ProQR Therapeutics announced that a Phase 1\/2 clinical trial called \u201cWINGS\u201d, to evaluate the safety and efficacy of QR-313 in patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), is open for enrollment.<\/p>\n
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\u201cThe initiation of our first human clinical trial for QR-313 is an exciting next step in the development of this novel investigational therapy for DEB. WINGS is designed to initially provide molecular proof of mechanism and subsequently clinical proof of concept for QR-313,\u201d said David M. Rodman, MD, Executive Vice President of Research and Development at ProQR. \u201cNow that the study is initiated we expect to dose the first set of adult and pediatric patients over the next few months and provide interim proof of mechanism results late this year.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa is a severe blistering disease that causes fragile skin. People with DEB live with constant pain and have a high risk of malnutrition and infections. Symptoms of the disease include poorly healing wounds, skin infections, fusion of fingers and toes, anemia and gastrointestinal tract problems. Some patients develop very aggressive forms of skin cancer in adulthood. There are currently no approved treatment options available that target the underlying cause of DEB.<\/p>\n
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David M. Rodman, MD continued: \u201cThe WINGS study marks the second of three clinical trials that we are conducting at ProQR this year. Beyond WINGS for DEB we have an ongoing QR-110 study in LCA 10 patients and plan to start a clinical trial of QR-421a in patients that suffer from Usher syndrome type 2.\u201d<\/p>\n