Between 2010 and 2018, 33.8 percent of the 402 orphan indications approved by the FDA were approved for children only or targeted pediatric diseases.[1] The rare pediatric disease priority review voucher program is one incentive that’s helped to spur research and development in this area with more than 20 vouchers granted to date, but it...
Gene therapy products are typically designed to achieve therapeutic effect through long-acting or permanent changes in the human body. Due to this extended period of exposure, patients who receive gene therapies may be at increased risk of delayed adverse events. To understand and mitigate the risk of these delayed adverse events, participants in gene therapy...
Despite the passage of various legislative initiatives aimed at increasing the frequency and quality of pediatric clinical trials, neonates continue to be treated with medicines that have not been studied or approved in this population.1 Historically, sponsors may have felt that the ethical and logistical challenges limited the opportunities for neonatal research. Our experience has...
Skin contains essential stem cell populations and other cell types that are critical for renewing and maintaining its structural integrity and function.1 Of the many types of skin stem cells that have been identified, epidermal stem cells — primarily keratinocyte stem cells — are recognized to play the key role in tissue repair and skin...
When it comes to dermatologic conditions, gene therapy is still in its very early stages. However, we are seeing promising potential solutions for some rare genetic dermatology diseases, as well as ongoing research in more common skin conditions. The success of gene-based therapies relies on three critical elements:1 A well-defined disease geneA therapeutic geneAn efficient...
With their potential for long-term or even curative efficacy, gene therapies are of great interest to researchers, clinicians, patients and caregivers alike. But coordinating and conducting a global, multi-center gene therapy trial is a complex, high-risk undertaking. Beyond the usual protocols and procedures required to ensure patient safety and data quality, gene therapy studies must...
Gene therapy holds the potential of long-term efficacy or even a cure for diseases with an underlying genetic basis, offering hope to patients with currently incurable diseases. The use of gene therapy for dermatologic conditions is attractive for many reasons:1 As the largest organ of the human body, skin is easily accessible for gene deliveryThe...
At Premier Research, we attend a lot of events throughout the year – and through these events, we have the opportunity to meet individuals from all sides of the clinical development process. At the recent Global Genes RARE Patient Advocacy Summit, we met countless patients, advocates, and their families, including Kim Tuminello and her daughter...
Risk-Based Monitoring (RBM) makes an impact. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that clinical trial sponsors “provide oversight to ensure adequate protection of the rights, welfare, and safety of human subjects and the quality of the data submitted to FDA.” [US FDA 2019] This has traditionally been accomplished through onsite monitoring visits and...
Developing, executing, and overseeing clinical trials is a complex process. Gaining reliable evidence from clinical trials is essential for appropriate decision-making activities regarding trial participants’ safety and the reliability of trial results. As clinical trials have become more complex, the clinical trial process has faced significant operational challenges. As a result, sponsors must identify proactive...