded to FVIII memory B (Bmem) cell deletion. Importantly, only mice receiving both anti-mCD20 and rapamycin failed to increase inhibitors following rechallenge with intravenous FVIII protein therapy. Our data show that B and T cell immune modulation complements AAV8-coF8 gene therapy in naïve and inhibitor positive hemophilia A mice and suggest that such protocols should be considered for AAV gene therapy in high risk or inhibitor positive hemophilia patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moanaro Biswas
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Brett Palaschak
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Sandeep R P Kumar
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Jyoti Rana
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - David M Markusic
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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23
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Samelson-Jones BJ, Finn JD, Favaro P, Wright JF, Arruda VR. Timing of Intensive Immunosuppression Impacts Risk of Transgene Antibodies after AAV Gene Therapy in Nonhuman Primates. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2020; 17:1129-1138. [PMID: 32490034 PMCID: PMC7256432 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2020.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector gene therapy is a promising treatment for a variety of genetic diseases, including hemophilia. Systemic administration of AAV vectors is associated with a cytotoxic immune response triggered against AAV capsid proteins, which if untreated can result in loss of transgene expression. Immunosuppression (IS) with corticosteroids has limited transgene loss in some AAV gene therapy clinical trials, but was insufficient to prevent loss in other studies. We used a nonhuman primate model to evaluate intensive T cell-directed IS combined with AAV-mediated transfer of the human factor IX (FIX) gene. Early administration of rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) concomitant with AAV administration resulted in the development of anti-FIX antibodies, whereas delayed ATG by 5 weeks administration did not. The anti-FIX immune response was associated with increases in inflammatory cytokines, as well as a skewed Th17/regulatory T cell (Treg) ratio. We conclude that the timing of T cell-directed IS is critical in determining transgene-product immunogenicity or tolerance. These data have implications for systemically administered AAV gene therapy being evaluated for hemophilia A and B, as well as other genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J. Samelson-Jones
- The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jonathan D. Finn
- The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Patricia Favaro
- The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - J. Fraser Wright
- The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Valder R. Arruda
- The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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24
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Pipe SW. Delivering on the promise of gene therapy for haemophilia. Haemophilia 2020; 27 Suppl 3:114-121. [PMID: 32490590 DOI: 10.1111/hae.14027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The promise of gene therapy is a single treatment ('one and done') that leads to steady-state expression of endogenous factor VIII or factor IX sufficient to achieve a functional cure (free of recurrent haemophilic bleeding) if not normalized haemostasis. The elimination of the need for continued prophylaxis, or factor replacement following trauma or prior to surgery would lead to annual cost savings. Such optimized health and well-being would be reaching a level of health equity that was unimaginable several decades ago. 'Before anything else, preparation is the key to success'-Alexander Graham Bell. This quote from the famous inventor, scientist and engineer highlights that, although we currently stand on the threshold of this achievement, delivering on this promise will require broad-based multistakeholder preparation (scientists, manufacturers, federal regulators, health technology assessors, persons with haemophilia, national advocacy groups and multidisciplinary healthcare teams) with a focused emphasis on education, approval of safe and effective therapies, removal of barriers to access and excellence in clinical delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven W Pipe
- Pediatrics and Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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25
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Samelson-Jones BJ, Arruda VR. Translational Potential of Immune Tolerance Induction by AAV Liver-Directed Factor VIII Gene Therapy for Hemophilia A. Front Immunol 2020; 11:618. [PMID: 32425925 PMCID: PMC7212376 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Hemophilia A (HA) is an X-linked bleeding disorder due to deficiencies in coagulation factor VIII (FVIII). The major complication of current protein-based therapies is the development of neutralizing anti-FVIII antibodies, termed inhibitors, that block the hemostatic effect of therapeutic FVIII. Inhibitors develop in about 20-30% of people with severe HA, but the risk is dependent on the interaction between environmental and genetic factors, including the underlying F8 gene mutation. Recently, multiple clinical trials evaluating adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector