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Abiusi E, Costa-Roger M, Bertini ES, Tiziano FD, Tizzano EF, Abiusi E, Baranello G, Bertini E, Boemer F, Burghes A, Codina-Solà M, Costa-Roger M, Dangouloff T, Groen E, Gos M, Jędrzejowska M, Kirschner J, Lemmink HH, Müller-Felber W, Ouillade MC, Quijano-Roy S, Rucinski K, Saugier-Veber P, Tiziano FD, Tizzano EF, Wirth B. 270th ENMC International Workshop: Consensus for SMN2 genetic analysis in SMA patients 10-12 March, 2023, Hoofddorp, the Netherlands. Neuromuscul Disord 2024; 34:114-122. [PMID: 38183850 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2023.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
The 270th ENMC workshop aimed to develop a common procedure to optimize the reliability of SMN2 gene copy number determination and to reinforce collaborative networks between molecular scientists and clinicians. The workshop involved neuromuscular and clinical experts and representatives of patient advocacy groups and industry. SMN2 copy number is currently one of the main determinants for therapeutic decision in SMA patients: participants discussed the issues that laboratories may encounter in this molecular test and the cruciality of the accurate determination, due the implications as prognostic factor in symptomatic patients and in individuals identified through newborn screening programmes. At the end of the workshop, the attendees defined a set of recommendations divided into four topics: SMA molecular prognosis assessment, newborn screening for SMA, SMN2 copies and treatments, and modifiers and biomarkers. Moreover, the group draw up a series of recommendations for the companies manufacturing laboratory kits, that will help to minimize the risk of errors, regardless of the laboratories' expertise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Abiusi
- Section of Genomic Medicine, Department of Public Health and Life Sciences, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Mar Costa-Roger
- Clinical and Molecular Genetics Area, Vall d'Hebron Hospital; Medicine Genetics Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Enrico Silvio Bertini
- Research Unit of Neuromuscular Disease, Bambino Gesu’ Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Francesco Danilo Tiziano
- Section of Genomic Medicine, Department of Public Health and Life Sciences, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
- Complex Unit of Medical Genetics, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario IRCCS “A. Gemelli”, Roma, Italy
| | - Eduardo F Tizzano
- Clinical and Molecular Genetics Area, Vall d'Hebron Hospital; Medicine Genetics Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Emanuela Abiusi
- Section of Genomic Medicine, Dept. of Life Sciences and Public Health, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Roma, Italy
| | - Giovanni Baranello
- The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Developmental Neuroscience Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre & Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Enrico Bertini
- Italy, Research Unit of Neuromuscular Disease, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - François Boemer
- Biochemical Genetics Lab, Department of Human Genetics, University Hospital, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Arthur Burghes
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Marta Codina-Solà
- Neuromuscular Reference Center, Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital Liege & University of Liege, Belgium
| | - Mar Costa-Roger
- Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Tamara Dangouloff
- Department of Medical Genetics, Institute of Mother and Child, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewout Groen
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Monika Gos
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Maria Jędrzejowska
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Janbernd Kirschner
- Centre for Neuromuscular Disorders, Center for Translational Neuro and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Pediatric Neurology, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Henny H Lemmink
- AFM Téléthon, Évry, France; SMA Europe; European Alliance for Newborn Screening in Spinal Muscular Atrophy
| | - Wolfgang Müller-Felber
- Pediatric Neuromuscular Unit (NEIDF Reference Center at FILNEMUS & Euro-NMD), Child Neurology Department, Raymond Poincaré Hospital (UVSQ), APHP Université Paris Saclay, Garches France
| | - Marie-Christine Ouillade
- Fundacja SMA, Warsaw, Poland; SMA Europe; European Alliance for Newborn Screening in Spinal Muscular Atrophy
| | - Susana Quijano-Roy
- Univ Rouen Normandie, Inserm U1245, Normandie Univ and CHU Rouen, Department of Genetics and Nord/Est/Ile de France Neuromuscular Reference Center, F-76000 Rouen, France
| | - Kacper Rucinski
- Institute of Medical Genomics, Dept. of Life Sciences and Public Health, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, and Complex Unit of Medical Genetics, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario IRCCS “A. Gemelli”, Roma, Italy
| | - Pascale Saugier-Veber
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital of Cologne, Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Cologne and Center for Rare Diseases Cologne, University Hopsital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Francesco Danilo Tiziano
- Institute of Medical Genomics, Dept. of Life Sciences and Public Health, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, and Complex Unit of Medical Genetics, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario IRCCS “A. Gemelli”, Roma, Italy
| | - Eduardo Fidel Tizzano
- Clinical and Molecular Genetics Area, Vall d'Hebron Hospital; Medicine Genetics Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Brunhilde Wirth
