Researchers are looking for a better way to treat people living with classical homocystinuria (HCU), a rare inherited 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 helps break down homocysteine, which is produced when the body processes methionine from protein-containing foods. This helps keep homocysteine and methionine at healthy levels. When this enzyme is not working, homocysteine and methionine build up in the blood and then spread into different tissues of the body and stop these body tissues from working normally.
People living with HCU can experience problems with their vision, bones, blood vessels, thinking, learning, and memory. Available treatments for HCU include a low-methionine diet (typically achieved by limiting protein-containing foods), a methionine-free protein supplement to help meet daily protein needs, and betaine (Cystadane®). These treatments are either not sufficient or are hard to take for many patients.
Pegtibatinase was designed by researchers to act like the CBS enzyme, which is missing or not working properly in people living with HCU. Researchers are studying whether adding pegtibatinase to standard treatment can lower homocysteine levels.
Researchers want to learn how safe and effective pegtibatinase is, how it moves through and affects the body, and how it may affect the daily lives of people with HCU.
The study plans to enroll participants from the US, Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. Many study visits may happen at home, depending on where you live and local regulations. Some visits may include a home nurse and telemedicine appointments with the study doctor.