liver-directed gene therapy for HA have reported promising results of therapeutically relevant to curative FVIII levels. The inclusion criteria for most trials prevented enrollment of subjects with a history of inhibitors. However, preclinical data from small and large animal models of HA with inhibitors suggests that liver-directed gene therapy can in fact eradicate pre-existing anti-FVIII antibodies, induce immune tolerance, and provide long-term therapeutic FVIII expression to prevent bleeding. Herein, we review the accumulating evidence that continuous uninterrupted expression of FVIII and other transgenes after liver-directed AAV gene therapy can bias the immune system toward immune tolerance induction, discuss the current understanding of the immunological mechanisms of this process, and outline questions that will need to be addressed to translate this strategy to clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J. Samelson-Jones
- The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Valder R. Arruda
- The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Patel SR, Lundgren TS, Spencer HT, Doering CB. The Immune Response to the fVIII Gene Therapy in Preclinical Models. Front Immunol 2020; 11:494. [PMID: 32351497 PMCID: PMC7174743 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neutralizing antibodies to factor VIII (fVIII), referred to as "inhibitors," remain the most challenging complication post-fVIII replacement therapy. Preclinical development of novel fVIII products involves studies incorporating hemophilia A (HA) and wild-type animal models. Though immunogenicity is a critical aspect of preclinical pharmacology studies, gene therapy studies tend to focus on fVIII expression levels without major consideration for immunogenicity. Therefore, little clarity exists on whether preclinical testing can be predictive of clinical immunogenicity risk. Despite this, but perhaps due to the potential for transformative benefits, clinical gene therapy trials have progressed rapidly. In more than two decades, no inhibitors have been observed. However, all trials are conducted in previously treated patients without a history of inhibitors. The current review thus focuses on our understanding of preclinical immunogenicity for HA gene therapy candidates and the potential indication for inhibitor treatment, with a focus on product- and platform-specific determinants, including fVIII transgene sequence composition and tissue/vector biodistribution. Currently, the two leading clinical gene therapy vectors are adeno-associated viral (AAV) and lentiviral (LV) vectors. For HA applications, AAV vectors are liver-tropic and employ synthetic, high-expressing, liver-specific promoters. Factors including vector serotype and biodistribution, transcriptional regulatory elements, transgene sequence, dosing, liver immunoprivilege, and host immune status may contribute to tipping the scale between immunogenicity and tolerance. Many of these factors can also be important in delivery of LV-fVIII gene therapy, especially when delivered intravenously for liver-directed fVIII expression. However, ex vivo LV-fVIII targeting and transplantation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC) has been demonstrated to achieve durable and curative fVIII production without inhibitor development in preclinical models. A critical variable appears to be pre-transplantation conditioning regimens that suppress and/or ablate T cells. Additionally, we and others have demonstrated the potential of LV-fVIII HSPC and liver-directed AAV-fVIII gene therapy to eradicate pre-existing inhibitors in murine and canine models of HA, respectively. Future preclinical studies will be essential to elucidate immune mechanism(s) at play in the context of gene therapy for HA, as well as strategies for preventing adverse immune responses and promoting immune tolerance even in the setting of pre-existing inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seema R. Patel
- Hemostasis and Thrombosis Program, Department of Pediatrics, Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Taran S. Lundgren
- Cell and Gene Therapy Program, Department of Pediatrics, Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Graduate Program in Molecular and Systems Pharmacology, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - H. Trent Spencer
- Cell and Gene Therapy Program, Department of Pediatrics, Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Christopher B. Doering
- Cell and Gene Therapy Program, Department of Pediatrics, Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
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Merlin S, Follenzi A. Escape or Fight: Inhibitors in Hemophilia A. Front Immunol 2020; 11:476. [PMID: 32265927 PMCID: PMC7105606 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Replacement therapy with coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) represents the current clinical treatment for patients affected by hemophilia A (HA). This treatment while effective is, however, hampered by the formation of antibodies which inhibit the activity of infused FVIII in up to 30% of treated patients. Immune tolerance induction (ITI) protocols, which envisage frequent infusions of high doses of FVIII to confront this side effect, dramatically increase the already high costs associated to a patient's therapy and are not always effective in all treated patients. Therefore, there are clear unmet needs that must be addressed in order to improve the outcome of these treatments for HA patients. Taking advantage of preclinical mouse models of hemophilia, several strategies have been proposed in recent years to prevent inhibitor formation and eradicate the pre-existing immunity to FVIII inhibitor positive patients. Herein, we will review some of the most promising strategies developed to avoid and eradicate inhibitors, including the use of immunomodulatory drugs or molecules, oral or transplacental delivery as well as cell and gene therapy approaches. The goal is to improve and potentiate the current ITI protocols and eventually make them obsolete.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Merlin
