Extension of Phase 3 Gene Therapy for Painful Diabetic Neuropathy

In the phase III VMDN-003 study, subjects received 2 treatments of either Engensis (VM202) or placebo administered as intramuscular injections into bilateral calves on Days 0 and 14, and Days 90 and 104. Primary efficacy was evaluated 90 days following the first injection. The growth potential for Hepatocyte Growth Factor make long-term follow-up important both for safety and efficacy: in order for Engensis to be a candidate for chronic treatment of Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy, it must be demonstrated not to induce unexpected adverse events with repeated dosing; and the potential for reversal or stabilization of diabetic neuropathy using only one or two treatments of Engensis may make it especially attractive compared to current treatments which must be taken daily for the duration of the disease. A safety extension to the VMDN-003 study is therefore warranted.