Dystrophin production visual

MUTATIONS, INCLUDING EXON DELETIONS, PREVENT DYSTROPHIN PRODUCTION.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is most often caused by frame-shift mutations due to deletions of one or more exons from the dystrophin gene.2 The exons following the deletion are misaligned or “out of frame,” preventing translation of the dystrophin protein.2 

These frame-shift mutations result in production of  structurally compromised dystrophin, leading to a cycle of muscle cell degeneration, inflammation and fibrosis characterized by loss of muscle mass and muscle wasting.1-3

Review the Genetic Basis of DMD
A modest restoration of dystrophin could offer clinical benefit.

HOW DOES LIMITED DYSTROPHIN PRODUCTION AFFECT DMD? 

Patients with different types of DMD and/or various dystrophin levels show varying rates of disease progression. For example, compared with some aggressive DMD phenotypes, patients with mutations amenable to exon 44 skipping* typically have slower disease progression.4,5

Some patients with DMD can still produce a tiny amount of dystrophin in their bodies—but often at such low levels that it can only be detected using highly sensitive imaging techniques.4,5 These observations regarding dystrophin support the rationale to reasonably expect that modest restoration of dystrophin could offer clinical benefit.4,6

*This information is provided for educational purposes only. EXONDYS 51 is not indicated for treating patients with exon 44 skipping–amenable mutations.6

THE GOAL OF EXON SKIPPING IS TO ALLOW FOR PRODUCTION OF AN INTERNALLY TRUNCATED DYSTROPHIN PROTEIN.6

 

See EXONDYS 51 Mechanism of Action
Graysen
Meet Graysen
DMD PATIENT WITH
DELETIONS OF EXONS 48-50
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INDICATION

EXONDYS 51 (eteplirsen) is indicated for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in patients who have a confirmed mutation of the DMD gene that is amenable to exon 51 skipping. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on an increase in dystrophin in skeletal muscle observed in some patients treated with EXONDYS 51. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification of a clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Hypersensitivity reactions, including bronchospasm, chest pain, cough, tachycardia and urticaria, have occurred in patients who were treated with EXONDYS 51. If a hypersensitivity reaction occurs, institute appropriate medical treatment and consider slowing the infusion or interrupting the EXONDYS 51 therapy.

Adverse reactions in DMD patients (N=8) treated with EXONDYS 51 30 or 50 mg/kg/week by intravenous (IV) infusion with an incidence of at least 25% more than placebo (N=4) (Study 1, 24 weeks) were (EXONDYS 51, placebo): balance disorder (38%, 0%), vomiting (38%, 0%) and contact dermatitis (25%, 0%). The most common adverse reactions were balance disorder and vomiting. Because of the small numbers of patients, these represent crude frequencies that may not reflect the frequencies observed in practice. The 50 mg/kg once weekly dosing regimen of EXONDYS 51 is not recommended.

The most common adverse reactions from observational clinical studies (N=163) seen in greater than 10% of patients were headache, cough, rash, and vomiting.

Please see the full Prescribing Information for EXONDYS 51 (eteplirsen).

 

 

References

  1. Aartsma-Rus A, Ginjaar IB, Bushby K. The importance of genetic testing for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. J Med Genet. 2016;0:1-7.
  2. Kole R, Krainer AR, Altman S. RNA therapeutics: beyond RNA interference and antisense oligoneucleotides. Nature Reviews Drug Discovery 2012;11:125-140.
  3. Allen DG, Whitehead NP, Froehner SC. Absence of dystrophin disrupts skeletal muscle signaling: roles of ca2+, reactive oxygen species, and nitric oxide in the development of muscular dystrophy. Physical Rev. 2016;96:253-305.
  4.  Bello L, Morgenroth LP, Gordish-Dressman H, et al. DMD genotypes and loss of ambulation in the CINRG Duchenne Natural History Study. Neurology. 2016; 87:401-409.
  5.  Dwianingsih EK, Malueka RG, Nishida A, et al. A novel splicing silencer generated by DMD exon 45 deletion junction could explain upstream exon 44 skipping that modifies dystrophinopathy. J. Hum. Genet. 2014; 59:423-429.
  6. EXONDYS 51 [package insert]. Cambridge, MA: Sarepta Therapeutics Inc.