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Human Genome Editing: FDA Draft Guidance Summary

Consideration for Developing Gene Editing Product  1. Genome Editing Methods: Genome editing can be achieved through nuclease-dependent or nuclease-independent methods. Nuclease-dependent methods involve introducing site-specific breaks in DNA using technologies like zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), modified-homing endonucleases, and CRISPR-associated (Cas) nucleases. These breaks can lead to modification of the DNA sequence at the cleavage site. Nuclease-independent methods can change DNA sequences without cleaving the DNA and include techniques like base editing and synthetic triplex-forming peptide nucleic acids. The choice of GE technology should consider factors such as the mechanism of action, the ability to target specific DNA sequences, and the potential to optimize components for efficiency, specificity, or stability. 2. Type and Degree of Genomic Modification: Different GE approaches rely on DNA repair pathways such a...
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Stem loop RT-PCR for Detection of siRNA in Animal Tissues

Step Loop RT-PCR for Detection of Small Interfering RNA (siRNA) The recent publications described a novel used the novel method for the detection of siRNAs using a TaqMan®-based approach. This approach utilizes similar strategy that has been used for microRNA detection. The approach is illustrated in below.  In brief, the RT step occurs in the presence of a stem-loop RT primer that is complementary to the last 6–10 bases of the 3′ end of the antisense strand of the target siRNA. The stem-loop primer contains an additional universal sequence at the 5′ end that facilitates a TaqMan-based detection strategy in the subsequent qPCR step. As in the case of microRNA, the forward primer for qPCR is sequence-specific for the target siRNA. For sequence compositions that yield a low predicted melting temperature (Tm), the forward primer is designed as a tailed primer to help increase Tm. Stem Loop PCR for SiRNA Detection Step 1: Preparation of liver and plasma samples for the quanti...
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Human Gene Therapy for Neurodegenerative Diseases: FDA Guidance Summary

  Neurodegenerative diseases are a diverse group of disorders characterized by the progressive degeneration of the central or peripheral nervous system, and they can have various causes and clinical characteristics. This guidance document is a resource for sponsors on different aspects of product development, preclinical testing, and clinical trial design. It acknowledges the unique challenges and considerations associated with developing GT products for such complex and varied diseases. Below are the key summaries from the guidance. CONSIDERATIONS FOR CHEMISTRY, MANUFACTURING AND CONTROLS (CMC) The considerations for Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) when developing gene therapy (GT) products for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases are crucial for ensuring the safety and efficacy of these advanced therapies. Here, we will elaborate on the specific CMC considerations outlined in your text: Route of Administration and Product Volume: Neurodegenerative diseases oft...
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FDA Guidance on Studying Multiple Versions of Cellular or Gene Therapy Products in Early-Phase Clinical Trials

 The purpose of this guidance is to offer advice to sponsors interested in conducting early-phase clinical trials for a single disease involving multiple variations of a cellular or gene therapy product. Sponsors aim to gather preliminary safety and efficacy data for these product variations within a single clinical trial. It's important to note that even though multiple product versions are studied together, each version is distinct and typically requires a separate investigational new drug application (IND) submission to the FDA. The primary goal of these early-phase clinical studies is to inform decisions about which product version(s) should be advanced for further development in later-phase trials. As such, these studies are not designed to provide the main evidence of effectiveness needed for a marketing application. They are generally not statistically powered to demonstrate a significant difference in efficacy between the different study arms. In this guidance, the FDA prov...
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ICH Q8 (R2) Pharmaceutical development (CHMP/ICH/167068/04)

 ICH Q8 (R2) is a guideline titled "Pharmaceutical Development" (CHMP/ICH/167068/04). This guideline is part of the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) and provides recommendations for the pharmaceutical development of medicinal products. It offers a structured approach to the development of pharmaceutical products to ensure their quality, safety, and efficacy. Here's an elaboration of ICH Q8 (R2): 1. Purpose of ICH Q8 (R2): The primary purpose of ICH Q8 (R2) is to provide a systematic and science-based approach to pharmaceutical development. The guideline aims to facilitate the design and development of high-quality pharmaceutical products that meet the needs of patients and regulatory authorities. 2. Scope: ICH Q8 (R2) applies to the development of all types of pharmaceutical products, including small molecules, biotechnological products, and other complex medicinal products. 3. Pharmaceutical Develop...
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