About The pheEDIT Clinical Trial
Gene editing is a potential therapy for genetic diseases, which occur when a person’s own gene has a mutation that affects the normal biological function of the enzyme made from this gene. Specifically, gene editing is a technique in which a working copy of a gene is integrated into a person’s DNA in an effort to override the effect of the disease-causing gene, with the goal of preventing or potentially curing certain genetic diseases.
PKU is a rare inborn error of metabolism caused by mutations in the PAH gene, responsible for making the enzyme needed to break down phenylalanine (Phe) as it enters the body through diet. As a result, Phe accumulates to toxic levels in the blood causing the symptoms experienced by PKU patients. Currently, there are no approved treatments targeting the genetic cause of PKU. The standard of care treatment focuses on diet rather than the actual genetic cause of the disease.
The pheEDIT study is evaluating the safety and efficacy of an investigational gene editing therapy known as HMI-103 in adults with PKU due to phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) deficiency. HMI-103 is designed as a one-time administration to integrate a functional PAH gene into the genome using the natural DNA repair process of homologous recombination (HR) and to express the PAH enzyme in liver cells.
If you’re interested in enrolling in a novel genetic research study for your PKU, consider participating in the pheEDIT study.
You may be eligible to participate if you:
- Have uncontrolled classical PKU disease due to PAH deficiency
- Are an adult aged 18 to 55 years old
- Are willing and able to maintain a stable Phe-restricted diet
- Are willing to commit to required study visits and tests for the duration of the trial
- Do not have contraindications to immunosuppressive therapy
There are additional study requirements to participate.
pheEDIT Participation Overview
All participants who are eligible and successfully enrolled in this study will receive HMI-103, the investigational gene editing therapy. There will be no placebo in this study – all participants will receive a single intravenous infusion of the study drug.
Qualified participants will receive study-related care and study drug at no cost, including travel reimbursement. If you are considering participating in this study all travel related expenses will be reimbursed (including overnight lodging, if required).
Refer a Friend
Do you know someone between the ages of 18-55 who has PKU? They may be eligible to participate in the pheEDIT study. Consider sharing information with them about how they can learn more.
