Clinical Research Directory

MT2013-31: Allo HCT for Metabolic Disorders and Severe Osteopetrosis

This single-institution, phase II study is designed to test the ability to achieve donor hematopoietic engraftment while maintaining low rates of transplant-related mortality (TRM) using busulfan- and fludarabine-based conditioning regimens with busulfan therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) for patients with various inherited metabolic disorders (IMD) and severe osteopetrosis (OP).

The Myelin Disorders Biorepository Project

The Myelin Disorders Biorepository Project (MDBP) seeks to collect and analyze clinical data and biological samples from leukodystrophy patients worldwide to support ongoing and future research projects. The MDBP is one of the world's largest leukodystrophy biorepositories, having enrolled nearly 2,000 affected individuals since it was launched over a decade ago. Researchers working in the biorepository hope to use these materials to uncover new genetic etiologies for various leukodystrophies, develop biomarkers for use in future clinical trials, and better understand the natural history of these disorders. The knowledge gained from these efforts may help improve the diagnostic tools and treatment options available to patients in the future.

Modeling Macrophages Activation Pattern in X-linked Adrenoleukodystrophy, Metachromatic Leukodystrophy and Adult Onset Leukoencephalopathy With Axonal Spheroids and Pigmented Glia

This study is a national, non-randomized, open-label, multi-site with minimal risk study in adult with adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN), childhood and adult subjects with cerebral ALD (cALD), juvenile/adult metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) and adults with leukoencephalopathy and axonal spheroids and pigmented glia (ALSP). 49 subjects will be enrolled with one blood sample collection during one of their medical follow-up visit. This trial will evaluate the role of innate immunity to influence disease progression in X-ALD, MLD and ALSP, and if the mutations related to these leukodystrophies result in a specific immune response leading to the pathogenesis.

ScreenPlus: A Comprehensive, Flexible, Multi-disorder Newborn Screening Program

ScreenPlus is a consented, multi-disorder pilot newborn screening program implemented in conjunction with the New York State Newborn Screening Program that provides families the option to have their newborn(s) screened for a panel of additional conditions. The study has three primary objectives: 1) define the analytic and clinical validity of multi-tiered screening assays for a flexible panel of disorders, 2) determine disease incidence in a large newborn population, and 3) assess the impact of early diagnosis on health outcomes. Over a nine-year period, ScreenPlus aims to screen 100,000 infants born in eight high birthrate hospitals in New York for a flexible panel of rare genetic disorders. This study will also evaluate the Ethical, Legal and Social issues pertaining to NBS for complex disorders, which will be done via online surveys that will be directed towards ScreenPlus parents who opt to participate and qualitative interviews with families of infants who are identified through ScreenPlus.

OTL-200 in Patients With Late Juvenile Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD)

OTL-200 is a cryopreserved dispersion for infusion containing autologous CD34+ cell enriched population that contains haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC) transduced ex vivo using a lentiviral vector encoding the human arylsulfatase A (ARSA) gene. MLD is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder (LSD) characterized by severe and progressive demyelination affecting the central and peripheral nervous system. The aim of this clinical study is to assess the pharmacodynamic effect and long-term clinical efficacy and safety of OTL-200 in Late Juvenile MLD patients.

Early Check: Expanded Screening in Newborns

Early Check provides voluntary screening of newborns for a selected panel of conditions. The study has three main objectives: 1) develop and implement an approach to identify affected infants, 2) address the impact on infants and families who screen positive, and 3) evaluate the Early Check program. The Early Check screening will lead to earlier identification of newborns with rare health conditions in addition to providing important data on the implementation of this model program. Early diagnosis may result in health and development benefits for the newborns. Infants who have newborn screening in North Carolina will be eligible to participate, equating to over 120,000 eligible infants a year. Over 95% of participants are expected to screen negative. Newborns who screen positive and their parents are invited to additional research activities and services. Parents can enroll eligible newborns on the Early Check electronic Research Portal. Screening tests are conducted on residual blood from existing newborn screening dried blood spots. Confirmatory testing is provided free-of-charge for infants who screen positive, and carrier testing is provided to mothers of infants with fragile X. Affected newborns have a physical and developmental evaluation. Their parents have genetic counseling and are invited to participate in surveys and interviews. Ongoing evaluation of the program includes additional parent interviews.