NCT02852213 · Krzysztof Bankiewicz
A Single-Stage, Adaptive, Open-label, Dose Escalation Safety and Efficacy Study of AADC Deficiency in Pediatric Patients
(AADC)
What this study is about
The overall objective of this study is to determine the safety and effectiveness of AAV2-hAADC delivered to the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) in children with aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency.
View original scientific description
The overall objective of this study is to determine the safety and efficacy of AAV2-hAADC delivered to the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) in children with aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency.
Interventions
DRUG
AAV2-hAADC
Initially, subjects will be enrolled sequentially into 2 dose groups. 3 subjects will be enrolled in Cohort 1 and treated with a single dose of AAV2 hAADC (1.3x10 11 vg, delivered as infusate volume of up to 160μL of vector at concentration of 8.3x10 11 vg/mL) on Day 0. Enrollment in Cohort 2 may commence after the last subject in Cohort 1 is treated and followed through Month 3 post-op, with approval of the data safety monitoring board (DSMB). Cohort 2 will receive a higher dose (4.2 x 10\^11 vg, 160 uL). Upon DSMB review of Cohort 1/2 results, Cohort 3 (4-12 yo) and 4 (aged \>/= 13 yo) will be dosed (1.6 x 10\^12 vg, 60uL) in 1-2 sites bilaterally in-between the SNc and VTA. Cohort 5 will follow (aged 24-47 months) at 1.3 x 10\^12 vg, 500uL. Final safety and clinical outcome assessments will be performed 1 year post-surgery. Follow-up analysis will be performed for 2 years post-op. Subjects will be enrolled in a long-term follow-up study to assess safety and clinical status updates.
Primary outcome measures
Adverse events related to surgery and gene transfer
Time frame: 2 years
Assessment of adverse events related to surgery (including intracerebral hemorrhage or stroke, CNS infection) and gene transfer (including severity of post-operative dyskinesia)
CSF neurotransmitter metabolite concentrations
Time frame: 1 year
Change in CSF neurotransmitter metabolite concentrations after gene transfer (increase in homovanillic acid (HVA) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), and elevated 3-O-methyldopa (3-OMD) concentrations)
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Definite diagnosis of AADC deficiency, confirmed by at least two of the following three criteria: (1) CSF neurotransmitter profile demonstrating reduced HVA and 5-HIAA, and elevated 3-OMD concentrations; (2) Plasma AADC activity less than or equal to 5 pmol/min/mL; (3) Molecular genetic confirmation of homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations in DDC.
- Age 24 months and older.
- Failed to derive adequate benefit from standard medical therapy (dopamine agonists, monoamine oxidase inhibitor, pyridoxine or related form of Vitamin B6), as judged by presence of residual oculugyric crises and developmental delay.
- Documented history of motor developmental delay, with inability to walk independently without support by age 18 months.
- Cranium sufficiently developed, with sutures closed, to enable surgical placement of SmartFrame® system on the head for MRI-guided stereotactic targeting.
- Brain MRI does not show any conditions or malformations that are clinically significant with respect to risks for stereotactic brain surgery.
- Parent(s)/legal guardian(s) of the subject must agree to comply with the requirements of the study, including the need for frequent and prolonged follow-up.
- Both parents (or legal guardians) must give their consent for their child's participation in the study parents unless (i.) one parent is deceased, unknown or incompetent; (ii.) one parent is not reasonably available; or (iii.) one parent has responsibility for the care and custody of the child (if consistent with state law).
- Baseline hematology, chemistry, and coagulation values within the normal pediatric laboratory value ranges, unless in the Investigator's judgment, the out-of-range values are not clinically significant with respect to subject's suitability for surgery.
Exclusion criteria
- Intracranial neoplasm or any structural brain abnormality or lesion (e.g., severe brain atrophy, white matter degenerative changes), which, in the opinion of the study investigators, would confer excessive risk and/or inadequate potential for benefit.
- Presence of other significant medical or neurological conditions that would create an unacceptable operative or anesthetic risk (including congenital heart disease, respiratory disease with home oxygen requirement, history of serious anesthesia complications during previous elective procedures, history of cardiorespiratory arrest), liver or renal failure, malignancy, or HIV positive.
- Previous stereotactic neurosurgery.
- Coagulopathy, or need for ongoing anticoagulant therapy.
- Contraindication to sedation during surgery or imaging studies (SPECT, PET or MRI).
- Receipt of any investigational agent within 60 days prior to Baseline and during study participation.
- Evidence of clinically active infection with adenovirus or herpes virus on physical examination.
Where
- San Francisco, California
- Columbus, Ohio
Collaborators
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), University of California, San Francisco
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 13, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations