Researchers are looking for a better way to treat people who have classical homocystinuria (HCU), a rare condition that is passed down by parents (or "genetic condition"). It is caused by changes in the cystathionine beta-synthase (or "CBS") gene and prevents an enzyme from working correctly in the body. This enzyme breaks down a substance called homocysteine (from dietary methionine found in protein) and keeps both homocysteine and methionine at normal levels. When this enzyme is not working, homocysteine and methionine build up in the blood, which spreads into different tissues of the body and stops these body tissues from working normally. People with HCU can experience problems with vision, bones, blood vessels, and cognitive function (the ability to think, learn, and remember). Treatments available for HCU, such as a low protein diet and betaine (Cystadane®), help reduce homocysteine levels. The diet is a low methionine diet and a methionine-free protein supplement (a product that provides extra protein to help meet daily protein needs). These treatments are either not sufficient or are hard to take for many patients. Pegtibatinase was developed by scientists to be a version of the CBS enzyme that can be given to people with HCU. Researchers believe that giving pegtibatinase to people with HCU already getting medical treatment (or "standard of care") may reduce their homocysteine levels. This study is split into 7 different groups getting different amounts of drug. The first 6 groups have already finished the study. Group 7 plans to enroll participants from the US (virtual and in-person), France, and Qatar.
Phase 1 trials primarily test safety and dosing in a small number of participants (typically 20–100). Results do not yet speak to efficacy. FDA approval is typically many years away from this stage.
Phase 2 trials begin testing efficacy in a larger patient group (100–300). This is often where biotech binary events occur — positive Phase 2 data can significantly advance a company's pipeline narrative, while failures can be terminal for a program.
Currently recruiting: the trial is enrolling patients. A data readout is not expected until after enrollment closes and the follow-up period is complete.
Travere Therapeutics (TVTX) is the sponsoring company for this trial. BiotechSign currently grades this company C (60/100) based on composite catalyst signals across its full pipeline. This trial is one data point in that overall catalyst picture.