tgAAC94
BRAND NAME: none yet
GENERIC NAME: none yet
EXPERIMENTAL/INTERNAL COMPANY NAME: tgAAC94 |
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| DRUG USE (P OR PsA) | METHOD OF DELIVERY | DEVELOPING COMPANY/COMPANIES |
| Psoriatic arthritis | Injection into affected joints | Targeted Genetics Corporation |
Description and Comments
tgAAC94 is a type of gene therapy, in which the gene for the TNF-alpha receptor is injected into the affected joints of people with inflammatory arthritis, including psoriatic arthritis. The TNF-alpha receptor produced by the gene, in turn, lowers the activity of TNF-alpha in the joint. Many of the biologics currently used for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis also work by lowering TNF-alpha activity, although they work by different mechanisms.
Note: In July 2007, a patient taking part in a Phase I trial of tgAAC94 died of a massive fungal infection. The FDA suspended the trial for several months while the death was investigated. Ultimately, investigators concluded that tgAAC94 did not contribute to the patient's death. Only trace amounts of the gene were found outside the joint that was injected. Moreover, the patients was taking several immunosuppressive drugs that are known to raise the risk of serious fungal infections. The trial resumed and positive results were reported in 2008 (see link below).
Other News and Links
Targeted Genetics--Clinical Trial of tgAAC94 for Inflammatory Arthritis (2008)