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital of Cologne, Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Cologne and Center for Rare Diseases Cologne, University Hopsital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Farrar MA, Calotes-Castillo L, De Silva R, Barclay P, Attwood L, Cini J, Ferrie M, Kariyawasam DS. Gene therapy-based strategies for spinal muscular atrophy-an Asia-Pacific perspective. Mol Cell Pediatr 2023; 10:17. [PMID: 37964159 PMCID: PMC10645685 DOI: 10.1186/s40348-023-00171-5] [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: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Onasemnogene abeparvovec has been life-changing for children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), signifying the potential and progress occurring in gene- and cell-based therapies for rare genetic diseases. Hence, it is important that clinicians gain knowledge and understanding in gene therapy-based treatment strategies for SMA. In this review, we describe the development and translation of onasemnogene abeparvovec from clinical trials to healthcare practice and share knowledge on the facilitators and barriers to implementation. Rapid and accurate SMA diagnosis, awareness, and education to safely deliver gene therapy to eligible patients and access to expertise in multidisciplinary management for neuromuscular disorders are crucial for health system readiness. Early engagement and intersectoral collaboration are required to surmount complex logistical processes and develop policy, governance, and accountability. The collection and utilisation of real-world evidence are also an important part of clinical stewardship, informing ongoing improvements to care delivery and access. Additionally, a research-enabled clinical ecosystem can expand scientific knowledge and discovery to optimise future therapies and magnify health impacts. Important ethical, equity, economic, and sustainability issues are evident, for which we must connect globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle A Farrar
- Department of Neurology, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, UNSW Medicine and Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Loudella Calotes-Castillo
- Division of Paediatric Neurology, Department of Paediatrics and Neurosciences, University of the Philippines - Philippine General Hospital, Manila, Philippines
| | - Ranil De Silva
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Interdisciplinary Centre for Innovation in Biotechnology and Neuroscience (ICIBN), University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
- Institute for Combinatorial Advanced Research and Education, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Ratmalana, Sri Lanka
| | - Peter Barclay
- Pharmacy Department, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lani Attwood
- Kids Advanced Therapeutics Programme, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Kids Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Julie Cini
- Advocacy Beyond Borders, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Didu S Kariyawasam
- Department of Neurology, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, UNSW Medicine and Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Giorgia Q, Gomez Garcia de la Banda M, Smeriglio P. Role of circulating biomarkers in spinal muscular atrophy: insights from a new treatment era. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1226969. [PMID: 38020652 PMCID: PMC10679720 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1226969] [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: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a lower motor neuron disease due to biallelic mutations in the SMN1 gene on chromosome 5. It is characterized by progressive muscle weakness of limbs, bulbar and respiratory muscles. The disease is usually classified in four different phenotypes (1-4) according to age at symptoms onset and maximal motor milestones achieved. Recently, three disease modifying treatments have received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), while several other innovative drugs are under study. New therapies have been game changing, improving survival and life quality for SMA patients. However, they have also intensified the need for accurate biomarkers to monitor disease progression and treatment efficacy. While clinical and neurophysiological biomarkers are well established and helpful in describing disease progression, there is a great need to develop more robust and sensitive circulating biomarkers, such as proteins, nucleic acids, and other small molecules. Used alone or in combination with clinical biomarkers, they will play a critical role in enhancing patients' stratification for clinical trials and access to approved treatments, as well as in tracking response to therapy, paving the way to the development of individualized therapeutic approaches. In this comprehensive review, we describe the foremost circulating biomarkers of current significance, analyzing existing literature on non-treated and treated patients with a special focus on neurofilaments and circulating miRNA, aiming to identify and examine their role in the follow-up of patients treated with innovative treatments, including gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Querin Giorgia
- APHP, Service de Neuromyologie, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Centre Référent pour les Maladies Neuromusculaires Nord/Est/Ile de France, Paris, France
- Institut de Myologie, I-Motion Clinical Trials Platform, Paris, France
- European Reference Center Network (Euro-NMD ERN), Paris, France
| | - Marta Gomez Garcia de la Banda
- Institut de Myologie, I-Motion Clinical Trials Platform, Paris, France
- APHP, Pediatric Neurology Department, Hôpital Armand Trousseau, Centre Référent pour les Maladies Neuromusculaires Nord/Est/Ile de France, Paris, France
- APHP, Pediatric Neurology and ICU Department, Université Paris Saclay, DMU Santé de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, Hôpital Raymond Poincaré, Garches, France
| | - Piera Smeriglio
- Centre of Research in Myology, Institute of Myology, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Paris, France
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Ponomarev AS, Chulpanova DS, Yanygina LM, Solovyeva VV, Rizvanov AA. Emerging Gene Therapy Approaches in the Management of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA): An Overview of Clinical Trials and Patent Landscape. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13743. [PMID: 37762045 PMCID: PMC10530942 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813743] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare autosomal recessive neuromuscular disease that is characterized by progressive muscle atrophy (degeneration), including skeletal muscles in charge of the ability to move. SMA is caused by defects in the SMN1 gene (Survival of Motor Neuron 1) which encodes a protein crucial for the survival and functionality of neuron cells called motor neurons. Decreased level of functioning SMN protein leads to progressive degeneration of alpha-motor neurons performing muscular motility. Over the past decade, many strategies directed for SMN-level-restoration emerged, such as gene replacement therapy (GRT), CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing, usage of antisense oligonucleotides and small-molecule modulators, and all have been showing their perspectives in SMA therapy. In this review, modern SMA therapy strategies are described, making it a valuable resource for researchers, clinicians and everyone interested in the progress of therapy of this serious disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Albert A. Rizvanov
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (A.S.P.); (D.S.C.); (L.M.Y.); (V.V.S.)
