"Success is not final, failure is not fatal, it is the courage to continue that counts". Winston Churchill
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| Globally we will cure GNEM |
It has never before been attempted to gather researchers and GNE Myopathy (GNEM) patients on such a large scale under one roof to discuss and examine the available research on this rare disease. However, the Neuromuscular Disease Foundation (NDF) has now successfully conducted and completed this in an exemplary manner. The focus for the 2-day Symposium was to bring together scientists and patients from around the globe in an effort to explore every angle of a cure for GNEM. A wealth of information about GNEM was presented, and I can only attempt to summarize a very small part of the entire Symposium here.
The presentations by GNEM scientists were intense, packed with scientific findings, research, patients stories, exercises, and descriptions of adaptive resources. For more detailed information and accompanying videos, please visit the NDF Facebook page and web site. Please refer to the links at the end of this summary for additional information.
Lale' Welsh, CEO of the NDF commenced the Symposium by welcoming the patients, their caregivers, besides scientists who came from all over the world. Immediately following the introductions, we were off delving into two full days of rigorous scientific data. Patients thereafter were able to have their questions answered face-to-face by the researchers.
Symposium Day 1
1. Dr. Mansbach, Vice President of clinical development from Ultragenyx, stated that he was very saddened by the lack of success of the Phase 3 Sialic Acid trial, which was the last step before regulatory approval. Unfortunately, they were not able confirm the data they showed in Phase 2 of this study. Since it is necessary to show the FDA that the placebo control group versus the group on Sialic Acid demonstrated insignificant benefit, making this the end of the road for the development of this compound. He further stated that it is important to try. Even though this door may be closing, there are other groups that may be able to build upon what has been learned through this trial. Dr. Mansbach further explained the details on how they designed the Phase 3 Sialic Acid trial and and how the endpoints were tested.
2. Dr. Lochmuller from Newcastle, United Kingdom, discussed the online monitoring program for GNEM patients he and his team continue to conduct. It includes a Disease Monitoring Program (DMP) platform where patients can log into their medical file to answer a battery of questions at regular intervals. There is no treatment associated with this program, although they are learning about the most common GNEM mutations that are characteristic in certain groups. Dr. Lochmuller further mentioned that if we can understand the "modifier gene" we may be able to design a effective GNEM treatment.
3. Dr. Nishino from Japan presented information on GNEM that was derived from the Japanese population. In Japan there are 188 registered GNEM patients. Common mutations within the Japanese group are V603L and D207V. This latter mutation is in some cases mild or asymptomatic in patients. Dr. Nishino theorized that there are other options for treating GNEM, such as bone marrow or liver transplant although these are not very easy, practical or even viable to accomplish.
4. Dr. Rosenbaum from Israel (who identified the GNE gene) mentioned that the precise mechanism of the pathway of the GNE gene and its "interactors" are not yet fully understood. Even though GNEM is a mono-genetic disease, she stated that we need to understand if and how it is interacts with other genes. She implied that we need diverse research to bring about more understanding of the GNE gene. Many proteins interact with the GNE gene, thus making the GNE protein problematic to work with.
7. Dr. Shin from Pusan Nat'l University, Yangsan Hospital, South Korea, presented a short piece on how the South Korean GNEM patients are getting organized to increase the Korean peoples' awareness of GNEM. There are approximately 50 known patients in his south Korea. (Note: for several years I have been sending emails to neurologists in Korea, China, and other countries, asking them if they know of any GNEM patients, and if so to have them contact me. Finally, I was able to meet a doctor studying GNEM and a patient from South Korea. Our next frontier is China!
8. A Panel led by Doctors Argov, Huizing Shieh, Rufibach, Mansbach Mozaffar, and Shin. GNEM patients, family members, and caregivers were able to ask various questions from the panel ranging from stem cell therapy to various clinical trials.
9. At an extensive eloquent dinner served to all attendees on the first day of the Symposium, there were two guest speakers Dr. Kakkis, CEO, of Ultragenyx, and Dr. Jerry Mendel from the Nationwide Childrens Hospital, Columbus, Ohio.
Dr. Kakkis made a conscious choice to come and address our patient community regarding the termination of the Ace-ER (Sialic Acid) trial. He did not have to come but made the choice to do so any way as he has always had patient well being at the forefront as a therapy for GNEM was being developed. He notified our group that because the Ace-ER trial failed to meets its primary"end points," and further showed no statistical difference between the placebo group and the group taking Ace-ER: they have no other choice but to terminate that study. There were 89 patients enrolled in this study. Ultragenyx will continue to support other efforts to find a solution for GNEM. Currently, they are working on pro-drug program for GNEM which is a version of Sialic Acid that is now in the early stages of a preclinical trial.
Dr. Mendell outlined the process for applying to the FDA for the pre-IND and IND approval for gene therapy. He further stated that in order to proceed with the gene therapy process, the following will need to be done:
Ms. Lale' Welsh, CEO, NDF presented 10 certified advocates (from various countries) with awards and pins with the hope that they would return to their respective countries and generate increased awareness of GNEM.
