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A dual-dimensional CRISPR toolkit enables one-step high-efficiency multiplex genome editing in Komagataella phaffii.

Against the backdrop of green biomanufacturing, engineering methanol-utilizing Komagataella phaffii (K. phaffii) represents an effective strategy to expand the one carbon (C1) product profile and speed up the industrialization of C1-based bioeconomy. To address the technical challenges of low efficiency and cumbersome experimental procedures for multiplex gene editing and precise large-fragment integration during the reconstruction of complex metabolic pathways in K. phaffii, this study established a CRISPR toolkit - Efficient Multi-Gene Editing System 3.0 (EMGES 3.0) - which enabled one-step large-fragment integration coupled with multiplex gene knockout. EMGES 3.0 was constructed through the synergistic optimization of a repair-engineered chassis and an episomal CRISPR vector. For chassis engineering, five DNA repair modules: Δlig4 (DNA Ligase IV, non-homologous end joining end ligation), ppMRE11(The endogenous MRE11 gene from Pichia pastoris) overexpression (The Meiotic Recombination 11, DNA double-strand break end resection), Δrad9 (Radiation-Sensitive 9, DNA damage checkpoint regulation), Δmph1 (Mutator Phenotype Helicase 1, improvement of homologous recombinant strand extension), and PapRecT-PaSSB co-expression (stabilization of recombination intermediates) were integrated to generate the highly recombinogenic strain Y09. For vector engineering, cenARS was replaced by panARS and the endogenous promoter PGAP was employed to drive the double hammerhead ribozyme-single guide RNA-hepatitis delta virus ribozyme (double HH-sgRNA-HDV: dHgH)-mediated sgRNA expression, yielding the optimized vector Nov_pGAP_panARS_pLAT1_Cas9. These two features on K. phaffii together enhanced the EMGES 3.0 to a higher standard of transformation rate and editing efficiency. According to our results, EMGES 3.0 achieved dual-functional gene knockout efficiencies between 76.6% and 100%. For insertion of medium-long fragments (>4.5 kb), the efficiency achieved 93.3%. In addition, the one-step integration of ultra-long fragments (>16 kb) achieved 14.8%, which was reported for the first time. Furthermore, the efficiency of simultaneous long-fragment integration at three neutral loci reached 38.4% (>15 kb). We applied the system for one-step production of free fatty acids (FFAs, yield: 5.82 ∼ 7.30 mg/L/OD600) and resveratrol (yield: 1.14 ∼ 1.28 mg/L) using methanol as the sole carbon source. EMGES 3.0 provides a robust technical foundation for complex compounds biosynthesis and high-yield industrial strains, while also advancing K. phaffii as an industrial synthetic biology chassis for efficient C1 utilization.

CRISPR-Cas Systems

Gene-environment interaction between perinatal oxytocin exposure and Pten mutation shapes epigenetic reprogramming of oxytocin signaling and behavior in mice.

Synthetic oxytocin (Pitocin) is the most commonly used pharmacologic agent for induction and augmentation of labor. Beyond its uterotonic effects, oxytocin plays a critical role in neurodevelopment and social behavior. Dysregulated oxytocin signaling has been implicated in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), raising concern that perinatal exposure to exogenous oxytocin may have lasting neurodevelopmental consequences. This study aimed to determine whether offspring harboring a genetic predisposition for ASD are differentially impacted by perinatal oxytocin exposures, with a focus on long-term oxytocin signaling and autism-like behavior. Pregnant mice carrying offspring with heterozygous mutations in phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (Pten), a well-established monogenic risk factor for ASD, received continuous oxytocin versus phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) control via micro-osmotic pumps during late gestation. Wild-type (WT) offspring exposed to each treatment served as a secondary control. Adult offspring were assessed for oxytocin receptor (Oxtr) methylation in the frontal cortex and hippocampus, oxytocin expression in the hypothalamus, serum oxytocin levels, and were subject to a battery of social and anxiety-related behavior tests. Perinatal oxytocin exposure produced genotype-dependent effects in offspring. Epigenetic analyses revealed bidirectional remodeling of Oxtr methylation in the frontal cortex and hippocampus, with increased exon 1 methylation in WT mice and decreased methylation in Pten-mutant mice, resulting in significant genotype-treatment interactions. Hypothalamic oxytocin expression increased following treatment regardless of genotype, though baseline levels were higher in Pten-mutant mice. Neither oxytocin treatment nor genotype impacted long-term serum oxytocin levels. Behavioral outcomes were modest but context-specific: repetitive behaviors and cognition performance were unchanged, but oxytocin-treated Pten-mutant mice exhibited increased anxiety-like behavior alongside improved social memory. In contrast, oxytocin-treated WT mice showed reduced social novelty preference. Exploratory analyses suggested potential sex-dependent trends. Our findings support a model in which genetic susceptibility shapes the epigenetic encoding of early-life hormonal signals, thereby recalibrating oxytocin system function and downstream behavioral outcomes. Together, these data highlight the context-dependent effects of perinatal oxytocin exposure and argue against uniformly beneficial or detrimental effects, emphasizing the importance of gene-environment interactions in neurodevelopmental trajectories.

