NCT04906460 · Wave Life Sciences USA, Inc.
Open-label Study of WVE-N531 in Patients With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (FORWARD-53)
What this study is about
This is a Phase 1b/2 where both patients and doctors know the treatment given study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, how the drug moves through the body (PK), how the drug affects the body (PD), and clinical effects of given through a vein (IV) (IV) WVE-N531 in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).
View original scientific description
This is a Phase 1b/2 open-label study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetic (PK), pharmacodynamic (PD), and clinical effects of intravenous (IV) WVE-N531 in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). To participate in the study, patients must have a documented mutation of the DMD gene that is amenable to exon 53 skipping intervention. This study has 3 parts, Part A, Part B, including Part B Extension Arm, and Part C. Part A is completed. Part B is completed. Following completion of Part B, all patients elected to continue to receive study drug in the optional Part B open-label Extension Arm. Part C has been added to the study and will enroll new patients.
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
- Part A and Part B:
- Part A patients may be screened for Part B upon completion of a washout period of ≥18 weeks from last dose in Part A. New patients may also be screened for Part B
- Diagnosis of DMD based on clinical phenotype.
- Documented mutation in the DMD gene associated with DMD that is amenable to exon 53 intervention
- Score of ≥1 on item 1 or 2 of the shoulder component of the Performance of the Upper Limb (PUL) (Part B ).
- Ambulatory or non-ambulatory male
- Stable pulmonary and cardiac function, as measured by the following: (Part B): 1\. Reproducible percent predicted forced vital capacity (FVC) ≥50%; 2. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) \>55% in patients \<10 years of age and \>45% in patients ≥10 years of age, as measured (and documented) by echocardiogram (ECHO) and/or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), within 6 months prior to enrollment into the study. 7.Adequate muscle at Screening to perform open muscle biopsies, preferably deltoid. 8\. Currently on a stable corticosteroid therapy regimen, defined as initiation of systemic corticosteroid therapy that occurred ≥6 months prior to Screening and no changes in dose ≤3 months prior to Screening visit (Part B ). Part C
- New patients to be screened for Part C.
- Diagnosis of DMD based on clinical phenotype.
- Documented mutation in the DMD gene associated with DMD that is amenable to exon 53 intervention
- Score of ≥1 on item 1 or 2 of the shoulder component of the Performance of the Upper Limb (PUL) .
- Ambulatory male
- Stable pulmonary and cardiac function, as measured by the following: 1\. Reproducible percent predicted forced vital capacity (FVC) ≥50%; 2. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) \>55% in patients as measured (and documented) by echocardiogram (ECHO) and/or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), within 6 months prior to enrollment into the study. 7\. Adequate muscle at Screening to perform open muscle biopsies, preferably deltoid. 8\. Currently on a stable corticosteroid therapy regimen, defined as initiation of systemic corticosteroid therapy that occurred ≥6 months prior to Screening and no changes in dose ≤3 months prior to Screening visit .
Exclusion criteria
- Clinically significant medical finding on the physical examination other than DMD that, in the judgment of the Investigator, will make the patient unsuitable for participation in, and/or completion of the study procedures.
- Part B and Part C: Major surgery within 3 months prior to Day 1 or planned major surgery for any time during the study.
- Part B: Diagnosis of active alcohol, cannabinoid, or other substance use disorder (except nicotine) within 6 months prior to the Screening visit
- Part C: Any recreational substance use (including prescribed cannabinoids), with the exception of nicotine, irrespective of legality, within 2 months prior to Screening and/or unwilling to refrain from such use for the duration of the study.
Where
- Little Rock, Arkansas
- Atlanta, Georgia
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 Dec 15, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations