Trofinetide is derived from a protein called the human insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) that naturally occurs in the brain and is required for brain development.
Both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) have granted trofinetide orphan drug designation for treating Rett syndrome. Additionally, the FDA also has granted trofinetide fast track designation.
How trofinetide works
IGF-1 is an important growth factor that is required for proper brain development. In the brain, IGF-1 is broken down into a protein fragment called glypromate (GPE) consisting of the amino acids glycine-proline-glutamate, which also is referred to as a tri-peptide. (Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins.) The mechanisms by which GPE helps promote brain function are still being studied. However, it is known that GPE reduces inflammation in the brain, confers neuroprotection, and helps in responding to disease and stress.
Trofinetide is a modified form of GPE that is much more effective and lasts longer in the bloodstream. It also is easy to store and can be administered orally, unlike GPE or IGF-1, which can be administered only with an injection.
These properties of trofinetide make it a potentially viable therapy for Rett syndrome. It is thought that trofinetide can help in reducing inflammation in the brain and help in the development of nervous connections.
Trofinetide in clinical trials
Pre-clinical studies in rat models of stroke have confirmed the neuroprotective effects of trofinetide.
A Phase 2 multicenter clinical clinical trial (NCT02715115) to assess the safety, tolerability, and effectiveness of trofinetide in children with Rett syndrome was completed in 2017. The results of this study showed the treatment was safe and well-tolerated. It also led to clinically relevant improvements in symptoms compared to placebo.
Neuren aims to recruit about 180 Rett syndrome patients, ages 5 to 20, for a Phase 3 clinical trial that is planned for the second half of 2019 to further evaluate the safety and effectiveness of trofinetide. This will be followed by an extension study to evaluate the long-term safety and tolerability of the treatment.
Rett Syndrome News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website