- Laboratory of Histology, Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale "A. Avogadro", Novara, Italy.,Interdisciplinary Research Center of Autoimmune Diseases (IRCAD), Novara, Italy
| | - Antonia Follenzi
- Laboratory of Histology, Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale "A. Avogadro", Novara, Italy.,Interdisciplinary Research Center of Autoimmune Diseases (IRCAD), Novara, Italy
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Lacroix-Desmazes S, Voorberg J, Lillicrap D, Scott DW, Pratt KP. Tolerating Factor VIII: Recent Progress. Front Immunol 2020; 10:2991. [PMID: 31998296 PMCID: PMC6965068 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Development of neutralizing antibodies against biotherapeutic agents administered to prevent or treat various clinical conditions is a longstanding and growing problem faced by patients, medical providers and pharmaceutical companies. The hemophilia A community has deep experience with attempting to manage such deleterious immune responses, as the lifesaving protein drug factor VIII (FVIII) has been in use for decades. Hemophilia A is a bleeding disorder caused by genetic mutations that result in absent or dysfunctional FVIII. Prophylactic treatment consists of regular intravenous FVIII infusions. Unfortunately, 1/4 to 1/3 of patients develop neutralizing anti-FVIII antibodies, referred to clinically as “inhibitors,” which result in a serious bleeding diathesis. Until recently, the only therapeutic option for these patients was “Immune Tolerance Induction,” consisting of intensive FVIII administration, which is extraordinarily expensive and fails in ~30% of cases. There has been tremendous recent progress in developing novel potential clinical alternatives for the treatment of hemophilia A, ranging from encouraging results of gene therapy trials, to use of other hemostatic agents (either promoting coagulation or slowing down anti-coagulant or fibrinolytic pathways) to “bypass” the need for FVIII or supplement FVIII replacement therapy. Although these approaches are promising, there is widespread agreement that preventing or reversing inhibitors remains a high priority. Risk profiles of novel therapies are still unknown or incomplete, and FVIII will likely continue to be considered the optimal hemostatic agent to support surgery and manage trauma, or to combine with other therapies. We describe here recent exciting studies, most still pre-clinical, that address FVIII immunogenicity and suggest novel interventions to prevent or reverse inhibitor development. Studies of FVIII uptake, processing and presentation on antigen-presenting cells, epitope mapping, and the roles of complement, heme, von Willebrand factor, glycans, and the microbiome in FVIII immunogenicity are elucidating mechanisms of primary and secondary immune responses and suggesting additional novel targets. Promising tolerogenic therapies include development of FVIII-Fc fusion proteins, nanoparticle-based therapies, oral tolerance, and engineering of regulatory or cytotoxic T cells to render them FVIII-specific. Importantly, these studies are highly applicable to other scenarios where establishing immune tolerance to a defined antigen is a clinical priority.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jan Voorberg
- Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Cellular Hemostasis, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - David Lillicrap
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - David W Scott
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Kathleen P Pratt
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
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Gollomp KL, Doshi BS, Arruda VR. Gene therapy for hemophilia: Progress to date and challenges moving forward. Transfus Apher Sci 2019; 58:602-612. [DOI: 10.1016/j.transci.2019.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Ramaswamy S, Tonnu N, Menon T, Lewis BM, Green KT, Wampler D, Monahan PE, Verma IM. Autologous and Heterologous Cell Therapy for Hemophilia B toward Functional Restoration of Factor IX. Cell Rep 2019; 23:1565-1580. [PMID: 29719266 PMCID: PMC5987250 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.03.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Revised: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Hemophilia B is an ideal target for gene- and cell-based therapies because of its monogenic nature and broad therapeutic index. Here, we demonstrate the use of cell therapy as a potential long-term cure for hemophilia B in our FIX-deficient mouse model. We show that transplanted, cryopreserved, cadaveric human hepatocytes remain functional for more than a year and secrete FIX at therapeutic levels. Hepatocytes from different sources (companies and donors) perform comparably in curing the bleeding defect. We also generated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from two hemophilia B patients and corrected the disease-causing mutations in them by two different approaches (mutation specific and universal). These corrected iPSCs were differentiated into hepatocyte- like cells (HLCs) and transplanted into hemophilic mice. We demonstrate these iPSC-HLCs to be viable and functional in mouse models for 9–12 months. This study aims to establish the use of cells from autologous and heterologous sources to treat hemophilia B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suvasini Ramaswamy
