Neurogene Inc. has received FDA clearance of its IND application for NGN-401 for the treatment of Rett syndrome. The company plans to initiate a phase I/II trial in female pediatric patients with Rett syndrome this year.
A new epigenetic editing technique has restored the functionality of neurons in Rett syndrome (RTT), a rare neurodevelopmental disease associated with a mutation of the MECP2 gene on the X chromosome. The origin of this disorder is a heterozygous mutation of the MECP2 (methyl CpG-binding protein 2) gene. Homozygosity is lethal and as it is associated with the X chromosome; Rett mostly affects girls, inhibiting the development of their motor skills and communication.
The neurodevelopmental disorder MECP2 duplication syndrome (MDS) is caused by duplications spanning the methyl-CpG binding protein 2 gene (MECP2) locus, and researchers have shown that the MDS-like phenotype can be reversed in adult symptomatic mice using MECP2-specific antisense oligonucleotides (MECP2-ASOs).
