Phelan-McDermid Syndrome

Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS) is caused by a deletion or other change in the 22q13 region of chromosome 22, which includes the SHANK3 gene, or a mutation of the gene. Disruption of the SHANK3 gene is also thought to be associated with a large number of cases of autism spectrum disorder. The gene codes for the shank3 protein, which supports the structure of synapses between brain cells.

Characteristics of PMS are intellectual disability, delayed or absent speech, symptoms of autism, low muscle tone, motor delays, and epilepsy. There is currently no treatment specifically for PMS. It is estimated that 1% of people with autism have PMS, which implies that between 1 in 8,000 and 1 in 15,000 people have PMS.

NNZ-2591 was tested in the shank3 knockout mouse model of PMS, with treatment for 6 weeks. The study compared normal mice (“wild type”) and mice with a disrupted shank3 gene (“knockout”). In the knockout mice, all behavioral deficits were restored to the wild type and treated knockout mice also showed a 83% reduction in susceptibility to seizures. In addition, the abnormal length of dendrite spines between brain cells, the excess activated ERK protein (pERK) and the depressed level of IGF-1 in the knockout mice were all normalised.

On 18 December 2023, Neuren announced top-line results from a Phase 2 clinical trial of NNZ-2591 in children with PMS. Significant improvement was observed by both clinicians and caregivers from treatment, across multiple efficacy measures. Improvements were consistently seen across many of the core PMS characteristics. In September 2024, Neuren reached alignment with the US FDA on key aspects of a Phase 3 trial, which will be the first ever pivotal clinical trial in PMS. 

Neuren has been granted Orphan Drug designation by the FDA and by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for NNZ-2591 to treat PMS.