- Laboratory of Genetics, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Nina Tonnu
- Laboratory of Genetics, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Tushar Menon
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals, 11010 Torreyana Road, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Benjamin M Lewis
- Laboratory of Genetics, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Kevin T Green
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, San Diego State University, Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
| | - Derek Wampler
- Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., 5791 Van Allen Way, Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA
| | - Paul E Monahan
- Shire Therapeutics, 22 Grenville Street, St. Helier, Jersey JE4 8PX, UK
| | - Inder M Verma
- Laboratory of Genetics, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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Implementing emicizumab in hemophilia inhibitor management: emicizumab should be prescribed after tolerance. Blood Adv 2019; 2:2780-2782. [PMID: 30352951 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2018015842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
This article has a companion Counterpoint by Le Quellec and Negrier.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION The development of inhibitors against factors VIII/IX is the most serious complication in hemophilia. The best treatment strategy for inhibitor eradication is immune tolerance induction (ITI). The aim of this study was to evaluate patients treated with low-dose ITI at a single center with limited resources. MATERIALS AND METHODS In total, 29 (8.05%) of 360 hemophilia A patients exhibited inhibitors. The data from hemophilia patients with inhibitors undergoing ITI between 1999 and 2017 were collected and analyzed. RESULTS Seventeen ITIs administered to 15 hemophilia A patients with inhibitors were analyzed, and the data from 13 ITIs conducted in 12 patients were evaluated. The median age at ITI onset was 10 years (range: 1.25 to 52 y). The maximum inhibitor titer before ITI was 30 Bethesda Units (BU) (range: 4.48 to 135), and the median inhibitor titer was 1.25 BU (range: 0 to 5.6) at the onset of ITI. The median time interval between the inhibitor development and ITI onset was 60 months (range: 7 to 264 mo). The median inhibitor titer during ITI was 3.4 BU (range: 0 to 158.7). At the end of the treatment, 4 of the 12 patients (33.3%) exhibited a complete response, 4 (33.3%) had partial responses (with continuing ITI), and 4 (33.3%) exhibited ITI failure. CONCLUSIONS Treatment of hemophilia patients with inhibitors is challenging, and ITI is the best treatment method; however, a high-dose daily ITI regimen cannot be given to every patient in every country due to its high cost. Our results show that low-dose ITI may be a choice for selected patients with inhibitors.
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Batty P, Lillicrap D. Advances and challenges for hemophilia gene therapy. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 28:R95-R101. [DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddz157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Hemophilia is an X-linked inherited bleeding disorder, resulting from defects in the F8 (hemophilia A) or F9 (hemophilia B) genes. Persons with hemophilia have bleeding episodes into the soft tissues and joints, which are treated with self-infusion of factor VIII or IX concentrates. Hemophilia provides an attractive target for gene therapy studies, due to the monogenic nature of these disorders and easily measurable endpoints (factor levels and bleed rates). All successful, pre-clinical and clinical studies to date have utilized recombinant adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors for factor VIII or IX hepatocyte transduction. Recent clinical data have presented normalization of factor levels in some patients with improvements in bleed rate and quality of life. The main toxicity seen within these studies has been early transient elevation in liver enzymes, with variable effect on transgene expression. Although long-term data are awaited, durable expression has been seen within the hemophilia dog model with no late-toxicity or oncogenesis. There are a number of phase III studies currently recruiting; however, there may be some limitations in translating these data to clinical practice, due to inclusion/exclusion criteria. AAV-based gene therapy is one of a number of novel approaches for treatment of hemophilia with other gene therapy (in vivo and ex vivo) and non-replacement therapies progressing through clinical trials. Availability of these high-cost novel therapeutics will require evolution of both clinical and financial healthcare services to allow equitable personalization of care for persons with hemophilia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Batty
