A Phase 1/2/3 Study of UX701 Gene Therapy in Adults With Wilson Disease
This research study is looking at a new treatment called UX701, a gene therapy, for adults who have Wilson disease. Wilson disease is a condition where the body has trouble getting rid of extra copper. The main goals of this study are to check if UX701 is safe, to figure out what dose works best without too many side effects, and to see how well it helps control copper levels in the body. The study will happen in stages, starting with a small group to find a safe and effective dose, then a larger group where some people will get UX701 and others will continue with their usual care. Researchers will follow participants for at least five years to understand the long-term effects.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is investigating a new treatment called UX701, which is a "gene therapy" designed for adults living with Wilson disease. Wilson disease is a condition you're born with where your body doesn't handle copper properly, leading to too much copper building up in important organs like the liver and brain. Current treatments help manage the copper, but this new therapy aims to address the root cause.
The main reasons for doing this study are to make sure UX701 is safe for people to use, to work out the most effective and safe amount (dose) of the treatment, and to see if it genuinely helps the body to control copper levels better. Researchers want to compare UX701 with the standard care that people usually receive for Wilson disease, which includes medicines like penicillamine or trientine, and zinc therapy.
The study will take place in different stages. First, a small group will help find a safe dose and see initial effects. Then, a larger group will be involved where some receive UX701 and others continue with their usual treatment, so doctors can clearly see the differences. Finally, everyone who receives UX701 will be followed for at least five years to understand its long-term benefits and safety. This is an important step towards potentially offering a new way to manage Wilson disease.
Key takeaways
- This study is for adults with Wilson disease.
- It's testing a new gene therapy called UX701.
- The goal is to find a safe and effective dose to help manage copper levels.
- It involves regular check-ups, blood tests, and long-term monitoring.
- Participation includes receiving other medications alongside the main treatment.
- You can choose to leave the study at any time.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you must be at least 18 years old and have a confirmed diagnosis of Wilson disease, usually proven by genetic tests. You should also be managing your Wilson disease with regular copper-removing medicines or zinc therapy for at least two months without any recent changes to your medication or diet. You'll also need to be willing to follow all the study instructions, including regular blood tests and providing urine samples.
There are also reasons why someone might not be able to join. For example, if you've already had a liver transplant or if your liver disease is very severe. Other reasons could include having serious heart or kidney problems, certain mental health conditions, or if you've had a strong allergic reaction to similar medicines in the past. If you have a history of not consistently taking your Wilson disease medication, or if you've been in another similar gene therapy study, you might also not be eligible.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years or older?
- Do you have a confirmed diagnosis of Wilson disease?
- Have you been on stable Wilson disease medication for at least 2 months?
- Are you willing to attend regular appointments and provide samples?
- Have you NOT had a liver transplant?
- Do you have mild to no major liver or kidney problems?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you will receive either UX701 or continue with your standard care. Everyone who receives UX701 will also be given other medications to help prepare your body for the treatment and to prevent side effects. These include medicines called premedication, corticosteroids (like a type of steroid), and other treatments to help your immune system.
Throughout the study, you'll have regular visits to the clinic. These visits will involve various checks, including frequent blood tests, collecting all your urine over a 24-hour period, and completing questionnaires about how you're feeling and your quality of life. The study involves a long-term follow-up period, meaning that after you receive the treatment, doctors will continue to monitor your health and how well the treatment is working for at least five years. The total time you'll be involved in the study will vary, but expect a commitment over several years due to these follow-up checks.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (16)
- University of California Los AngelesVerified postcodeLos Angeles, United States
- Stanford UniversityVerified postcodeRedwood City, United States
- University of California DavisVerified postcodeSacramento, United States
- Northwestern UniversityVerified postcodeChicago, United States
- Indiana UniversityVerified postcodeIndianapolis, United States
- Massachusetts General HospitalVerified postcodeBoston, United States
- University of MichiganVerified postcodeAnn Arbor, United States
- Duke University Medical CenterVerified postcodeDurham, United States
- Vanderbilt University Medical CenterVerified postcodeNashville, United States
- University of UtahVerified postcodeSalt Lake City, United States
- Seattle Children's HospitalVerified postcodeSeattle, United States
- Gordon and Leslie Diamond Health Care CentreVerified postcodeVancouver, Canada
Common questions
What is gene therapy?
Gene therapy aims to fix faulty genes that cause diseases like Wilson disease by introducing a new, working gene into your body.
Will I have to stop my current Wilson disease medication?
The study design involves a comparison, so some participants may continue their standard medication while others receive UX701. Your doctor will explain this carefully.
What kind of monitoring will I need?
You'll have regular clinic visits, blood tests, urine collection, and questionnaires to check your health and how the treatment is working.
How long will I be in the study?
The study involves a long-term follow-up, meaning you'll be monitored for at least five years after receiving UX701 to see its long-term effects.
What if I experience side effects?
The study team will closely monitor you for any side effects and will provide care and support. Your safety is their top priority.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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