Clinical Research Directory

GMP Powdered Substitutes in PKU and TYR

Four new GMP-based protein substitutes have been developed to support the dietary management of PKU and TYR. These products are powdered protein substitutes, low in phenylalanine and low in phenylalanine and tyrosine respectively, with a mix of glycomacropeptide (GMP), essential and non-essential amino acids, carbohydrates, fibres, fats (including DHA) and micronutrients. The proteins in these new protein substitutes are based on GMP, a peptide isolated from milk during cheese manufacturing and the only known naturally derived protein source low in phenylalanine and tyrosine. The GMP is supplemented with other amino acids which are naturally low or not present in GMP, as well as carbohydrates, fats, fibre and micronutrients. Studies to date have illustrated that PKU patients who replace their regular phenylalanine-free amino acid-based formula with GMP-based foods may have better diet compliance and prefer the taste whilst maintaining metabolic control. This series of case-studies aims to evaluate the gastrointestinal tolerance, acceptability, compliance, and safety of these four GMP based protein substitutes in both adults and children over 3 years. These case studies will last 29 days in total, including a 1-day baseline period followed by a 28-day intervention period. The case studies will be conducted across multiple specialist metabolic centres in the UK. A series of case studies is undertaken due to the rarity of these conditions, the diversity of patient types and the difficulty in recruiting these patients to trials.