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Richardson Laboratory, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Lillicrap
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Richardson Laboratory, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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Aledort LM. The ongoing imperative for immune tolerance induction in inhibitor management. Haemophilia 2019; 25:183-186. [PMID: 30748063 DOI: 10.1111/hae.13670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Merlin S, Follenzi A. Transcriptional Targeting and MicroRNA Regulation of Lentiviral Vectors. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2019; 12:223-232. [PMID: 30775404 PMCID: PMC6365353 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2018.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Gene expression regulation is the result of complex interactions between transcriptional and post-transcriptional controls, resulting in cell-type-specific gene expression patterns that are determined by the developmental and differentiation stage of pathophysiological conditions. Understanding the complexity of gene expression regulatory networks is fundamental to gene therapy, an approach which has the potential to treat and cure inherited disorders by delivering the correct gene to patient specific cells or tissues by means of both viral and non-viral vectors. Besides the issues of biosafety, in recent years efforts have focused on achieving a robust and sustained transgene expression, which attains a phenotypic correction in several diseases, while avoiding transgene-related adverse effects, such as overexpression-associated cytotoxicity and/or immune responses to the transgene. In this sense, the use of cell-type-specific promoters and microRNA target sequences (miRTs) in gene transfer expression cassettes have allowed for a restricted expression after gene transfer in several studies. This review will focus on the use of transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation to achieve a highly specific and safe transgene expression, as well as their application in ex vivo and in vivo gene therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Merlin
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Antonia Follenzi
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
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Protein-Engineered Coagulation Factors for Hemophilia Gene Therapy. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2018; 12:184-201. [PMID: 30705923 PMCID: PMC6349562 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2018.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Hemophilia A (HA) and hemophilia B (HB) are X-linked bleeding disorders due to inheritable deficiencies in either coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) or factor IX (FIX), respectively. Recently, gene therapy clinical trials with adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors and protein-engineered transgenes, B-domain deleted (BDD) FVIII and FIX-Padua, have reported near-phenotypic cures in subjects with HA and HB, respectively. Here, we review the biology and the clinical development of FVIII-BDD and FIX-Padua as transgenes. We also examine alternative bioengineering strategies for FVIII and FIX, as well as the immunological challenges of these approaches. Other engineered proteins and their potential use in gene therapy for hemophilia with inhibitors are also discussed. Continued advancement of gene therapy for HA and HB using protein-engineered transgenes has the potential to alleviate the substantial medical and psychosocial burdens of the disease.
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Update on clinical gene therapy for hemophilia. Blood 2018; 133:407-414. [PMID: 30559260 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2018-07-820720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In contrast to other diverse therapies for the X-linked bleeding disorder hemophilia that are currently in clinical development, gene therapy holds the promise of a lasting cure with a single drug administration. Near-to-complete correction of hemophilia A (factor VIII deficiency) and hemophilia B (factor IX deficiency) have now been achieved in patients by hepatic in vivo gene transfer. Adeno-associated viral vectors with different viral capsids that have been engineered to express high-level, and in some cases hyperactive, coagulation factors were employed. Patient data support that sustained endogenous production of clotting factor as a result of gene therapy eliminates the need for infusion of coagulation factors (or alternative drugs that promote coagulation), and may therefore ultimately also reduce treatment costs. However, mild liver toxicities have been observed in some patients receiving high vector doses. In some but not all instances, the toxicities correlated with a T-cell response directed against the viral capsid, prompting use of immune suppression. In addition, not all patients can be treated because of preexisting immunity to viral capsids. Nonetheless, studies in animal models of hemophilia suggest that the approach can also be used for immune tolerance induction to prevent or eliminate inhibitory antibodies against coagulation factors. These can form in traditional protein replacement therapy and represent a major complication of treatment. The current review provides a summary and update on advances in clinical gene therapies for hemophilia and its continued development.
