ClinicalTrials.gov record NCT05302271

Phase IA and IB Study of AAVrh.10hFXN Gene Therapy for the Cardiomyopathy of Friedreich's Ataxia

Record copied from ClinicalTrials.gov: Oct 10, 2026AI summaries generated: Sep 28, 2026

Phase IA and IB Study of AAVrh.10hFXN Gene Therapy for the Cardiomyopathy of Friedreich's Ataxia

StatusRecruitingThe study is currently enrolling participants. Only the study team can say whether a particular person can join.
Study typeInterventionalA study in which researchers assign participants to one or more interventions, such as a drug, procedure, device, behavioural programme or other approach, to measure their effects.
PhasePhase 1An early-stage study, usually small, mainly to check safety, side effects and how much of a treatment can be given. Whether it works is not the main question yet.
Age12 years old to 50 years old
SexAll
LocationUnited States
AI summaryWhat this study is about, in plain languageShow ▾Hide ▴

AI-written from the registry record, not the study's own wording. May contain errors or omissions. Check the registry text on this page and the original record ↗ before acting on it.

This is a phase 1, open-label, dose-escalation study testing intravenous AAVrh.10hFXN gene therapy in people with Friedreich's ataxia who have cardiac involvement. The study uses sequential non-randomized cohorts and plans up to 25 participants. Participants will receive the gene vector and short-term prednisone immunosuppression and will be followed for safety for up to five years.

What it is studying. The study is testing the safety and early signals of effect of AAVrh.10hFXN, an adeno-associated virus vector that carries the human frataxin (FXN) gene, given by intravenous infusion to people with Friedreich's ataxia and cardiomyopathy. The main focus is to record treatment-related adverse events over five years and to observe preliminary measures of heart function as doses are escalated.

What the researchers hope to learn. Determine the safety of AAVrh.10hFXN by measuring treatment-related adverse events for five years; evaluate preliminary effects on cardiac measures; identify appropriate dose levels through dose escalation.

What this study is about

The study's own summary, as published on ClinicalTrials.gov. Underlined terms have a short explanation.

The purpose of this study is to test the safety and preliminary efficacy of AAVrh.10hFXN to treat the cardiomyopathy associated with Friedreich's ataxia (FA). AAVrh.10hFXN is a serotype rh.10 adeno-associated virus gene transfer vector coding for Frataxin (FXN). The drug is administered intravenously. This is a phase 1, open label, dose escalation study with a total of 25 participants.

Interventions being studied

Being studied in this trial does not mean the treatment or procedure is approved or available for this condition.

Drug
  • Prednisone
Biological
  • AAVrh.10hFXN, serotype rh.10 adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene transfer vector expressing the cDNA coding for human FXN

Eligibility

The criteria exactly as listed on ClinicalTrials.gov. Only the study team can say whether they apply to you.

Inclusion criteria

  • Males and females, age 12 to 50
  • Willing and able to provide informed consent
  • Definitive diagnosis of FA, based on clinical phenotype and genotype (GAA expansion on both alleles)
  • >600 GAA repeats in intron 1 in at least one allele
  • FARS and SARA neurologic scores consistent with diagnosis of Friedreich's ataxia
  • Left ventricle ejection fraction (EF) measured by cardiac MRI of ≥35% to 75%
  • Evidence of FA-related cardiac disease that falls into one of the 2 categories: Early disease (defined by serum high sensitivity troponin above the normal range, without increased LVMI) or Advanced disease (defined as high sensitivity troponin above the normal range and increased LVMI).
  • Increased LVMI in adults: In the absence of other factors known to cause left ventricular hypertrophy, cardiac MRI left ventricular mass index >2 standard deviations above the normal range (males >84 gm/m², females >69 gm/m²)
  • Increased LVMI in pediatrics: In the absence of other factors known to cause left ventricular hypertrophy, cardiac MRI left ventricular mass index >95ᵗʰ centile based on normal BSA for their age and gender
  • Fibrosis ≤10% in the left ventricular wall on late gadolinium enhancement cardiac MRI
  • Resting O2 saturation ≥95%
  • Serum neutralizing anti-AAVrh.10 titer <1:125
  • Hematocrit >30%
  • White blood cell levels within normal limits
  • Normal prothrombin, partial thromboplastin time
  • Normal liver-related serum parameters (ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin); normal liver ultrasound and serum alpha fetoprotein
  • Normal kidney function as assessed by plasma urea and creatinine; estimated GFR >30 mL/min/1.73m²
  • No evidence of active infection of any types, including hepatitis virus (A, B or C), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1 and HIV-2), or SARS-CoV2
  • Fertile individuals should utilize barrier birth control measures to prevent pregnancy for up to 6 months after vector administration
  • Individuals not receiving experimental medications or participating in another experimental protocol for at least 12 wk prior to entry to the study (individuals who are/have received approved therapy will be included).
  • Capable of undergoing cardiac MRI
  • No contraindications to receiving corticosteroid immunosuppression