Animals

Efficacy of high-intensity laser therapy versus ultrasound therapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: High-intensity laser therapy (HILT) and ultrasound (US) are widely used for knee osteoarthritis (KOA), but comparative efficacy data remain scarce. This study compared HILT and US as exercise adjuncts in patients with KOA. METHODS: In this single-center, assessor-blinded RCT, 66 adults with KOA were randomized 1:1 to HILT or US twice weekly for 6&#xa0;weeks as exercise adjuncts. The primary outcome was WOMAC total score change from baseline to 12&#xa0;weeks post-treatment (minimum important change [MIC]&#x2009;=&#x2009;10 points, applied as an approximation). Secondary outcomes included VAS, OKS, KOOS, and EQ-5D-5L. RESULTS: In ITT analysis (N&#x2009;=&#x2009;66), the HILT group achieved a mean WOMAC reduction of 40.0 vs 8.2 points (adjusted between-group difference: -27.7 points, 95% CI:&#x2009;-&#x2009;39.0 to&#x2009;-&#x2009;16.5; p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001, partial &#x3b7;2&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.277). At 12&#xa0;weeks post-treatment, greater improvements across all secondary outcomes were observed in exploratory analyses (p&#x2009;&#x2264;&#x2009;0.012). Furthermore, HILT maintained therapeutic effects up to 12&#xa0;weeks post-treatment, whereas the US group experienced a gradual loss of post-treatment gains. CONCLUSION: HILT combined with exercise produced greater short-term improvements in WOMAC total score than US in patients with KOA, with exploratory findings suggesting consistent benefits in pain, function, and quality of life, and with benefits maintained up to 12&#xa0;weeks after the last treatment session.

Humans

Cost-Effectiveness and the Economics of Genomic Testing and Molecularly Matched Therapies.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of precision oncology can help guide value-driven care. Next-generation sequencing is increasingly cost-efficient over single gene testing because diagnostic algorithms require multiple individual gene tests to determine biomarker status. Matched targeted therapy is often not cost-effective due to the high cost associated with drug treatment. However, genomic profiling can promote cost-effective care by identifying patients who are unlikely to benefit from therapy. Additional applications of genomic profiling such as universal testing for hereditary cancer syndromes and germline testing in patients with cancer may represent cost-effective approaches compared with traditional history-based diagnostic methods.

