Clinical Research Directory

Single Patient Investigational Treatment for Cree Leukoencephalopathy

Cree Leukoencephalopathy (CLE) is a very rare and severe brain disease that mainly affects members of the Cree communities in Northern Quebec. It causes the white matter of the brain-the part that helps nerves communicate-to slowly break down. As the disease progresses, children develop serious neurological problems that worsen over time and, sadly, lead to early death. At the moment, there are no effective treatments for CLE. The disease is caused by a single genetic change in the EIF2B5 gene, the same gene involved in another related condition called Vanishing White Matter (VWM). A new medication called fosigotifator (FGT, ABBV-CLS-7262) is currently being tested in an international clinical trial for VWM. The goal of this study is to provide access to this investigational medication (FGT) for a patient with CLE/VWM for whom no other treatment options exist. The study will also look at whether the potential benefits of FGT outweigh the risks, and whether the drug might slow down or stop the brain's white matter from deteriorating. By targeting the underlying cause of the disease, FGT may help reduce neurological symptoms and improve the patient's quality of life.

Research Study for Single-Patient Treatment of Cree Leukoencephalopathy/Vanishing White Matter Disease

Cree Leukoencephalopathy (CLE) is a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disorder predominantly affecting the Cree population in Northern Quebec. Characterized by progressive white matter degeneration, this condition leads to severe neurological impairment and decline, leading to premature death. Despite its significant impact on the affected population, there are currently no effective treatments for CLE. CLE is caused by a single founder pathogenic variant in the EIF2B5 gene and is therefore allelic to VWM. Fosigotifator (FGT, ABBV-CLS-7262) has been developed and its safety and efficacy are currently being studied in a multi-center Phase 1b/2 clinical trial for Vanishing White Matter (VWM) by Calico in collaboration with AbbVie. This study aims to provide under compassionate use program access to an investigational drug (FGT) for a patient diagnosed with CLE/VWM disease which has no treatment options currently available. The study will also evaluate the risk/benefit of FGT in slowing or halting the progression of white matter degeneration in a patient with CLE. By targeting the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of white matter damage, FGT is expected to alleviate neurological symptoms and improve the quality of life for the patient. The outcomes of this study could provide critical insights into the disease's management and pave the way for the development of targeted therapies, ultimately offering hope to a population with limited treatment options.