Revolutionizing MPS I Care: A Look at 4 Game-Changing Therapies in Development

Fortunately, the Mucopolysaccharidosis Type I treatment pipeline is entering a new era, with several cutting-edge therapies poised to revolutionize patient care. Here are four therapies with transformative potential.

1. Sanofi’s Gene Therapy Program: Redefining the Standard

Sanofi’s MPS I program is one of the leading efforts in gene therapy for MPS I. The treatment uses an AAV vector to deliver a healthy IDUA gene to liver cells, which then produce the necessary enzyme continuously.

This single-dose strategy is being evaluated in mucopolysaccharidosis I clinical trials and could replace decades of ERT with one procedure. If successful, it may become a cornerstone in the future of MPS I treatment.

2. Targeting the Brain: Intrathecal ERT for Cognitive Symptoms

Cognitive decline remains a major challenge in MPS I, as standard therapies fail to cross the blood-brain barrier. Enter intrathecal ERT, which involves administering enzymes directly into the spine.

These specialized ISP therapies are designed to improve brain function and halt neurological deterioration. Clinical data suggest reduced GAG storage in the central nervous system, making IT ERT a potential game-changer.

3. HSC Gene Therapy: One-and-Done for Long-Term Relief

Another promising innovation is hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy (HSC-GT). This technique involves genetically modifying a patient’s stem cells and reintroducing them to produce the missing enzyme indefinitely.

Unlike traditional stem cell transplants, this approach avoids the need for a matched donor and offers a potentially curative solution. It is especially promising for infants and young children identified early through newborn screening programs.

4. Oral Substrate Reduction Therapy: A Convenient New Option

Substrate reduction therapy (SRT) takes a different approach by reducing the synthesis of the compounds that accumulate in MPS I. These oral therapies are convenient and have the potential to work in tandem with ERT or gene therapy.

Currently under investigation in several mucopolysaccharidosis I clinical trials, these ISP therapies may provide a lower-burden option for maintenance or adjunctive care.

Shaping the Future of MPS I Treatment

Thanks to innovative biotech firms and patient advocacy efforts, the Mucopolysaccharidosis Type I treatment pipeline is now richer and more diversified than ever. From Sanofi’s MPS I program to investigational ISP therapies, the field is making leaps forward.

With clinical trials progressing and novel treatment platforms emerging, the future of MPS I treatment is bright, offering not just hope, but a path to a vastly improved quality of life for patients and their families.