Humans

Marginal fit and five-year outcomes of posterior monolithic zirconia restorations: A randomized paired and observational clinical study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the marginal fit and five-year clinical performance of posterior 5 mol% yttria-partially stabilized zirconia restorations. A randomized paired comparison with lithium disilicate crowns was performed for marginal fit. METHODS: A total of 65 posterior restorations were placed in 38 patients, including 32 zirconia crowns, 17 lithium disilicate crowns, and 16 zirconia partial coverage restorations. In the randomized paired comparison, 17 patients received one lithium disilicate crown and one zirconia crown. Additional zirconia crowns (n=15) and zirconia partial coverage restorations (n=16) were included in a prospective observational cohort. The primary outcome was marginal fit within the randomized cohort. Marginal and internal fit were assessed using the replica technique. Marginal and internal gap values were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test; clinical outcomes were analyzed descriptively, and Kaplan-Meier estimates were calculated for survival and complication-free survival. Clinical performance was assessed using CDA criteria, periodontal parameters, complication recording, and patient-reported outcomes. Clinical examinations were performed at baseline and at 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months. RESULTS: Mean marginal gap values at the crown margin were 46 &#xb1;33 &#xb5;m for lithium disilicate crowns and 50 &#xb1;32 &#xb5;m for zirconia crowns (p>0.05). No restoration required replacement, resulting in 100% restoration survival after a median follow-up of 60 months (range: 57-64 months). Most complications were biological or functional, including endodontic, periodontal, occlusal, and proximal-contact-related events. One zirconia partial coverage restoration exhibited a small ceramic fracture managed by polishing. The Kaplan-Meier probability of complication-free survival was 76.4% for zirconia crowns, 66.7% for lithium disilicate crowns, and 87.5% for zirconia partial coverage restorations. CONCLUSIONS: In the randomized paired comparison, 5 mol% yttria-partially stabilized zirconia crowns showed marginal gap values similar to lithium disilicate crowns. All restorations remained in situ during the observation period. Lower complication-free survival was mainly related to biological and functional events and should be interpreted separately from restoration survival. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Clinical evidence for posterior 5 mol% yttria-partially stabilized zirconia restorations remains limited. This study provides mid-term clinical data on crowns and partial coverage restorations. In the randomized full-crown comparison, marginal fit was similar to that of lithium disilicate crowns, supporting the clinical consideration of monolithic zirconia restorations for posterior teeth.

Humans

Insulin, Semaglutide and Dapagliflozin in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes: Design and Methods of Triple Therapy for Type 1 Diabetes (TTT1)-An International Phase 3 Clinical Trial.

AIMS: Attaining target glycaemia can be a challenge in Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) due to insulin-induced weight gain. Adjunct therapy with modern glucose-lowering agents developed for type 2 diabetes (T2D) has great potential but may be insufficiently efficacious and carries risks of hypoglycaemia and ketosis. We designed the first Phase 3 clinical trial to assess the efficacy and safety of adding a Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) and a Sodium-Glucose Co-transporter (SGLT2) Inhibitor to insulin therapy in overweight and obese adults with T1D and glycaemia above target (HbA1c 7.5%-11.0% inclusive) (NCT03899402). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In Period 1, participants are randomized 2:1 (open label) for 26&#x2009;weeks to semaglutide and insulin (uptitrated to 1.0&#x2009;mg weekly) or standard insulin therapy. In Period 2, those randomized to semaglutide and insulin in Period 1 are further randomized (double-blind) for 26&#x2009;weeks to dapagliflozin (10&#x2009;mg daily) or placebo, in addition to semaglutide. The primary objective is to compare change in HbA1c on 'triple therapy' (dapagliflozin, semaglutide and insulin) with 'dual therapy' (placebo, semaglutide and insulin). Secondary objectives include comparisons of triple therapy with standard insulin therapy and dual therapy (semaglutide and insulin) with standard insulin therapy. Safety outcomes include hypoglycaemia and ketosis. A sample size recalculation during the trial based on analysis of masked data revised the original recruitment target from 114 to 82 participants. CONCLUSION: The TTT1 trial will provide clinically useful information on combination adjunct therapy in the treatment of T1D.

Humans

Understanding FDA's reasons for nonapproval: A systematic review of complete response letters in cell and gene therapy.

BACKGROUND AIMS: Cell and gene therapy products face unique regulatory challenges due to their biological complexity and the stringent expectations for manufacturing control, analytical testing, and clinical assessment. As the pipeline grows, understanding the drivers of FDA non&#x2011;approval is increasingly important for improving first&#x2011;cycle success and reducing development delays. In this study, we aimed to characterize the frequency and impact of refuse&#x2011;to&#x2011;file actions, major amendments, and complete response letters issued for biologics licensing applications; and to identify recurring patterns of deficiencies contributing to delayed approval. METHODS: Publicly available documents were extracted from the FDA website. Data from each approved cell and gene therapy product's regulatory history-including complete responses, major amendments, inspection timing, and cited deficiencies-were compiled and categorized across clinical, quality, and labeling domains. RESULTS: Analysis showed that informational deficiencies were common across modalities. Major amendments occurred in roughly half of applications, and complete responses had the most significant impact. Quality deficiencies appeared in all complete responses and were the predominant barrier, while clinical and labeling issues were less frequent but meaningful when present. CONCLUSION: Overall, these findings highlight the need for proactive FDA engagement, comprehensive readiness, and early inspection preparation to reduce regulatory risk and improve first cycle approval outcomes.