Exclusion criteria

  • Individuals receiving corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive medications
  • Individuals with uncontrolled diabetes (glycated hemoglobin, HbA1c levels >7%)
  • Genotype FA missense mutation on one or both alleles
  • Evidence of infection defined by elevated white blood cell count, temperature >38.5̊ C, infiltrate on chest x-ray
  • Decompensated heart failure (NY4A class III-IV at time of baseline clinical assessment)
  • Hemoglobin <10 g/dl
  • Absolute neutrophil count <1500 cells/mm3
  • Platelet count <100,000 cells/mm3
  • Hemodynamically unstable atrial or ventricular arrhythmias which require medical intervention
  • Contraindication to cardiac MRI (e.g., non-MRI compatible pacemaker/defibrillator) or gadolinium (known or suspected hypersensitivity, glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min/1.73m2)
  • Any malignancy during the last five years, except basal cell skin cancer
  • Unrelated clinical condition with life expectancy <12 months (prohibiting follow-up)
  • Concomitant conditions (other than FA) known to produce left ventricular hypertrophy, including aortic stenosis, systemic hypertension (BP ≥140/90 on noninvasive blood pressure), or genetically mediated hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
  • Use of oxygen supplementation
  • Risk for thromboembolic disease, including history of thromboembolic disease hospitalization within the last 90 days, recent trauma and/or recent surgical procedure. If the history of thromboembolic disease is not definitive, the subject will be excluded if laboratory testing suggests a risk for thromboembolic disease because of mutations in the protein-S, protein C, antithrombin, factor V Leiden or prothrombin gene
  • Any uncontrolled psychiatric disease
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding woman
  • Prior participation in any gene and/or cell therapy
  • Known obstructive coronary artery disease (as documented by clinical history of myocardial infarction, prior coronary revascularization or angina symptoms (Canadian Cardiovascular Society grade ≥2 at time of baseline clinical assessment), or epicardial obstructive coronary artery disease (≥ 50% left main, ≥ 70% of other major coronary arteries)
  • Any lung function abnormalities that would affect cardiopulmonary testing
  • Any condition, disorder, or abnormal laboratory test findings at screening which, in the judgment of the investigator, would interfere with the individual's ability to comply with all study requirements, or would require the administration of treatment during the study that could potentially affect the interpretation of the study data, or would place the individual at an unacceptable risk by his/her participation in the study
  • If prior infection with SARS-CoV2, any related residual cardiac or pulmonary abnormalities
  • Alcoholism or drug addiction (see reference 71 for alcoholism, reference 72 for drug addiction)

Study description and what participation involves

The registry record has no detailed description beyond the summary above.

AI summaryWhat participation may involve, in plain languageShow ▾Hide ▴

AI-written from the registry record, not the study's own wording. May contain errors or omissions. Check the registry text on this page and the original record ↗ before acting on it.

Participants receive an intravenous infusion of the AAVrh.10hFXN gene therapy in a phase 1 dose‑escalation cohort and will remain on prednisone immunosuppression for a total of 14 weeks. Screening and study procedures include cardiac MRI with gadolinium, cardiopulmonary exercise testing (VO2 max), blood tests (including antibody titers and routine labs), and other assessments to confirm eligibility. Safety follow‑up includes monitoring for adverse events over an extended period (safety is tracked for up to 5 years). Participants must be able to undergo cardiac MRI and follow contraception and infection‑screening requirements.

