NCT07432880 · Genespire Srl
A Prospective Study of Pediatric Participants up to 16 Years of Age With Methylmalonic Acidemia (MMA) Due to Mutations in the MMUT Gene
What this study is about
Methylmalonic Acidemia (MMA) is a severe and rare condition that affects how the body turns food into energy. In people with MMA, the body is missing or has a very low activity of a specific protein (an enzyme called methylmalonyl-CoA mutase (MMUT)) needed to break down certain proteins and fats in everyday food.
View original scientific description
Methylmalonic Acidemia (MMA) is a severe and rare condition that affects how the body turns food into energy. In people with MMA, the body is missing or has a very low activity of a specific protein (an enzyme called methylmalonyl-CoA mutase (MMUT)) needed to break down certain proteins and fats in everyday food. Because this process does not work properly, a harmful substance called methylmalonic acid builds up in the blood and tissues, causing damage in the body. Most people with MMA have an altered MMUT gene, which affects the enzyme methylmalonyl-CoA mutase. MMA often appears in infancy or early childhood, but some people are diagnosed later. MMA affects approximately 1 in every 100,000 babies born and primarily impacts the liver, brain and kidneys. MMA poses significant challenges as it can result in complications such as dangerous acid levels in the blood, problems with the brain and nerves, visions problems, problems with how the pancreas, liver, and the kidneys work, as well as growth and development delays. The main purpose of this observational study that tracks how the disease develops over time is to gather necessary data and evidence to confirm which signs in the body and blood test results can reliably show disease activity related to MMA. These confirmed signs and blood test results will be used for future research into developing new treatments for MMA. The data will be collected from participants with severe symptoms with and without liver transplant.
Primary outcome measures
Evaluation of disease progression using biochemical biomarkers
Time frame: Baseline, Month 6, Month 12, Month 18, Month 24, Month 30 and Month 36
Change over time in biomarkers to evaluate disease progression and/or organ transplantation.
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
- Aged ≤16 years at screening visit
- With or without previous liver (or combined liver/kidney) transplantation at time of screening (note: number of transplanted participants capped at n=15) 3. Confirmed laboratory diagnosis of Isolated MMA caused by mutations in the MMUT gene (NOTE: if a historical genetic mutational analysis report was available at Screening visit but was not from a CLIA/ISO15189 approved laboratory, a confirmatory sample will be taken during the study. However the original lab report will be adequate for study eligibility consideration).. 4\. Severe MMA phenotype.
- For untransplanted participants, all of the following criteria (a-c) must be met to qualify as "severe" MMA phenotype:
- Serum methylmalonic acid (sMMA) level of \>100 µmol/L at the Screening visit
- An unscheduled ER visit, hospitalization or requirement for use of the sick day diet regimen in the 12 months prior to the screening visit
- Considered to potentially require future liver transplantation to improve metabolic stability in accordance with MMA transplantation guidelines (Baumgartner 2014, Forny 2021, Sen 2023)
- For participants with previous liver or combined liver and kidney transplantation, the phenotype of the participant will be judged by the Investigator to be severe if both of the following were applicable prior to transplantation:
- Pre-transplant serum methylmalonic acid (sMMA) level of \>100 µmol/L AND
- Transplantation was conducted to improve metabolic stability in accordance with MMA transplantation guidelines (Baumgartner 2014, Forny 2021, Sen 2023). NOTE: sMMA pre-transplant measure must have been obtained within 6 months prior to transplant. An alternative blood MMA concentration may be used (e.g. plasma MMA, or dry blood spot), if sMMA is unavailable. Details of the assay used must be provided and additional samples will be collected during the study to allow comparison to sMMA results.
Exclusion criteria
- Participant/parent/legal guardian/caregiver not willing to consent to participate
- Current participation in another interventional or therapeutic study
- Prior participation in a gene therapy clinical trial including mRNA therapy
- Participants who, in the opinion of the Site Investigator, would be unable or unsuitable to participate in the demands of the study, for example but not limited to participants unable to travel to protocol study visits or participants under palliative care.
- For participants who are post-liver transplant only, participant will be excluded if no prior pre-liver transplant measurements of blood MMA are available.
Where
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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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 Aug 17, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations