Late-infantile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis Type 2 (CLN2)
Late-infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis Type 2 (or CLN2 disease), one of the most common forms of Batten disease, is a rare genetic disorder caused by a mutation in the gene that is responsible for making tripeptidyl peptidase (TPP1), an enzyme needed to break down specific peptides associated with cellular waste.
A decrease in TPP1 activity results in the accumulation of storage material in cells, particularly in the central nervous system (CNS) and the retina. As the waste product accumulates, it can cause damage to cells and tissues including the brain and retina.
Disease onset is generally between two to four years of age with initial features of recurrent seizures (epilepsy), language delay, and difficulty coordinating movements (ataxia). Following onset, the disease progresses rapidly resulting in loss of language and motor functions, seizures, cognitive decline, ocular manifestations leading to blindness, and premature death by mid-childhood.
There is currently no cure for CLN2 disease or treatment that targets the underlying genetic disorder. Our investigational therapy, RGX-181, is designed to use the AAV9 vector to deliver the TPP1 gene directly to the CNS via a one-time administration. We believe that once the AAV9 vector delivers the gene to cells, the cells can begin making the needed TPP1 enzyme, potentially preventing neurological decline and other manifestations of the disease.
There is also no available treatment for the vision loss in CLN2 disease. Our investigational therapy, RGX-381, is designed to use the AAV9 vector to deliver the TPP1 gene directly to the retina via a one-time administration, potentially preventing ocular manifestations of the disease.