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Borsotti C, Follenzi A. New technologies in gene therapy for inducing immune tolerance in hemophilia A. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2018; 14:1013-1019. [PMID: 30345839 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2018.1539667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Conventional hemophilia treatment is based on repeated infusion of the missing clotting factor. This therapy is lifelong, expensive and can result in the formation of neutralizing antibodies, thus causing failure of the treatment and requiring higher doses of the replacement drug. Areas covered: Gene and cell therapies offer the advantage of providing a definitive and long-lasting correction of the mutated gene, promoting its physiological expression and preventing neutralizing antibody development. This review focuses on the most recent approaches that have been shown to prevent and even eradicate immune response toward the replaced factor. Expert commentary: Despite the encouraging data demonstrated by ongoing clinical trials and pre-clinical studies, more extensive investigations are necessary to establish the long-term safety and efficacy of gene therapy treatments in maintaining immune tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Borsotti
- a Department of Health Sciences , Università del Piemonte Orientale , Novara , Italy
| | - Antonia Follenzi
- a Department of Health Sciences , Università del Piemonte Orientale , Novara , Italy
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Hemophilia is an X-linked blood coagulation genetic disorder, which can cause significant disability. Replacement therapy for coagulation factor VIII (hemophilia A) or factor IX (hemophilia B) may result in the development of high-affinity alloantibodies ('inhibitors') to the replacement therapy, thus making it ineffective. Therefore, there is interest in directing immunological responses towards tolerance to infused factors. RECENT FINDINGS In this review, we will discuss latest advancements in the development of potentially less immunogenic replacement clotting factors, optimization of current tolerance induction protocols (ITI), preclinical and clinical data of pharmacological immune modulation, hepatic gene therapy, and the rapidly advancing field of cell therapies. We will also evaluate publications reporting data from preclinical studies on oral tolerance induction using chloroplast-transgenic (transplastomic) plants. SUMMARY Until now, no clinical prophylactic immune modulatory protocol exists to prevent inhibitor formation to infused clotting factors. Recent innovative technologies provide hope for improved eradication and perhaps even prevention of inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Sherman
- Department Pediatrics, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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Doshi BS, Arruda VR. Gene therapy for hemophilia: what does the future hold? Ther Adv Hematol 2018; 9:273-293. [PMID: 30210756 DOI: 10.1177/2040620718791933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent phase I/II adeno-associated viral vector-mediated gene therapy clinical trials have reported remarkable success in ameliorating disease phenotype in hemophilia A and B. These trials, which highlight the challenges overcome through decades of preclinical and first in human clinical studies, have generated considerable excitement for patients and caregivers alike. Optimization of vector and transgene expression has significantly improved the ability to achieve therapeutic factor levels in these subjects. Long-term follow-up studies will guide standardization of the approach with respect to the combination of serotype, promoter, dose, and manufacturing processes and inform safety for inclusion of young patients. Certain limitations preclude universal applicability of gene therapy, including transient liver transaminase elevations due to the immune responses to vector capsids or as yet undefined mechanisms, underlying liver disease from iatrogenic viral hepatitis, and neutralizing antibodies to clotting factors. Integrating vectors show promising preclinical results, but manufacturing and safety concerns still remain. The prospect of gene editing for correction of the underlying mutation is on the horizon with considerable potential. Herein, we review the advances and limitations that have resulted in these recent successful clinical trials and outline avenues that will allow for broader applicability of gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhavya S Doshi
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Valder R Arruda
- Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3501 Civic Center Blvd, 5056 Colket Translational Research Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Stephen SE, Loong JLX, Hoong CK, Lim SM, Botross NP. Acquired Hemophilia of Unknown Etiology in an Elderly Man: Case Report. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CASE REPORTS 2018; 19:858-863. [PMID: 30033442 PMCID: PMC6066981 DOI: 10.12659/ajcr.909228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acquired hemophilia is a rare but potentially dangerous bleeding disorder caused by autoantibodies against coagulation factors. It affects 1 to 1.5 per 1 million people each year. While 50% of cases could be idiopathic, other causes include malignancies, diabetes, pregnancy, infection, and autoimmune disorders. CASE REPORT We report a case of a 90-year-old male who developed a spontaneous hematoma on the dorsum of his right hand, with no prior history of trauma or any other mucosal bleeding. His activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) was found to be prolonged (>180 seconds) with a very low level of factor VIII (0.1%). CONCLUSIONS As workups did not identify the source, including malignancy and autoimmune diseases, of his acquired hemophilia, it is believed to be idiopathic. He was started on intravenous recombinant factor VIIa (NovoSeven) to control the bleeding in combination with an immunosuppressive therapy of cyclophosphamide and prednisolone. In approximately 10% of patients with acquired hemophilia, underlying malignancy, such as squamous cell cancer, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and multiple myeloma can present and commonly develop in elderly patients. Therefore, patients diagnosed with idiopathic acquired hemophilia should be given long-term follow up.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Chan Kwok Hoong