Scientists and doctors enjoying an outdoor lunch at the Symposium.
Symposium Day 2
On Day 2 there were various break out sessions as follow:
1. Mr. Clements, Monterey Peninsula College, CA, worked with patients, family members, and caregivers on various adaptive exercises.
2. Dr. Tabibian, NDF Board Member, led the patient group in meditation and nutrition.
3. Dr. Kubacky, Psy.D met with patients only in a private session to discuss various ways to deal with our disease.
4. Ms. Gelbard, LSCW and Dr. Rahban, both NDF Board Members led a group consisting of family members and caregivers.
5. Mr. Loren, NDF Board Member moderated a consortium and data-sharing session with scientists, physicians, industry professionals, and NDF Board Members.
6. Ms. Curran and Mrs. Voogel, both NDF Certified Patient Advocates, led a patient-only group where they discussed, shared, and demonstrated various adaptive resources that GNEM patients may find practical and helpful in their activities of daily living.
Lale' Welsh, CEO of the NDF commenced the Symposium by welcoming the patients, their caregivers, besides scientists who came from all over the world. Immediately following the introductions, we were off delving into two full days of rigorous scientific data. Patients thereafter were able to have their questions answered face-to-face by the researchers.
Symposium Day 1
1. Dr. Mansbach, Vice President of clinical development from Ultragenyx, stated that he was very saddened by the lack of success of the Phase 3 Sialic Acid trial, which was the last step before regulatory approval. Unfortunately, they were not able confirm the data they showed in Phase 2 of this study. Since it is necessary to show the FDA that the placebo control group versus the group on Sialic Acid demonstrated insignificant benefit, making this the end of the road for the development of this compound. He further stated that it is important to try. Even though this door may be closing, there are other groups that may be able to build upon what has been learned through this trial. Dr. Mansbach further explained the details on how they designed the Phase 3 Sialic Acid trial and and how the endpoints were tested.
2. Dr. Lochmuller from Newcastle, United Kingdom, discussed the online monitoring program for GNEM patients he and his team continue to conduct. It includes a Disease Monitoring Program (DMP) platform where patients can log into their medical file to answer a battery of questions at regular intervals. There is no treatment associated with this program, although they are learning about the most common GNEM mutations that are characteristic in certain groups. Dr. Lochmuller further mentioned that if we can understand the "modifier gene" we may be able to design a effective GNEM treatment.
3. Dr. Nishino from Japan presented information on GNEM that was derived from the Japanese population. In Japan there are 188 registered GNEM patients. Common mutations within the Japanese group are V603L and D207V. This latter mutation is in some cases mild or asymptomatic in patients. Dr. Nishino theorized that there are other options for treating GNEM, such as bone marrow or liver transplant although these are not very easy, practical or even viable to accomplish.
4. Dr. Rosenbaum from Israel (who identified the GNE gene) mentioned that the precise mechanism of the pathway of the GNE gene and its "interactors" are not yet fully understood. Even though GNEM is a mono-genetic disease, she stated that we need to understand if and how it is interacts with other genes. She implied that we need diverse research to bring about more understanding of the GNE gene. Many proteins interact with the GNE gene, thus making the GNE protein problematic to work with.
5. Dr. Huizing from
the National Institutes of Health (NIH) reported that they have been
following:
- 54 GNEM patients in the Natural History study program for the past 6 years and thought that this study had valuable data in terms of how GNEM progresses, how muscles function in regards to different mutations.
- The Sialic Acid synthesis pathway has been well studied.
- Dr. Carrillo, from the NIH, and her team have come to understand that chronological age is not equal to "Disease Age." Dr. Carrillo and her team have designed a "Disease Progression Model" to assess the Disease Age of each patient they study. As a patient, I see other patients of the same age, I notice differences in their strengths and their mobility. This will be a very helpful and standardized tool to give all of us an idea of what stage we are in the disease process.
- It has been suggested that perhaps patients who have both mutations on the kinase domain, ManNAc may be more effective
- ManNAc is a neutral sugar that is slowly released into the blood stream. It is easily taken up and sialylated, and thus it could still be present in the blood 48 hours after dosing.
- The NIH plans on starting a multicenter Phase 3 ManNAc trial on 50 patients later this year. For this study patients will need to be off of Sialic Acid, ManNAc, or any other pertinent medications. Patients will need to pass a Quantitative Muscle Assessment (QMA). To participate in this upcoming trial, please monitor this site to see when recruitment will begin. Link to monitor for the upcoming ManNAc trial.
7. Dr. Shin from Pusan Nat'l University, Yangsan Hospital, South Korea, presented a short piece on how the South Korean GNEM patients are getting organized to increase the Korean peoples' awareness of GNEM. There are approximately 50 known patients in his south Korea. (Note: for several years I have been sending emails to neurologists in Korea, China, and other countries, asking them if they know of any GNEM patients, and if so to have them contact me. Finally, I was able to meet a doctor studying GNEM and a patient from South Korea. Our next frontier is China!