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Balaji L, Farrar MA, D'Silva AM, Kariyawasam DS. Decision-making and challenges within the evolving treatment algorithm in spinal muscular atrophy: a clinical perspective. Expert Rev Neurother 2023; 23:571-586. [PMID: 37227306 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2023.2218549] [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: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The clinical application of disease modifying therapies has dramatically changed the paradigm of the management of people with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), from sole reliance on symptomatic care directed toward the downstream consequences of muscle weakness, to proactive intervention and even preventative care. AREAS COVERED In this perspective, the authors evaluate the contemporary therapeutic landscape of SMA and discuss the evolution of novel phenotypes and the treatment algorithm, including the key factors that define individual treatment choice and treatment response. The benefits achieved by early diagnosis and treatment through newborn screening are highlighted, alongside an appraisal of emerging prognostic methods and classification frameworks to inform clinicians, patients, and families about disease course, manage expectations, and improve care planning. A future perspective of unmet needs and challenges is provided, emphasizing the key role of research. EXPERT OPINION SMN-augmenting therapies have improved health outcomes for people with SMA and powered the practice of personalized medicine. Within this new proactive diagnostic and treatment paradigm, new phenotypes and different disease trajectories are emerging. Ongoing collaborative research efforts to understand the biology of SMA and define optimal response are critical to refining future approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakshmi Balaji
- Department of Neurology, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michelle A Farrar
- Department of Neurology, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health UNSW, Sydney, Australia
- UNSW Kensington Campus, Sydney, Australia
| | - Arlene M D'Silva
- Department of Neurology, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health UNSW, Sydney, Australia
- UNSW Kensington Campus, Sydney, Australia
| | - Didu S Kariyawasam
- Department of Neurology, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health UNSW, Sydney, Australia
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Glascock J, Darras BT, Crawford TO, Sumner CJ, Kolb SJ, DiDonato C, Elsheikh B, Howell K, Farwell W, Valente M, Petrillo M, Tingey J, Jarecki J. Identifying Biomarkers of Spinal Muscular Atrophy for Further Development. J Neuromuscul Dis 2023; 10:937-954. [PMID: 37458045 PMCID: PMC10578234 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-230054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is caused by bi-allelic, recessive mutations of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene and reduced expression levels of the survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. Degeneration of alpha motor neurons in the spinal cord causes progressive skeletal muscle weakness. The wide range of disease severities, variable rates of decline, and heterogenous clinical responses to approved disease-modifying treatment remain poorly understood and limit the ability to optimize treatment for patients. Validation of a reliable biomarker(s) with the potential to support early diagnosis, inform disease prognosis and therapeutic suitability, and/or confirm response to treatment(s) represents a significant unmet need in SMA. OBJECTIVES The SMA Multidisciplinary Biomarkers Working Group, comprising 11 experts in a variety of relevant fields, sought to determine the most promising candidate biomarker currently available, determine key knowledge gaps, and recommend next steps toward validating that biomarker for SMA. METHODS The Working Group engaged in a modified Delphi process to answer questions about candidate SMA biomarkers. Members participated in six rounds of reiterative surveys that were designed to build upon previous discussions. RESULTS The Working Group reached a consensus that neurofilament (NF) is the candidate biomarker best poised for further development. Several important knowledge gaps were identified, and the next steps toward filling these gaps were proposed. CONCLUSIONS NF is a promising SMA biomarker with the potential for prognostic, predictive, and pharmacodynamic capabilities. The Working Group has identified needed information to continue efforts toward the validation of NF as a biomarker for SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Basil T. Darras
- Boston Children’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Thomas O. Crawford
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Departments of Neurology and Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Pediatrics, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Charlotte J. Sumner
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Departments of Neurology and Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Pediatrics, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stephen J. Kolb
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry & Pharmacology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - Bakri Elsheikh
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kelly Howell
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy Foundation, Jackson, WY, USA
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