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine, Monash University, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
| | - Soo Min Lim
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Sultanah Aminah, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
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Arruda VR, Doshi BS, Samelson-Jones BJ. Emerging therapies for hemophilia: controversies and unanswered questions. F1000Res 2018; 7. [PMID: 29770199 PMCID: PMC5931262 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.12491.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Several new therapies for hemophilia have emerged in recent years. These strategies range from extended half-life factor replacement products and non-factor options with improved pharmacokinetic profiles to gene therapy aiming for phenotypic cure. While these products have the potential to change hemophilia care dramatically, several challenges and questions remain regarding broader applicability, long-term safety, and which option to pursue for each patient. Here, we review these emerging therapies with a focus on controversies and unanswered questions in each category.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valder R Arruda
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Bhavya S Doshi
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Benjamin J Samelson-Jones
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Biswas M, Kumar SRP, Terhorst C, Herzog RW. Gene Therapy With Regulatory T Cells: A Beneficial Alliance. Front Immunol 2018; 9:554. [PMID: 29616042 PMCID: PMC5868074 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy aims to replace a defective or a deficient protein at therapeutic or curative levels. Improved vector designs have enhanced safety, efficacy, and delivery, with potential for lasting treatment. However, innate and adaptive immune responses to the viral vector and transgene product remain obstacles to the establishment of therapeutic efficacy. It is widely accepted that endogenous regulatory T cells (Tregs) are critical for tolerance induction to the transgene product and in some cases the viral vector. There are two basic strategies to harness the suppressive ability of Tregs: in vivo induction of adaptive Tregs specific to the introduced gene product and concurrent administration of autologous, ex vivo expanded Tregs. The latter may be polyclonal or engineered to direct specificity to the therapeutic antigen. Recent clinical trials have advanced adoptive immunotherapy with Tregs for the treatment of autoimmune disease and in patients receiving cell transplants. Here, we highlight the potential benefit of combining gene therapy with Treg adoptive transfer to achieve a sustained transgene expression. Furthermore, techniques to engineer antigen-specific Treg cell populations, either through reprogramming conventional CD4+ T cells or transferring T cell receptors with known specificity into polyclonal Tregs, are promising in preclinical studies. Thus, based upon these observations and the successful use of chimeric (IgG-based) antigen receptors (CARs) in antigen-specific effector T cells, different types of CAR-Tregs could be added to the repertoire of inhibitory modalities to suppress immune responses to therapeutic cargos of gene therapy vectors. The diverse approaches to harness the ability of Tregs to suppress unwanted immune responses to gene therapy and their perspectives are reviewed in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moanaro Biswas
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Sandeep R P Kumar
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Cox Terhorst
- Division of Immunology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Roland W Herzog
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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Sherman A, Biswas M, Herzog RW. Innovative Approaches for Immune Tolerance to Factor VIII in the Treatment of Hemophilia A. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1604. [PMID: 29225598 PMCID: PMC5705551 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Hemophilia A (coagulation factor VIII deficiency) is a debilitating genetic disorder that is primarily treated with intravenous replacement therapy. Despite a variety of factor VIII protein formulations available, the risk of developing anti-dug antibodies (“inhibitors”) remains. Overall, 20–30% of patients with severe disease develop inhibitors. Current clinical immune tolerance induction protocols to eliminate inhibitors are not effective in all patients, and there are no prophylactic protocols to prevent the immune response. New experimental therapies, such as gene and cell therapies, show promising results in pre-clinical studies in animal models of hemophilia. Examples include hepatic gene transfer with viral vectors, genetically engineered regulatory T cells (Treg), in vivo Treg induction using immune modulatory drugs, and maternal antigen transfer. Furthermore, an oral tolerance protocol is being developed based on transgenic lettuce plants, which suppressed inhibitor formation in hemophilic mice and dogs. Hopefully, some of these innovative approaches will reduce the risk of and/or more effectively eliminate inhibitor formation in future treatment of hemophilia A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Sherman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Moanaro Biswas
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Roland W Herzog
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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Novel approaches to hemophilia therapy: successes and challenges. Blood 2017; 130:2251-2256. [PMID: 29018078 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2017-08-742312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
New therapies for hemophilia A and hemophilia B will likely continue to change clinical practice. Ranging from extended half-life to nonfactor products and gene therapy, these innovative approaches have the potential to enhance the standard of care by decreasing infusion frequency to increase compliance, promoting prophylaxis, offering alternatives to inhibitor patients, and easing route of administration. Each category has intrinsic challenges that may limit the broader application of these promising therapies. To date, none specifically address the challenge of dispersing treatment to the developing world.
