AGTC Presents Data from Ongoing Phase 1/2 Trial of AGTC-501 at American Academy of Ophthalmology 2021 Annual Meeting
Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation (AGTC) announced the presentation of additional analyses and conclusions from previously reported data from the company’s ongoing phase 1/2 study of AGTC-501, a recombinant AAV2 vector developed for the treatment of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP), at the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) 2021 Annual Meeting being held today in New Orleans, Louisiana by Dr. Robert Sisk, Director of Pediatric Vitreoretinal Surgery and Director of Ophthalmic Genetics – Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and the Cincinnati Eye Institute.
In the non-randomized, open-label study, secondary outcome measures of clinical activity were observed through functional improvements in treated versus untreated control eyes. Treatment with AGTC-501 resulted in a statistically significant improvement in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) across all treatment groups (n=20) in patients where the macula was treated. At 12 months, 50% of patients were considered responders, meeting the strict criteria, as discussed with the FDA, of at least a 7 decibel (dB) improvement in at least 5 loci, as measured by macular integrity assessment (MAIA) microperimetry.
“I am encouraged by the responses we have seen in this trial to date, including the safety and ability of AGTC-501 to produce clinically meaningful improvements in macular sensitivity and statistically significant improvements in visual acuity,” Dr. Sisk said in a company news release. “These data bring us one step closer to improving outcomes for patients losing their vision as a result of XLRP, a condition for which there are currently no treatment options.”
At 12 months post treatment, primary outcome measures of safety demonstrated AGTC-501 to be well-tolerated at all doses. No serious adverse events related to AGTC-501 were reported. All adverse events were Grade 1-2 in centrally treated patients, including those related to the subretinal injection procedure and importantly, immunological assessments did not indicate safety concerns. An important biomarker of efficacy was demonstrated with restoration of macular ellipsoid zone (EZ) as measured by OCT in patients with measurable EZ and microperimetry at the baseline visit.
“We continue to be very excited about these 12-month findings for our lead candidate AGTC-501, as they represent a powerful indicator of the anticipated promise of both AGTC-501 and our gene therapy platform,” said Sue Washer, President and Chief Executive Officer of AGTC. “These data, coupled with our ongoing clinical trials, gives us confidence that we are on a course to make gene therapies for rare retinal diseases a reality for patients.”
Dr. Sisk’s presentation, "Clinically Meaningful Visual Improvements Demonstrated 12 Months After AGTC-501 Gene Therapy for X-linked Retinitis Pigmentosa," will be available on demand November 12-15, 2021 during AAO 2021.