Humans

Effects of Cognitive Behavioral Couple Therapy With Integrated Mindfulness on Mindful Attention, Depressive Symptoms, and Dyadic Adjustment in Low-Income Couples: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial.

Psychosocial distress can exacerbate marital conflict, maladjustment, and mental health vulnerability. This pilot randomized clinical trial examined cognitive-behavioral couple therapy (CBCT) integrated with mindfulness in low-income Brazilian couples (per-capita household income up to one minimum wage). Thirty-four participants (17 heterosexual couples) were randomized (independent computer-generated sequence) to an experimental (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;16) or waitlist control group (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;18). We assessed dyadic adjustment, mindful attention, marital social skills, and depressive symptoms (R-DAS, MAAS, IHSC, BDI-II) at baseline, post-treatment, and 3-month follow-up. The intervention was eight 80-min conjoint sessions plus daily home exercises. Time&#x2009;&#xd7;&#x2009;group effects favored the experimental group for dyadic adjustment, mindful attention, and depressive symptoms (all p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001,&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.20-0.37), but not marital social skills (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.14). Because two outcomes differed at baseline, effects were confirmed with baseline- and dependence-adjusted sensitivity analyses. These findings provide preliminary evidence that CBCT with mindfulness may benefit disadvantaged couples.

Adult

The role of particle therapy in the treatment of locally recurrent rectal cancer: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is a common malignancy. Advancements in multimodality treatment have improved outcomes. About 2-10% of patients will have a local recurrence even after optimal treatment. Salvage surgical treatment is the treatment of choice, however, in posterior and lateral recurrences, surgery is linked to a high rate of treatment-related morbidity. Some recurrences remain unresectable even after neoadjuvant treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic literature review was performed to search for studies on curative-intent radiation therapy (RT) with photons, stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and particle beam therapy. The aim of the literature search was to define the role of particle therapy in the treatment of patients with unresectable or inoperable local recurrences of rectal cancer where neoadjuvant treatment is unlikely to result in downstaging, leaving patients with RT as the only curative treatment option. RESULTS: 32 studies which fulfil the criteria were identified. In general, SBRT and particle beam therapy permitted the application of significantly higher doses to the target without a concomitant increase in treatment-related toxicities. CONCLUSIONS: For unresectable and inoperable locally recurrent rectal cancer ablative radiotherapy techniques such as SBRT and particle beam therapy offer a curative treatment approach as an alternative to surgery. SBRT can be offered for small local and nodal recurrences, while particle beam therapy can be offered for larger recurrences and complex shapes spanning several anatomical compartments as well. Further research is needed to stratify patients according to their need and eligibility for the different possible modalities of curative-intent RT.

Humans

Effectiveness of psychologically informed physical therapy, tendon-specific exercise program and routine physical therapy in prolonged unilateral shoulder pain and symptom correlations with imaging: a single-center, randomized, parallel-group, three-arm study (RESPECT).

BACKGROUND: Shoulder complaints are one of the most common musculoskeletal ailments. Patient-specific characteristics such as obesity, depression and physical labor are established risk factors, whereas imaging findings are common and associations between specific imaging findings and symptomatology is limited. General exercises are considered useful in treatment whereas evidence for specific tendon exercises is lacking. Biopsychosocial model is also recommended, but has not been extensively studied concerning shoulder symptoms. This article describes the study protocol designed to evaluate the effectiveness and the cost-effectiveness of routine and specific physical therapy (PT) interventions. Imaging is performed for descriptive, longitudinal and imaging-symptom correlation studies. METHODS: The Rehabilitation of Shoulder Pain: Evaluation and Clinical Trial (RESPECT) is a randomized three-arm parallel-group study involving 300 participants aged 20 to 60&#xa0;years with prolonged unilateral shoulder pain. Participants will receive either routine PT, physiotherapist-guided tendon-specific exercise program or psychologically informed PT. Bilateral shoulder radiographs, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging will be done at the baseline and at 12 and 36&#xa0;months. Electronic surveys will be completed at the baseline and at 3, 6, 12 and 36&#xa0;months. The primary outcome will be patient-specific functional scale (PSFS) at 12&#xa0;months, analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), adjusted for baseline PSFS. DISCUSSION: RESPECT will provide systematic and controlled data regarding different PT interventions in prolonged shoulder symptoms, which is currently limited. Being one of the most common sources of musculoskeletal pain, improved management could reduce symptom-related burden and prolonged functional impairment at individual and population level. CLINICALTRIALS: gov; Registration number NCT07235969; Registered November 18th, 2025; Version: 1.0.

