EMA to review MAA for avalglucosidase alfa, enzyme replacement therapy to treat Pompe disease

EMA has accepted for review the Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) for avalglucosidase alfa, for long-term enzyme replacement therapy for the treatment of patients with Pompe disease (acid α-glucosidase deficiency). Avalglucosidase alfa is an investigational enzyme replacement therapy, which, if approved, would offer a potential new standard of care for patients with Pompe disease.

Pompe disease is a rare, degenerative muscle disorder that can impact an individual’s ability to move and breathe. It affects an estimated 50,000 people worldwide and can manifest at any age from infancy to late adulthood.

The MAA is based on positive data from two trials:

Phase 3, double-blind, comparator-controlled, pivotal COMET trial, which evaluated the safety and efficacy of avalglucosidase alfa compared to alglucosidase alfa (standard of care) in patients with late-onset Pompe disease. Results from this trial were presented during a Sanofi-hosted virtual scientific session in June 2020.

Phase 2 mini-COMET trial, which evaluated the safety and exploratory efficacy of avalglucosidase alfa in patients with infantile-onset Pompe disease previously treated with alglucosidase alfa. Results from this trial were presented at the WORLDSymposium, in February 2020.

Pompe disease is caused by a genetic deficiency or dysfunction of the lysosomal enzyme acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA), which results in build-up of complex sugars (glycogen) in muscle cells throughout the body. The accumulation of glycogen leads to irreversible damage to the muscles, including respiratory muscles, such as the diaphragm muscle that supports the lungs, and other skeletal muscles that affect mobility. Avalglucosidase alfa is designed to improve the delivery of GAA enzyme into the lysosomes of muscle cells to breakdown glycogen and help address respiratory impairment, as well as decreased muscle strength and function (i.e. mobility), which are critical manifestations of Pompe disease.

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency in the UK has granted Promising Innovative Medicine designation for avalglucosidase alfa, an early indication that the investigational therapy is a promising candidate for the Early Access to Medicines Scheme in the UK.

The US Food and Drug Administration has granted Breakthrough Therapy and Fast Track designations to avalglucosidase alfa.