8. A Panel led by Doctors Argov, Huizing Shieh, Rufibach, Mansbach Mozaffar, and Shin. GNEM patients, family members, and caregivers were able to ask various questions from the panel ranging from stem cell therapy to various clinical trials.
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| Lale' Welsh, CEO NDF, Commences Dinner Celebrations |
Dr. Kakkis made a conscious choice to come and address our patient community regarding the termination of the Ace-ER (Sialic Acid) trial. He did not have to come but made the choice to do so any way as he has always had patient well being at the forefront as a therapy for GNEM was being developed. He notified our group that because the Ace-ER trial failed to meets its primary"end points," and further showed no statistical difference between the placebo group and the group taking Ace-ER: they have no other choice but to terminate that study. There were 89 patients enrolled in this study. Ultragenyx will continue to support other efforts to find a solution for GNEM. Currently, they are working on pro-drug program for GNEM which is a version of Sialic Acid that is now in the early stages of a preclinical trial.
Dr. Mendell outlined the process for applying to the FDA for the pre-IND and IND approval for gene therapy. He further stated that in order to proceed with the gene therapy process, the following will need to be done:
- One must have good clinical data to show the FDA such as "proof of concept" and "proof of principle."
- Preclinical data to show the FDA, that there is efficacy in an animal model.
- FDA will then assist the investigators in preparing a delivery scheme to proceed with the chosen form of gene therapy.
- Dr. Mendell is using the mouse model from Dr.Nishino and the transgenic mouse from Dr. Rosenbaum.
- The delivery gene that contains the virus still has to be tested on several hundreds mice and on non-human primates for toxicology purposes.
- Dr. Mendell also discussed the various vectors, promoters, and systematic delivery methods.
- There is possibility of a ten fold gene expression in the GNE gene using an MCK promoter which could allow the gene expression to persist for over one year.
- To proceed with toxicology tests $300,000 is needed and about $3.5 million would be needed to proceed with GNEM gene therapy trial on humans.
Ms. Lale' Welsh, CEO, NDF presented 10 certified advocates (from various countries) with awards and pins with the hope that they would return to their respective countries and generate increased awareness of GNEM.
Symposium Day 2
On Day 2 there were various break out sessions as follow:
1. Mr. Clements, Monterey Peninsula College, CA, worked with patients, family members, and caregivers on various adaptive exercises.
2. Dr. Tabibian, NDF Board Member, led the patient group in meditation and nutrition.
3. Dr. Kubacky, Psy.D met with patients only in a private session to discuss various ways to deal with our disease.
4. Ms. Gelbard, LSCW and Dr. Rahban, both NDF Board Members led a group consisting of family members and caregivers.
5. Mr. Loren, NDF Board Member moderated a consortium and data-sharing session with scientists, physicians, industry professionals, and NDF Board Members.
6. Ms. Curran and Mrs. Voogel, both NDF Certified Patient Advocates, led a patient-only group where they discussed, shared, and demonstrated various adaptive resources that GNEM patients may find practical and helpful in their activities of daily living.
Ms. Curran and Mrs Voogel, NDF Certified Advocates set up a "Whatsapp group" to assist with communication and updates of the Symposium. There was a caregiver liason, Mr. Pizzi who was ready to transport the patients and scientists in a shuttle to the various venues around UCLA campus.
Seen and experienced from the eyes of a GNEM patient, my takeaway from this Symposium is that I felt that we were united as a GNEM group both, patients and scientists. We were united in one goal and the goal is a cure for GNE Myopathy. Additionally, I felt that we were very fortunate to have these "Giants" (talented, dedicated scientists) working on our rare disease. There are more than 7,000 rare diseases and GNEM is getting their attention.
We have had a minor setback with the termination of the Sialic Acid trial, but setbacks are not failures. It may lead us to a deeper understanding in how the GNE gene works and interacts with our other genes. Let us remind ourselves that we are warriors, everyday warriors. We face extreme challenges every day with our physical selves. Our long-term vision must be to find a cure. We must continue the effort to get patients accurately diagnosed in our communities. We know we have not yet scratched the surface since, per the NIH calculation, there are approximately 40,000 GNEM patients world wide of which only a small fraction is known to researchers. Strength lies in number and our job is to find these patients.
I want to thank my extended GNEM family (my beloved GNEM friends, Lale', Nancy, Amy and Jon) for giving me the opportunity to experience your presence at this Symposium. Without the undying love of a mother for her daughter we would not have the NDF.
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| We are STRONG just after our exercises, nutrition presentation, and sharing many practical tips. |
1. NDF Facebook Page
2. Curehibm.org
"There's a silly notion that failure's not an option at NASA. Failure is an option here. If things are not failing, you are not innovating enough." Elon Musk
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