Humans

The effect of combining visuo-vestibular exercises with manual therapy and exercise on sensorimotor function in chronic neck pain: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether adding visuo-vestibular exercises to standard manual therapy and exercise produces superior improvements in sensorimotor function, pain, balance, and functional disability in adults with chronic neck pain. METHODS: This prospective, randomized controlled trial enrolled 58 adults with chronic neck pain (&#x2265;3 months) allocated to a manual therapy and exercise group (MtE; n&#x202f;=&#x202f;29) or MtE plus visuo-vestibular exercises (MtE-VVE; n&#x202f;=&#x202f;29). Both groups completed 12 supervised sessions over six weeks with a daily home exercise programme. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks, and included pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale [VAS]), upper extremity reaction time, computerized posturography, the Neck Disability Index (NDI), and cervical muscle endurance. RESULTS: Fifty-four participants (27 per group) completed the study. Both groups improved significantly across all outcomes (p&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.001). At 12-week follow-up, the MtE-VVE group demonstrated superior outcomes: activity-related pain was reduced by an additional 2.00&#x202f;cm (95% CI: 0.75-3.25; p&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.005), bilateral reaction time improved by 1.70&#x202f;s (p&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.001), eyes-open mediolateral sway decreased by 0.50&#x202f;mm (p&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.001), NDI score was 6.30 points lower (95% CI: 3.42-9.18; p&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.001), and cervical flexion and extension endurance improved by 12.00&#x202f;s and 27.70&#x202f;s, respectively (p&#x202f;&#x2264;&#x202f;0.020). CONCLUSION: Adding visuo-vestibular exercises to standard manual therapy and exercise produces clinically meaningful and sustained improvements in activity-related pain, sensorimotor function, postural control, and functional disability in adults with chronic neck pain, and may be recommended as an effective adjunctive intervention.

Humans

Time to subsequent therapy (TTST) as an endpoint in clinical studies: development of standardized documentation of subsequent therapy through systematic literature review, expert interviews, and Delphi survey.

BACKGROUND: The endpoint Time to Subsequent Therapy (TTST) is an intermediate endpoint used in research and regulatory assessments. TTST denotes initiation of subsequent therapy and is a clearly definable, clinically relevant event for healthcare professionals. However, it has not been systematically established to which extent TTST is subjectively meaningful to patients. The objective of this study was to define TTST as a patient-relevant intermediate endpoint. METHODS: The study examined five oncological indications (breast cancer, prostate cancer, melanoma, multiple myeloma, and non-small cell lung cancer) using a systematic literature review, analysis of case report forms used in international randomized controlled trials, review of German Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) documents, semi-structured interviews and a two-stage Delphi survey with healthcare professionals, patients, and relatives. RESULTS: A total of 35 individuals participated in qualitative interviews. Most of them rated TTST as particularly significant. The Delphi Survey included 264 interviewees in round one, and 117 in round two. Patient-relevance of TTST was confirmed by 81% of respondents (95% confidence interval 76%, 85%). Nine treatment scenarios that justify TTST were identified. To capture patient-relevance, prospective collection of reasons for and consequences of therapy change are required. A checklist with standardized response formats plus free-text fields was developed: a comprehensive master checklist for flexible, complete documentation and a short version focused on therapy change-specific items. CONCLUSIONS: TTST is an intermediate endpoint whose systematic documentation of characteristics demonstrating patient-relevance can be standardized in research and clinical practice using the developed checklists.