How the study is structured. Phase 1, interventional (treatment) trial that is open-label (no masking), non-randomized, and uses sequential dose-escalation cohorts, including a maximum tolerated dose cohort. Participants receive the gene therapy by IV infusion and remain on prednisone immunosuppression for about 14 weeks; safety monitoring and follow-up visits continue, with adverse events tracked for up to five years.

Questions you could ask

These questions are suggestions for a conversation with the study team or your own clinician, not advice.

  • This is an early-phase study, mainly about safety and dose. What is already known about this treatment?
  • The listed sites are in United States. Is any of them reachable for me, and does the study help with travel?
  • Which of the eligibility criteria would need to be checked with tests before I could join?

More on Friedreich ataxia

Important dates

Study start
Feb 22, 2022
Primary completion
Dec 31, 2028 (estimated)
Study completion
Dec 31, 2029 (estimated)
Target enrollment
25 participants (estimated)
Last updated on registry
Sep 28, 2026
Data verified
Oct 10, 2026

Sponsor and research team

The lead sponsor funds and oversees the trial. A pharmaceutical or biotech company sponsor typically means the study is testing that company's drug or device; a hospital, university, or government agency usually indicates investigator-initiated or publicly funded research.

Lead sponsor
Weill Medical College of Cornell University
Collaborators
  • National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

Central study contact

If you're interested in participating, the central contact can answer general questions about the study — including eligibility requirements and how to find a recruiting site near you. Actual eligibility is determined by the site's medical team.

Participating sites (1)

Terms used on this page · explanations by MedicalUpdates.ai

open label
No masking is used, so the assigned intervention is not deliberately hidden from participants or study staff.
dose escalation
Groups of participants receive increasing doses of a treatment, one group after another, to find a dose that can be given safely.
informed consent
The process of explaining a study, including its risks and what participation involves, so that a person can decide freely whether to take part. Consent is usually documented in writing, and a participant can choose to leave the study later.
MRI
A scan that uses magnets and radio waves, not X-rays, to make detailed pictures of the inside of the body. Some implants and metal objects mean a person cannot have one.
GFR
A blood-test estimate of how well the kidneys are filtering. Lower numbers mean reduced kidney function; many studies set a minimum value.
contraindications
A reason a particular test or treatment should not be used for a person, for example a metal implant that rules out an MRI scan.
corticosteroid
Steroid medicines, such as prednisone, that reduce inflammation. Studies often require a stable dose at entry or measure whether the study treatment allows the dose to be reduced.
immunosuppressive
A medicine that reduces the activity of the immune system. Studies of autoimmune conditions often require a stable dose, a prior failure, or a washout of such medicines.
baseline
Measurements taken at the start of the study, before any study treatment, so that later results can be compared with them.
Absolute neutrophil count
The number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that fights infection, in a blood sample. Studies often require it to be above a set level.
life expectancy
Some studies require that, in the investigator's judgement, a participant is likely to live long enough to complete the study period. It is a study requirement, not a prediction about any individual.
follow-up
The period after treatment or enrolment during which participants are observed or contacted, for example to record side effects or outcomes.
at screening
The checks done before enrolment to see whether a person qualifies, such as tests, scans or a review of medical history.
Inclusion Criteria
The conditions a person must meet to be considered for the study, for example a confirmed diagnosis, an age range or a test result.
Exclusion Criteria
The conditions that rule a person out even if they meet the inclusion criteria, for example other illnesses, certain medicines or pregnancy.

The study record on this page is reproduced from ClinicalTrials.gov, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, where it was submitted by the study sponsor. MedicalUpdates.ai does not own this content, is not affiliated with or endorsed by ClinicalTrials.gov, NIH, or the U.S. Government, and does not verify the record. Plain-language notes, the glossary and the questions above are added by this site; text in the boxes marked "AI summary" was written by an AI model and may contain errors. Registry records change over time. Check the original record for the current version and discuss eligibility or participation with a qualified healthcare professional.

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