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Pankowicz FP, Jarrett KE, Lagor WR, Bissig KD. CRISPR/Cas9: at the cutting edge of hepatology. Gut 2017; 66:1329-1340. [PMID: 28487442 PMCID: PMC5878048 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2016-313565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 genome engineering has revolutionised biomedical science and we are standing on the cusp of medical transformation. The therapeutic potential of this technology is tremendous, however, its translation to the clinic will be challenging. In this article, we review recent progress using this genome editing technology and explore its potential uses in studying and treating diseases of the liver. We discuss the development of new research tools and animal models as well as potential clinical applications, strategies and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis P Pankowicz
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Center for Stem Cells and
Regenerative Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA,Graduate Program Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology,
Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Kelsey E Jarrett
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of
Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA,Integrative Molecular and Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program,
Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - William R Lagor
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Center for Stem Cells and
Regenerative Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA,Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of
Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA,Integrative Molecular and Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program,
Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA,Texas Medical Center Digestive Diseases Center, Baylor College of
Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Karl-Dimiter Bissig
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Center for Stem Cells and
Regenerative Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA,Graduate Program Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology,
Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA,Texas Medical Center Digestive Diseases Center, Baylor College of
Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA,Graduate Program in Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine,
Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of
Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA,Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine,
Houston, Texas, USA,Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston,
Texas, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennielle Jobson
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Brian D Brown
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Diabetes Obesity and Metabolism Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
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48
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Nienhuis AW, Nathwani AC, Davidoff AM. Gene Therapy for Hemophilia. Mol Ther 2017; 25:1163-1167. [PMID: 28411016 PMCID: PMC5417837 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2017.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Revised: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The X-linked bleeding disorder hemophilia causes frequent and exaggerated bleeding that can be life-threatening if untreated. Conventional therapy requires frequent intravenous infusions of the missing coagulation protein (factor VIII [FVIII] for hemophilia A and factor IX [FIX] for hemophilia B). However, a lasting cure through gene therapy has long been sought. After a series of successes in small and large animal models, this goal has finally been achieved in humans by in vivo gene transfer to the liver using adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors. In fact, multiple recent clinical trials have shown therapeutic, and in some cases curative, expression. At the same time, cellular immune responses against the virus have emerged as an obstacle in humans, potentially resulting in loss of expression. Transient immune suppression protocols have been developed to blunt these responses. Here, we provide an overview of the clinical development of AAV gene transfer for hemophilia, as well as an outlook on future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur W Nienhuis
- Division of Experimental Hematology, Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.
| | - Amit C Nathwani
- Department of Haematology, University College London Cancer Institute, 72 Huntley Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Andrew M Davidoff
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
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Lövgren KM, Søndergaard H, Skov S, Wiinberg B. Non-genetic risk factors in haemophilia A inhibitor management - the danger theory and the use of animal models. Haemophilia 2016; 22:657-66. [DOI: 10.1111/hae.13075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- K. M. Lövgren
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology; University of Copenhagen; Frederiksberg Denmark
- Translational Haemophilia Pharmacology, Global Research; Novo Nordisk A/S; Maaloev Denmark
| | - H. Søndergaard
- Diabetes Complications Pharmacology; Global Research; Novo Nordisk A/S; Maaloev Denmark
| | - S. Skov
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology; University of Copenhagen; Frederiksberg Denmark
| | - B. Wiinberg
- Haemophilia Translational Biology, Global Research; Novo Nordisk A/S; Maaloev Denmark
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