Humans

Effects of automated massage chair therapy on mental health and physical health: A comprehensive study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Automated massage chair therapy is a non-pharmacological intervention widely believed to enhance wellness, yet evidence regarding its effects remains limited. This 3-part study evaluated the effects of automated massage chair therapy on mental and physical health. METHODS: In Part 1, 20 moderately stressed students were randomized to receive a 20-minute automated massage chair therapy session followed by a 20-minute control session, or vice versa, with a 48-hour washout period. Blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), electroencephalogram (EEG), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were measured. In Part 2, 20 hypertensive hospital staff received three 20-minute automated massage chair therapy sessions on alternate days. BP, HR, and skin blood flow (SBF) were measured. In Part 3, 20 hospital staff with chronic low back pain received three 20-minute automated massage chair therapy sessions on alternate days. Electromyogram (EMG) and VAS were measured. RESULTS: Automated massage chair therapy significantly reduced diastolic blood pressure (DBP), HR, stress, and anxiety among moderately stressed students. In hospital staff with hypertension, SBF did not change significantly, whereas BP and HR decreased significantly after automated massage chair therapy. In hospital staff with chronic low back pain, low back function improved, and pain was significantly reduced after automated massage chair therapy. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that automated massage chair therapy may help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and alleviate low back pain.

Humans

Animal-assisted therapy in pediatric urodynamics.

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND: Urodynamics (UDS) is associated with high levels of patient anxiety/discomfort. Children are often unable to complete UDS, with anesthesia needed to place catheters. Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) has been used in a variety of settings, but it has not been studied for UDS before. OBJECTIVE: To determine if AAT can increase success of completing UDS testing without anesthesia in children who were previously unable to perform UDS, along with decreasing distress levels. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a pilot case series of 7 patients (2 female, 5 male) aged 4-16 (mean 9.7) years who previously were unable to complete UDS awake, with AAT prior to and during the UDS procedure. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to measure patient stress levels before and after AAT. RESULTS: We were able to successfully complete UDS testing with AAT in 6 of the 7 patients (85.7%) without the need for anesthesia. VAS scores decreased from before to after AAT (5.4-3.6, p = 0.020) but with discrepancy when compared to UDS success. DISCUSSION: Our study was the first to describe AAT during UDS. Our preliminary data found AAT to be feasible in UDS. Subjective distress may not correlate with procedural success. AAT in UDS may be more beneficial in certain populations, such as anxious children who previously were unable to tolerate UDS, and not in others such as severe neurodevelopmental conditions. Our study was limited by the small sample size, a single provider, single center, single therapy dog, inclusion of a specific population of patients, and no control group due to this being a pilot study. CONCLUSION: AAT for certain children undergoing UDS testing could help improve the ability to complete the testing without anesthesia. Further studies are needed to fully demonstrate its usefulness in UDS.

Humans

Adeno-Associated Virus Gene Therapy Translation: Lessons from Early Regulatory Meetings.

The Platform Vector-Gene Therapy (PaVe-GT) program is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) initiative that aims to develop adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapies for four monogenic rare diseases, two organic acidemias and two congenital myasthenic syndromes. PaVe-GT's platform-based approach identifies and diminishes redundancies and applies efficiencies in preclinical, clinical, and regulatory activities. The program's hypothesis is that implementing these efficiencies can accelerate clinical trial initiation. Based on its platform-centric experience and public-serving mission, the PaVe-GT program actively shares its scientific and regulatory learnings with the public to benefit the development of similar gene therapy products for rare diseases. PaVe-GT's first investigational AAV gene therapy candidate is AAV serotype 9 human propionyl-CoA carboxylase alpha subunit (AAV9-hPCCA) for propionic acidemia caused by PCCA deficiency, which received initial feedback from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in an INitial Targeted Engagement for Regulatory Advice on CBER/Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) ProducTs (INTERACT) meeting. Upon further product development that took into consideration the FDA's initial advice, the program obtained the Agency's feedback in pre-investigational new drug (IND) (Type B) and Type C meetings. Here, we share our experience from these meetings, including strategy, preparation, pre- and post-meeting feedback from the FDA, and lessons learned during the AAV9-hPCCA regulatory process, which the program plans to apply across the PaVe-GT platform. Topics discussed in the regulatory meetings included animal model and efficacy studies, toxicology study plans, manufacturing of the investigational AAV product, and clinical trial design. The main lessons learned from the pre-IND and Type C meetings for AAV9-hPCCA are: (1) Pharmacology/Toxicology studies in a single rodent species are sufficient for filing an initial IND; (2) FDA feedback guides product quality improvements and early development of a quantitative potency assay; (3) use of biomarkers as potential surrogate endpoints in a future efficacy trial benefits from collection of data in the natural history study and the first-in-human Phase 1/2 study; and (4) evidence from the Phase 1/2 clinical trial could be leveraged to support a license application. Lightly redacted regulatory documents and comprehensive templates developed by the PaVe-GT team are available on the PaVe-GT website.

Dependovirus

Effects of an internet-based combined exercise and cognitive-behavioral therapy intervention on endocannabinoid system biomarkers and physical fitness in adults with mild-to-moderate depression: a SONRIE randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: This SONRIE randomized controlled trial (NCT05849792) examined the effects of a 12-week combined physical exercise and internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (iCBT) intervention on endocannabinoid system (ES) biomarkers and physical fitness in adults with mild-to-moderate depression. METHODS: Eighty adults were randomly assigned 1:1 to an intervention (IG) or control (CG) group. Outcomes included nine ES biomarkers (2-arachidonoylglycerol, 2-AG; anandamide, AEA; seven analogues) and physical fitness, including cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF; 6-minute walking test) and muscular strength. Measurements were taken at baseline, post-intervention and 8-week follow-up. Primary analysis performed 2&#x2009;&#xd7;&#x2009;3 repeated-measures ANOVA on completers; mixed-effects intention-to-treat model as sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: No significant time &#xd7; group interaction was detected for any ES biomarker, including 2-AG (F(2,88)&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.17, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.844) and AEA (F(2,88)&#x2009;=&#x2009;1.20, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.306); both groups showed comparable within-group decreases in 2-AG, 2-LG and 2-OG. The intervention significantly improved CRF [between-group difference&#x2009;+&#x2009;81.6&#xa0;m at 12 weeks (F(2,78)&#x2009;=&#x2009;7.88, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.001)], exceeding the established minimal clinically important difference. None of the exploratory muscular fitness outcomes reached statistical significance; the arm curl test showed a borderline non-significant interaction (F(2,78)&#x2009;=&#x2009;2.83, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.065). CONCLUSION: A 12-week internet-based combined exercise and iCBT intervention significantly improved CRF in adults with mild-to-moderate depression. We did not find evidence of an intervention-specific effect on plasma ES biomarkers. These findings support the inclusion of internet-delivered exercise and psychological interventions in comprehensive treatment strategies for depression. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05849792 (registered 6 May 2023).

Humans

Clopidogrel Versus Dual-Antiplatelet Therapy for Long-Term Maintenance After Coronary Stenting in Ischemic and Bleeding Birisk Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes and Diabetes: A Prespecified Subgroup Analysis of the OPT-BIRISK Trial.

BACKGROUND: Among patients with acute coronary syndromes at both high bleeding and ischemic risk (birisk), extended clopidogrel monotherapy after 9 to 12&#x2009;months of dual-antiplatelet therapy reduces bleeding without increasing ischemia. Whether this benefit extends to birisk patients with diabetes is unknown. METHODS: This prespecified subgroup analysis of the OPT-BIRISK (Optimal Antiplatelet Therapy for High Bleeding and Ischemic Risk Patients) trial included birisk patients with acute coronary syndrome who had completed 9 to 12&#x2009;months of dual-antiplatelet therapy after percutaneous coronary intervention. Patients were then randomized 1:1 to 9&#x2009;months of clopidogrel&#x2009;plus&#x2009;placebo versus clopidogrel&#x2009;plus&#x2009;aspirin. Outcomes were compared by diabetes status. The primary end point was Bleeding Academic Research Consortium type 2, 3, or 5 bleeding at 9 months after randomization. The key secondary end point was major adverse cardiac and cerebral events, defined as a composite outcome of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke, or clinically driven revascularization. RESULTS: Of 7758 patients, 4072 (52.5%) had diabetes. Clopidogrel monotherapy decreased Bleeding Academic Research Consortium type 2, 3, or 5 bleeding (2.1% versus 3.2%; hazard ratio [HR], 0.66 [95% CI, 0.45-0.97]) with no increase in major adverse cardiac and cerebral events (2.9% versus 3.6%; HR, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.56-1.12]) compared with clopidogrel plus aspirin in patients with diabetes. Outcomes were consistent in patients without diabetes, with no significant interactions by diabetes status. CONCLUSIONS: In birisk patients with acute coronary syndrome who were stable on dual-antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel plus aspirin for 9 to 12 months after percutaneous coronary intervention, clopidogrel monotherapy for an additional 9 months reduced clinically relevant bleeding without increasing ischemic events compared with continued dual-antiplatelet therapy, irrespective of diabetes status. REGISTRATION: URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03431142.

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